BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 424

By: Thompson, Senfronia

County Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Certain counties are authorized to create a county ethics commission if they meet certain population and geographic criteria. A county ethics commission is responsible for establishing an enforceable code of ethics applicable to county government employees, which can deter bad actors from violating the public trust. Harris County currently does not meet the criteria in statute but would benefit from a county ethics commission and has requested the authority to establish one. H.B. 424 seeks to extend the authority to establish a county ethics commission to Harris County.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 424 amends the Local Government Code to extend the authority to create a county ethics commission to a county that has a population of more than 3.3 million.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2023.