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HB 2751

AN ACT relating to the recusal of a member of the Railroad Commission of

House Bill
Filed

Filed

Bill introduced by legislator

Committee

Hearing

Passed Cmte

Calendar

Passed

Sent

Enrolled

Governor

Signed

89th Regular Session

Jan 14, 2025 - Jun 2, 2025 • Session ended

Awaiting Committee Assignment

Bill filed, pending referral to House committee

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Fiscal Note

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What This Bill Does

Establishes stricter conflict of interest guidelines for Railroad Commission members, requiring them to recuse themselves from matters involving businesses in which they have a financial stake. Specifically, commissioners must abstain from voting or acting on issues related to businesses where they own equity, receive income, or have conducted more than $5,000 in business within the previous year. The new rules aim to enhance transparency and prevent potential conflicts of interest in regulatory decision-making.

Subject Areas

Bill Text

relating to the recusal of a member of the Railroad Commission of
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 81.01004, Natural Resources Code, is
Sec. 81.01004.  PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, STANDARDS OF
CONDUCT, [AND] CONFLICT OF INTEREST, AND RECUSAL.  (a)  A
commissioner is subject to the provisions of Chapter 572,
Government Code, that apply to elected officers, including the
requirements governing personal financial statements, standards of
conduct, and conflicts of interest.
(b)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
commissioner may not act on a matter under the commission's
consideration that involves a business entity, as defined by
Section 572.002, Government Code:
(1)  in which the commissioner has an equity ownership
(2)  from which the commissioner receives income; or
(3)  with which the commissioner has otherwise done
business in the preceding year in an amount of more than $5,000,
including the making of consumer purchases.
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

Bill History

filed

Bill filed: AN ACT relating to the recusal of a member of the Railroad Commission of