There are a lot of amendments being added on to Senate Bill 1, the fiscal matters bill that also contains the education finance reforms. But why is Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, using it to get the Public Integrity Unit transferred out of the Travis County Attorney‘s office over to the Attorney General?
Post-Tom DeLay, Republicans have made no secret of their desire to move the unit – which deals with offenses against public administration and insurance fraud – into a state office (one that, coincidentally, they happen to run at the moment.) Christian tried in 2009, but his proposal flamed out in the State Affairs committee: His first 2011 attempt fared even worse in the regular session, never even getting to committee. However, third time is the charm.
The timing of this amendment could become awkward for Christian: In a truly tragic event last month, one of his staffers – Gabrielle Jane Nestande – was arrested at the Capitol after a hit-and-run incident in which Austinite Courtney Griffin was killed. Nestande has been charged with failure to stop and render aid, a third degree felony, but Austin Police Department has confirmed that they believe alcohol could have been involved. Nestande is currently on bail from the Travis County Jail
It will be interesting to see the floor response to Christian’s proposal to take this significant power away from the attorneys’ office that will be prosecuting one of his staff.
This article appears in June 3 • 2011.
