TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 2. TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

Chapter 6. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

The Texas Ethics Commission proposes the amendment of §6.1, concerning the definitions for the Ethics Commission's rules; and §6.81, concerning charges, payments of money, and refunds; and the repeal of §6.85, concerning the charge for FAX transmittals. The definitions in §6.1 include the commission's former office address. That provision is being deleted. Subsection (b) of §6.81 provides that payments to the commission shall be made in United States specie, money order, or by certified or personal check. That provision is being deleted because payment may also be made by credit card for certain transactions. The charge for FAX transmittals provided in §6.85 conflicts with General Service Commission rules. That section is being deleted.

Karen Lundquist, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years these rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering these rules.

Ms. Lundquist also has determined that for each year of the first five years these rules are in effect, the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rules are the following: The deletion of an outdated commission address, deletion of an outdated provision that restricts the method of payment to the commission, and deletion of a provision that conflicts with General Service Commission rules relating to charges for facsimile transmissions. There will be no effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing these sections. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

The Texas Ethics Commission invites comments on the proposed rules from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Karen Lundquist, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the commission concerning the proposed rules may do so at any commission meeting during the agenda item "Communication to the Commission from the Public" and during the public comment period at a commission meeting when the commission considers final adoption of the proposed rules. Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.

Subchapter A. GENERAL RULES

1 TAC §6.1

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §6.1 affects no other codes, articles, or statutes.

§6.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this part, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)-(3)

(No change.)

[ (4)

Agency office--The offices of the agency located at 1101 Camino La Costa, Austin, Texas 78752; with a mailing address of P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711.]

(4)

[ (5) ] Commission--The Texas Ethics Commission, as constituted and described in the Texas Constitution, Article 3, §24a.

(5)

[ (6) ] Document--A report, complaint, response, letter, or any other written material.

(6)

[ (7) ] Executive director--The person employed by the commission to serve as the agency's chief administrative officer, or any other employee of the commission acting as the designee of the executive director.

(7)

[ (8) ] Family member or relative--An individual who is related within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity, as defined by the Government Code, Chapter 573, Subchapter B (concerning Relationships by Consanguinity or by Affinity).

(8)

[ (9) ] Filer--A person required to file a report with the commission or a local filing authority in accordance with this title.

(9)

[ (10) ] Individual--A human being who has been born and is alive.

(10)

[ (11) ] Local filing authority--A public servant other than the Texas Ethics Commission with whom a filer must file a report in accordance with this title, as identified in §20.5 of this title (relating to Reports Filed with a County Filing Authority) and §20.7 of this title (relating to Reports Filed with Other Local Filing Authority).

(11)

[ (12) ] Open Meetings Law--The Government Code, Chapter 551 (concerning Open Meetings).

(12)

[ (13) ] Open Records Law--The Government Code, Chapter 552 (concerning Open Records).

(13)

[ (14) ] Person--An individual, representative, corporation, association, or other entity, including any nonprofit corporation, or any agency or instrumentality of federal, state, or local government.

(14)

[ (15) ] Postmark--A postal cancellation by the United States Postal Service that contains the post office name, state, and zip code and the month, day, and year the canceling post office accepted custody of the material.

(15)

[ (16) ] Presiding officer--The person elected to serve as the commission's chairman or chairwoman under §6.21 of this title (relating to Officers of the Commission).

(16)

[ (17) ] Report--Any document or other information required to be filed under this title.

(17)

[ (18) ] Staff--Employees of the commission, hired by the commission or the executive director.

(18)

[ (19) ] Title 15--The Election Code, Title 15 (concerning Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103278

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Subchapter E. AGENCY FEES AND CHARGES

1 TAC §6.81

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §6.81 affects no other codes, articles, or statutes.

§6.81.Charges; Payment of Money; Refunds.

(a)

(No change.)

[ (b)

All payments of money to the agency shall be made in United States specie, money orders, or by certified or personal check. Money orders and checks must be made payable to the "Texas Ethics Commission." Payment sent by mail to the agency is at the risk of the sender.]

(b)

[ (c) ] Money paid by actual mistake or in excess, such as a payment not required by law, may be refunded. A mere change of purpose after the payment of money, as when a party desires to withdraw a filing, will not entitle a party to a refund.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103279

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


1 TAC §6.85

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Ethics Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeal is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed repeal of §6.85 affects no other codes, articles, or statutes.

