Governor Abbott vetoes SB 1793 (86R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto Senate Bill No. 1793 as passed by the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
Senate Bill 1793 would have given government lawyers a pass on filling out a nepotism disclosure form prescribed by the State Auditor’s Office. For procurement contracts worth at least $1 million, this form compels agency employees to disclose relationships with, and direct or indirect pecuniary interests in, any party to the proposed contract with the state agency. Uncovering such ties to a potential vendor is important even if the procurement employee happens to be a member in good standing of the Texas Bar. Government lawyers should fill out the same nepotism disclosure form as everyone else at the agency.
Since the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 15th day of June, 2019.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor