HBA-KDB H.B. 1772 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1772
By: Brimer
State Affairs
3/1/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Under current law, venue projects (projects) include arenas, coliseums,
stadiums, convention centers, civic center hotels, museums, and any other
economic development projects.  However, since economic development is not
explicitly defined and is potentially subject to broad interpretation, the
financing option for such projects may not be clearly defined.  In
addition, campaigns for elections for such projects are not subject to the
same requirements as political campaigns, especially for campaign
materials.  This may lead to both proponents and opponents making
accusations and statements that may be inaccurate or untrue without fear of
legal retribution.  House Bill 1772  includes in the definition of "venue"
certain economic development projects in municipalities in regard to such
projects, and establishes campaign material guidelines for elections
related to such projects. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1772 amends the Local Government Code to add, in the definition
of "venue," certain economic development projects  in cities with specified
populations.  The bill removes from the definition of "venue" any other
economic development project authorized by other law. 

The bill prohibits a person from printing, broadcasting, or publishing or
causing to be printed, broadcast, or published campaign material  that
contains false or misleading information concerning a venue project. The
bill authorizes an individual to file a complaint with the Texas Ethics
Commission (commission) alleging a violation of this provision.  The bill
authorizes the commission to impose a penalty if the commission determines
that campaign materials violate that provision.  The bill provides that the
commission has jurisdiction to consider and investigate a complaint
regarding campaign materials with false information and to impose a
penalty. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.