Austin Council Proposes New Campaign Finance Transparency Measures Including Bank Statement Filings

Houston's Ethics and Governance Committee is moving forward with significant proposals aimed at enhancing transparency in campaign finance reporting. During a recent meeting, committee members discussed a plan that would require candidates to submit supporting documentation, including bank and credit card statements, alongside their campaign finance reports. This initiative is designed to ensure the accuracy of financial disclosures and to bolster public trust in the electoral process.

The proposed changes would allow candidates to redact sensitive information, such as account numbers, to address privacy concerns. However, the focus remains on campaign-related finances, excluding donor records. The committee emphasized that this requirement is not unprecedented, as other cities, like Austin, have implemented similar measures.

In addition to the documentation requirement, the committee proposed that the city secretary take action against candidates who fail to file their reports on time. This would involve posting the names of non-filers on the city secretary's website within 24 hours of the deadline and reporting these candidates to the Texas Ethics Commission for potential investigation. This move aims to hold candidates accountable and ensure compliance with filing deadlines.

While the proposals received support for their intent to increase transparency, concerns were raised regarding the logistical challenges and costs associated with implementing these changes. Committee members acknowledged the need for secure systems to handle sensitive information and the potential for increased workload on city staff.

The committee is set to continue discussions on these proposals, with the goal of implementing changes by the next filing period. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact how campaign finances are reported and monitored in Houston, ultimately aiming to foster a more transparent electoral environment.