§6.85.Charge for FAX Transmittal.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103280

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Chapter 8. ADVISORY OPINIONS

1 TAC §8.3

The Texas Ethics Commission proposes the amendment of §8.3, concerning the subject of an advisory opinion. The amendment of §8.3, adds the following to the list of laws the commission has the authority to construe in an advisory opinion: Government Code chapter 303, concerning Governor for a Day and Speaker's Reunion Day Ceremonies; Government Code chapter 2004, concerning Representation Before State Agencies; and Local Government Code chapter 159, subchapter C, in connection with a county judicial officer, as defined by section 159.051, Local Government Code, who elects to file personal financial statements with the commission.

Karen Lundquist, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering this rule.

Ms. Lundquist also has determined that for each year of the first five years this rule is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rule is the following: The rule will conform to current law. There will be no effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing this section. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.

The Texas Ethics Commission invites comments on the proposed rule from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Karen Lundquist, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the commission concerning the proposed rule may do so at any commission meeting during the agenda item "Communication to the Commission from the Public" and during the public comment period at a commission meeting when the commission considers final adoption of the proposed rule. Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §8.3 affects Section 571.091, Government Code.

§8.3.Subject of an Advisory Opinion

(a)

The commission will issue a written advisory opinion on the following laws to a person qualified to make a request under §8.5 of this title (relating to Persons Eligible To Receive an Advisory Opinion):

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Government Code, Chapter 303 (concerning Governor for a Day and Speaker's Reunion Day Ceremonies);

(3)

[ (2) ] Government Code, Chapter 305 (concerning Registration of Lobbyists);

(4)

[ (3) ] Government Code, Chapter 572 (concerning Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest);

(5)

Government Code, Chapter 2004 (concerning Representation Before State Agencies);

(6)

Local Government Code, Chapter 159, Subchapter C, in connection with a county judicial officer, as defined by Section 159.051, Local Government Code, who elects to file a financial statement with the commission;

(7)

[ (4) ] Election Code, Title 15 (concerning Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns);

(8)

[ (5) ] Penal Code, Chapter 36 (concerning Bribery and Corrupt Influence); and

(9)

[ (6) ] Penal Code, Chapter 39 (concerning Abuse of Office).

(b) - (c)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103281

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES

1 TAC §12.5

The Texas Ethics Commission proposes the amendment of §12.5, concerning the subject matter of a sworn complaint. The amendment adds the following to the list of laws over which the commission has enforcement authority: Government Code chapter 303, concerning Governor for a Day and Speaker's Reunion Day Ceremonies; Government Code chapter 2004, concerning Representation Before State Agencies; and Local Government Code chapter 159, subchapter C, in connection with a county judicial officer, as defined by section 159.051, Local Government Code, who elects to file personal financial statements with the commission.

Karen Lundquist, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering this rule.

Ms. Lundquist also has determined that for each year of the first five years this rule is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rule is the following: The rule will conform to current law. There will be no effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing this section. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.

The Texas Ethics Commission invites comments on the proposed rule from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Karen Lundquist, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the commission concerning the proposed rule may do so at any commission meeting during the agenda item "Communication to the Commission from the Public" and during the public comment period at a commission meeting when the commission considers final adoption of the proposed rule. Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §12.5 affects Section 571.061, Government Code.

§12.5.Subject Matter of a Sworn Complaint.

The commission will not consider a complaint or vote to investigate:

(1)

an allegation that a person has violated any law other than the Government Code, Chapter 302 (concerning Speaker of the House of Representatives), Chapter 303 (concerning Governor for a Day and Speaker's Reunion Day Ceremonies), Chapter 305 (concerning Registration of Lobbyists), Chapter 571 (concerning Texas Ethics Commission), [ or ] Chapter 572 (concerning Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest) , [ ; ] or Chapter 2004 (concerning Representation Before State Agencies); Local Government Code, Chapter 159, Subchapter C, in connection with a county judicial officer who elects to file a financial statement with the commission; Election Code, Title 15 (concerning Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns); or a commission rule adopted to administer and enforce one of these laws;

(2) - (4)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103282

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Chapter 20. REPORTING POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES

