Houston state Sen. Joan Huffman, who tried to shield the spouses of elected officials from ethics disclosure rules, has now revealed on her personal financial statement a slew of business interests held by her husband.
Texas Ethics Commission
Video: Straus on Dark Money, Lawmaker Disclosure
At our 6/9 conversation, State Rep. Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, the Speaker of the Texas House, enumerated what the Legislature did — and could have done — on ethics this session.
Analysis: Taking Stock of the Ethics Session
The governor asked lawmakers to put ethics reform at center stage this year. They filed bills. They even voted in favor of some strong restrictions on lobbyists’ and officeholders’ official behavior. But most of it never got to Greg Abbott’s desk.
Catch Up on What Happened With Ethics Issues This Session
Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for meaningful ethics reform prompted heated debates this session on secret recordings, “dark money” and the lawmaker-to-lobbyist “revolving door.” See what happened to ethics reform using our Texas Legislative Guide.
In Texas, a Collapse of Ethics Reform
When the gavel comes down on the legislative session on Monday, lawmakers will have failed to pass into law about two dozen different proposals aimed at curbing conflicts of interest and shining light into the dark corners of the Capitol.
Ethics Reform: A Guide to What’s Still Alive
Now that the massive overhaul contained in Senate Bill 19 has gone on life support, a few targeted efforts to shine the light on conflicts of interest and enhance transparency remain. Here’s a guide to what’s moving and what’s not.
Video: Hancock, Kolkhorst and Rodríguez on Ethics Reform
At our 5/28 conversation, state Sens. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; and José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, discussed whether meaningful ethics reform will pass this session.
Analysis: Ethics Reform Placed at Center Stage, but Hurting for Attention
In February, Gov. Greg Abbott asked lawmakers to dedicate this legislative session to ethics reform. With only two weeks left, he’s still waiting.
House Shoots Down Increased Financial Disclosures
The Texas House on Monday night rejected a bill that would have increased the level of detail in personal financial statements filed by lawmakers and other state officials.
Wendy Davis Fined for Ethics Violation
The Texas Ethics Commission has fined former state Sen. Wendy Davis $5,000 after finding “credible evidence” she failed to disclose her relationship with two lobbyists on financial disclosure forms filed during her 2012 re-election campaign.


