S.B. No. 3014 aims to amend the Government Code regarding the Texas Ethics Commission's handling of technical and clerical errors in registrations and reports. The bill introduces new rules that require the commission to outline procedures for resolving such errors, specifying the types of errors that qualify and the process for correction. It also stipulates that registrants can correct obvious typographical errors without penalty and prohibits the commission from imposing fines solely based on technical or clerical errors. Additionally, the bill modifies the conditions under which civil penalties can be assessed, stating that penalties can only be imposed for violations committed knowingly, with a presumption of non-knowledge for amounts under $500.

Further amendments include changes to the civil penalty structure, the waiver or reduction of penalties, and the repeal of certain provisions related to late filing penalties. The bill clarifies that the new regulations will apply only to registrations, reports, or statements filed on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while previous filings will be governed by the law in effect at that time. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline the process for addressing minor errors and ensure that penalties are applied fairly and consistently.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 561.0631, Government Code 571.173, Government Code 571.1731, Government Code 572.033, Government Code 572.034 (Government Code 561, Government Code 572, Government Code 571)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 571.0631, Government Code 571.173, Government Code 571.1731, Government Code 572.033, Government Code 572.034 (Government Code 561, Government Code 572, Government Code 571)