Texas Ethics Commission Bill Sparks Outcry From GOP

Tarrant County Republicans are putting Texas on high alert as they argue that a new bill could allow the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) to destroy livelihoods and silence political dissent.

Senate Bill 1460, authored by state Senator Donna Campbell (R), would grant the TEC the authority to create an “ethics violation registry.” Texans placed on this list could be barred from obtaining or renewing state licenses, which could result in them potentially losing their ability to work in professions ranging from law and medicine to plumbing and real estate.

Tony McDonald (R), the General Counsel for the Tarrant County GOP, sounded the alarm in a recent post on X, warning that the bill gives the TEC sweeping, unilateral power. “Anyone who finds themselves in the TEC’s gun sites would have their entire livelihood at risk under SB 1460,” McDonald wrote.

He shared the story of two elderly Texans, one a 71-year-old woman and another an 82-year-old man, who are currently facing TEC scrutiny for homemade yard signs allegedly missing required disclaimers. “Their political activity isn’t even regulated under law,” McDonald argued, describing how TEC staff allegedly brought the woman to tears during questioning.

McDonald also pointed to the case of Darnella Wilkerson, a Houston senior citizen who was fined $17,500 for incorrectly filling out TEC paperwork. She was issued a default judgment after being unable to attend a hearing in Austin due to lack of transportation.

Critics like McDonald argue that SB 1460 could weaponize minor paperwork errors into life-altering penalties. “The TEC has taken the position that it can issue unlimited fines,” McDonald said, citing past judgments ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.

“If SB 1460 passes,” he warned, “Texans will be at the TEC’s mercy." "The only logical advice will be: ‘Pay them whatever they demand to go away.’”

Tarrant County GOP Chairman Bo French (R) weighed in on the bill over social media, urging Texans to call their elected officials immediately.

“This must not stand. Call your State Senator asap and demand they kill this bill,” he charged.