A new rule in Texas will require elected officials to formally disclose their properties.
KVUE reports the new rule from the Texas Ethics Commissions will require the lawmakers’ annual persona finance statements to identify properties and how they are used – either as an owner-occupant residence or as revenue-generating rental housing. The new rule followed media reports that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did not fully disclose his real estate activities.
Politicians could face fines or criminal charges if they fail to make full disclosures, which would also include properties that are put in a blind trust.
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Over the years, I’ve seen or heard of some politicians acquiring rural land that shortly thereafter became highway frontage or lakefront when the state created a new reservoir. Most recent was Colorado River between San Saba & Mills counties. Shortly after the public announcement, scientists/ biologists discovered an endangered snail dart in the shallow stretch of riverbed that stopped the project/ saved the day. Perhaps this is intended to discourage such insider practices.
Gee really? Are we surprised? They’re all liars and crooks!
All elected officials should disclose all assets and holdings they have domestically or overseas. That said, such information should only be available to the public via FOIA.