Ethics Advisory Opinion
EAO-383.
Whether a limited liability company
may make a political contribution to a candidate. (AOR-419, AOR-420)
SUMMARY.
A Texas limited liability company
is subject to the restrictions in Election Code chapter 253, subchapter D,
if it engages in a type of business listed in Election Code section 253.093
or if it is owned, in whole or in part, by an entity subject to the restrictions
in Election Code chapter 253, subchapter D.
A Delaware limited liability company is subject to the restrictions in
Election Code chapter 253, subchapter D, if it engages in a type of business
listed in Election Code section 253.093 or if it is owned, in whole or in
part, by an entity subject to the restrictions in Election Code chapter 253,
subchapter D.
EAO-384.
Whether a private research group
that was "started with the knowledge and approval" of a legislative caucus
is itself a "legislative caucus" as that term is defined in Election Code,
§253.0341. (AOR-423)
SUMMARY.
An entity established by or for
a legislative caucus to conduct research or education is itself a legislative
caucus if the research or education is a "caucus activity." A "caucus activity"
is an activity that supports the policy development and interests that the
members of the establishing caucus hold in common.
EAO-385.
Whether a particular
campaign brochure violates Election Code §255.006. (AOR-424)
SUMMARY.
The distribution of the brochure
that is the subject of this opinion request would not violate Election Code
section 255.006(b).
EAO-386.
Whether an officeholder may use
a state-owned computer to electronically file campaign finance reports with
the Texas Ethics Commission. (AOR-425)
SUMMARY.
The use of state computers or personnel
to prepare campaign reports for officeholders would be a misuse of government
property.
EAO-387.
Whether §255.001 of the Election
Code requires that a political advertising disclosure statement be placed
on wooden nickels printed with a candidate's political logo. (AOR-426)
SUMMARY.
Section 255.001 of the Election
Code does not require that wooden nickels printed with a candidate's political
logo include a political advertising disclosure statement.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on December 17, 1997.
TRD-9716884
Tom Harrison
Executive Director
Texas Ethics Commission
Filed: December 18, 1997