Topic: Common Cause Texas

Dave Smith, president of Texans for Gun Safety, admitted to giving three witnesses approximately $300 each in cash outside a committee hearing room for travel and lost wages. Critics point out that the witnesses, including Otarius Kelly and Bruce Brown, were reportedly unemployed at the time, contradicting the "lost wages" justification. Suzy Woodford of Common Cause Texas noted that while travel reimbursement is common, using cash and paying for a witness's time raises significant ethical questions regarding credibility.

Dave Smith of Texans for Gun Safety admits to paying witnesses but characterizes the cash as reimbursement for lost wages. Common Cause Texas representative Suzy Woodford notes that while travel reimbursement is common, using cash for witness time raises significant ethical concerns.