Gov. Abbott Says Tighter Ethics Rules A Priority, Coalition Of Texas Activists Roll Out Plan
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Buoyed by Gov. Greg Abbott fast-tracking tougher ethics rules proposals through the Legislature, a coalition of political and civil groups has unveiled a package of changes they're championing.
The Texas Anti-Corruption Campaign features left-leaning groups including Public Citizen, and conservatives like the state Libertarian Party.
They'd like to strengthen existing but rarely enforced conflict-of-interest rules against lawmakers voting on bills that could profit their outside livelihoods.
The coalition also wants to update campaign disclosure laws to prevent "double dipping," or officials drawing state pensions while still on the job.
Its members stopped short Monday of demanding caps on Texas' unlimited state political donations, since those aren't likely to pass the Legislature.
Abbott made ethics reforms a legislative "emergency item." Bills on the issue by top Republicans and Democrats remain pending.
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