City of Houston amends rules for evening council sessions and campaign finance filings

Houston's Ethics and Governance Committee recently addressed key updates regarding the city's role as a filing authority for campaign finance reports, personal financial statements, and candidate applications during their meeting on August 21, 2025.

A significant decision made was the amendment of the council rules of procedure, which establishes that the final Tuesday session of each month will now occur at 5:30 PM. This change aims to enhance public participation by providing an evening session for community members to engage with council discussions. The ordinance, however, is set to expire on December 31, 2025, unless extended or modified by the city council.

The committee also discussed the city's responsibilities in managing campaign finance reports. The city secretary's office serves as the local filing authority, ensuring compliance with state laws. While the city does not have the power to penalize filers for violations, it acts as a repository for required reports, which are accessible to the public online. The city is currently working on upgrading its electronic filing system to improve tracking and management of these reports.

Additionally, the committee highlighted the requirements for personal financial statements, which must be filed annually by elected officials and certain executive employees. The city is transitioning to a more efficient filing system to streamline this process and better monitor compliance.

Lastly, the committee is actively reviewing candidate applications for an upcoming vacancy election. The mayor's office, in collaboration with other departments, is responsible for ensuring that applications meet legal requirements before candidates can be placed on the ballot.

These updates reflect the city's commitment to transparency and accountability in governance, with ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of its filing systems and processes. The committee's actions are expected to foster greater public engagement and ensure adherence to ethical standards in Houston's political landscape.