The "Transparency and Reporting for Unbiased Standards in Trials" (TRUST Act) aims to enhance financial disclosure requirements for judges in Texas regarding contributions from parties involved in cases they oversee. The bill introduces new definitions, including "Judge," "Contribution," "Party to a suit," and "Texas Ethics Commission," which clarify the terms used in the context of judicial contributions. It mandates that judges disclose any contributions received from parties to a suit within five business days, detailing the judge's name, jurisdiction, case cause number, contributor's name, their relation to the case, and the contribution amount, including in-kind contributions. This disclosure must be shared with all parties involved in the suit within the same timeframe or before the final hearing, whichever comes first.

Additionally, the bill establishes a post-case disclosure requirement, stipulating that judges must continue to disclose contributions from parties involved in a case for 60 days following the final order of the suit. The act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the law is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The TRUST Act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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