Gov. Greg Abbott has vetoed legislation that would have opened up a new loophole allowing elected officials to cloak assets held by a spouse. State Rep. Sarah Davis, whose bills contained the controversial amendment, said she wound up adding her voice to those calling for a veto.
Joan Huffman
Posted in
State Government
In Texas, a Collapse of Ethics Reform
When the gavel comes down on the legislative session on Monday, lawmakers will have failed to pass into law about two dozen different proposals aimed at curbing conflicts of interest and shining light into the dark corners of the Capitol.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: June 1, 2015
The 84th Legislature closes the books on its 140-day regular session today. As the Tribune’s Ross Ramsey writes, it isn’t one for the history books.
Posted in
State Government
Huffman Stands by Push for “Spousal Loophole”
State Sen. Joan Huffman is facing criticism after authoring a measure allowing elected officials and bureaucrats to disclose less information about their spouses’ property and financial activity. She says the change was needed to clarify an “unclear” Texas Ethics Commission rule.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
New Prosecution System for Politicians Advances
Texas politicians are on the verge of creating a new system for prosecuting a unique type of white-collar crime — the type that involves them.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Gets Bill Limiting Ethics Disclosures
Gov. Greg Abbott wanted to “dedicate this session to ethics reform,” and now must decide whether to sign a bill limiting the information he and other elected officials must disclose information about their spouses’ property and finances.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: Conservatives See Payroll Deduction Bill as Key on Two Fronts
A Senate bill that arrived in the House less than two weeks ago would let Republicans put the hurt on unions and on Democrats, if it can move through the legislative gauntlet this late in the legislative session.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
House Backs Senate Bill Making Execution Drug Providers Secret
Legislation that would keep the names of execution drug providers secret is headed to the governor’s office after the Texas House gave final approval on Tuesday to a Senate measure.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 19, 2015
Lawmakers are quick to say that the incident that left nine biker gang members dead wasn’t relevant to the discussion of open carry despite some committee witnesses who attempted to draw a connection.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 14, 2015
The long hours this week are a direct result of one of the first big end-of-session deadlines that hits today. The House has until the end of today to take initial action on any bill or resolution coming out of that chamber.