Bill > SB2782

This bill amends the Texas Government Code to establish new procedural requirements for discovery in sworn complaints filed with the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC). Specifically, the bill mandates that the TEC create a formal discovery control plan that both commission staff and the respondent must agree upon before any discovery can begin. The discovery control plan must be approved by the commission and must adhere to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, with the commission having the authority to determine the appropriate level of discovery based on the alleged violation. The plan must include specific discovery limits, a deadline for completing discovery, and a timeline for the commission to either propose a settlement agreement with the respondent or dismiss the complaint. This new provision aims to create a more structured and transparent process for handling ethics complaints, ensuring that investigations are conducted efficiently and with clear guidelines for both the commission and the respondent. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, giving the Texas Ethics Commission time to develop and implement the required procedural rules.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2782