Austin (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Texas Senate has unanimously approved an ethics measure that would require lawmakers and lobbyists to give more information about their work together.
Senate Bill 14 would require lawmakers who leave office to wait one session before becoming a lobbyist. The measure would also require lobbyists to disclose more information about gifts they give lawmakers.
Lobbyists would have to disclose which lawmakers they are providing meals or gifts for.
Lawmakers would also have to release information when they provide bond counsel work or legal referral fees.
“The faith that people have in their democracy is linked to the trust they have in their elected officials,” Governor Greg Abbott writes in a statement. “I am confident that this session will lead to increased accountability and meaningful reforms that are desperately needed in Texas.”
Abbott had listed ethics reform a legislative emergency.
The measure now heads to the Texas House.
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