Bill > HB1034

This bill establishes a new framework for monitoring and potentially reimbursing state-funded out-of-state travel for certain elected state officials. Specifically, the bill requires any elected officer (defined as legislators or statewide elected officials, excluding the governor) who uses state money for transportation or security during out-of-state travel to file a detailed electronic disclosure with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC). The disclosure must include travel dates, locations, costs, purpose, and how state-funded transportation or security was used. These disclosures must be filed by July 15 for travel from January through June, and by January 15 for travel from July through December. The TEC will then review each disclosure to determine if the travel was for official state business within 90 days. If the commission determines the travel was not for official business, the elected officer must reimburse the state for the travel and security costs, plus interest calculated at the inflation rate. The bill also updates other sections of the Government Code to give the TEC authority to administer and provide opinions about this new chapter of law. The changes will apply only to travel beginning on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1034