TITLE: Relating to references to "the people's money" in state documents, publications, and notices.

SUMMARY: Relating to references to "the people's money" in state documents, publications, and notices.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to references to "the people's money" in state documents, publications, and notices. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 2051, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter Gto read as follows: SUBCHAPTER G. STATE DOCUMENT REFERENCES TO THE PEOPLE'S MONEY Sec. 2051.251. REFERENCES TO THE PEOPLE'S MONEY. (a) A state official or state agency that, in an official document, publication, or notice published or issued in print or on a publicly accessible Internet web page, undertakes to refer to money held by this state, a state agency, or a state official that may be used only for a public purpose of this state may not refer to that money by a term or phrase other than the phrase "the people's money" except as provided by this section. The official or agency shall use the phrase "the people's money" instead of other common terms or phrases for money described by this subsection, including: (1) government funds; (2) government money; (3) public funds; (4) public money; (5) state funds; and (6) state money. (b) Subsection (a) does not apply to: (1) a state statute; (2) the Texas Constitution; (3) a document concerning, or a publication of, state agency rules that for reasons of legal clarity must rely on phrasing used in state statutes or the Texas Constitution; and (4) a reference to money this state holds in trust for the benefit of a person other than this state or a governmental entity of this state. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.