Keeping clean government

The premise behind Texas ethics laws is simple.

When someone visits, calls or emails the Texas Capitol, lawmakers and the public should know whether that person is a paid lobbyist.

That principle behind Texas’ lobbyist registration law has been challenged in the 2nd Court of Appeals, as has its application to leaders of the Austin-based conservative group Empower Texans.

The Texas Ethics Commission has fined Michael Quinn Sullivan $10,000 for not registering as a lobbyist in 2010 and 2011, finding that he is paid to influence legislation. Sullivan’s lawyers have argued that his direct messages are protected constitutional free speech on public matters.

Empower Texans has argued that the enforcement is politically motivated and similar to a federal tax investigation of Tea Party groups. Ethics Commission lawyers say the law is neutral, only registering paid lobbyists and not restricting speech.

Sullivan’s attorneys say if they win, Texas should pay their legal fees of more than $250,000. The commission’s lawyers say the state should not be billed for enforcing laws.

Transparency and accountability demand that we know who buys influence at the Capitol.

Even if defending the law has a price, it’s well worth it.

This story was originally published September 23, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Keeping clean government."