The Texas Ethics Commission proposes the amendment of §20.3, concerning the types of candidates who file reports, including campaign treasurer appointments, with the commission; §20.5, concerning the types of candidates who file reports with the county filing authority; §20.11, providing that the laws enforced by the commission do not apply to a candidate for federal office or to a federal officer; §20.221, concerning telegram reports filed by candidates for state senate or representatives; §20.281, concerning special session reports filed by officeholders; §20.301, concerning the waiting period for specific-purpose committees that support or oppose candidates who file with the commission; §20.333, concerning telegram reports filed by specific-purpose committees supporting or opposing candidates for state senate or representative; §20.337, concerning special session reports filed by specific-purpose committees; and §20.401, concerning the waiting period for general-purpose committees that support or oppose candidates who file with the commission. The amendment to §20.3 reflects that single-county district judges are now required to file with the commission. The amendment to §20.5 reflects that single-county district judges are also required to file reports with the county clerk but are not required to file campaign treasurer appointments with the county clerk. The amendment to §20.11 reflects that federal candidates are no longer required to file federal campaign finance reports with commission. The amendment to §20.221 reflects the bill passed by the 77th Legislature requiring statewide candidates to file telegram reports. The amendment to §20.281 reflects that contributions reported in a special session report are also required to be reported in the next report. This comports with the commission's rule for candidates. The amendment to §20.301 reflects that single-county district judges are now required to file with the commission. The amendment to §20.333 reflects the bill passed by the 77th Legislature requiring specific-purpose committees supporting or opposing statewide candidates to file telegram reports. The amendment to §20.337 reflects that contributions reported in a special session report are also required to be reported in the next report. The amendment to §20.401 reflects that single-county district judges are now required to file with the commission.

Karen Lundquist, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years these rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering these rules.

Ms. Lundquist also has determined that for each year of the first five years these rules are in effect, the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rules are the following: The amendments of §§20.3, 20.5, 20.221, 20.301, 20.333, and 20.401 will conform the rules to current law. The amendment of §20.11 conforms the rule to reflect that the federal government no longer requires federal candidates to file campaign finance reports with the Ethics Commission because the Ethics Commission provides a link to the Federal Election Commission's Web site so that federal reports may be accessed. The amendments of §20.281 and §20.337 comport with the rule applicable to candidates filing special session reports. There will be no effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing these sections. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

The Texas Ethics Commission invites comments on the proposed rules from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Karen Lundquist, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the commission concerning the proposed rules may do so at any commission meeting during the agenda item "Communication to the Commission from the Public" and during the public comment period at a commission meeting when the commission considers final adoption of the proposed rules. Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.

Subchapter A. GENERAL RULES

1 TAC §§20.3, 20.5, 20.11

The amendments are proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, §571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendments of §20.3 affects §252.005, Election Code; §20.5 affects §252.005 and §254.066, Election Code; and §20.11 affects §251.006, Election Code.

§20.3.Reports Filed with the Commission.

The Ethics Commission is the appropriate filing authority for reports filed by:

(1)

a candidate for one of the following offices:

(A)-(C)

(No change.)

(D)

a seat on the State Board of Education; [ or ]

(E)

an office of a political subdivision other than a county, if the governing body of the political subdivision has not been formed and if the political subdivision includes territory in more than one county; or

(F)

a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county, subject to §20.5(b);

(2)-(6)

(No change.)

§20.5.Reports Filed with a County Filing Authority.

(a)

The county clerk (or the county elections administrator or tax assessor-collector, as applicable in a particular county) is the appropriate filing authority for reports filed by:

(1)

a candidate for:

(A)

a county office;

(B)

a precinct office;

(C)

a district office (except for an office in a multi-county district; or

(D)

an office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision is within the boundaries of a single county and if the governing body of the political subdivision has not been formed;

(2)

a person holding an office listed in paragraph (1) of this section;

(3)

a specific-purpose committee supporting or opposing a candidate listed in paragraph (1) of this section or an office holder listed in paragraph (2) of this section;

(4)

a specific-purpose committee supporting or opposing:

(A)

a measure to be submitted to the voters of a single county; or

(B)

a measure concerning a political subdivision other than a county when the governing body for the political subdivision has not been formed and no boundary of the political subdivision crosses a boundary of a county.

(b)

A report must be filed with both the county filing authority and the commission if the report is required to be filed by a candidate for or holder of a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county, or by a specific-purpose committee supporting, opposing, or assisting such a candidate or officeholder. However, the campaign treasurer appointment must be filed only with the commission.

§20.11.Federal Candidates and Officeholders.

[ (a) ]

The laws administered and enforced by the commission do not apply to a candidate for election to an office of the federal government or to a federal officeholder.

[(b)

A candidate for an elective office of the federal government shall file with the commission a copy of each document relating to his or her candidacy that is required to be filed under federal law within the same period in which it is required to be filed under federal law.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103283

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Subchapter C. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CANDIDATE

1 TAC §20.221

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, §571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §20.221 affects §254.038, Election Code.

§20.221.Telegram Report by Certain Candidates.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The following candidates must file telegram reports:

(1)

an opposed candidate for statewide office or state senator who, during the period described in subsection (a) of this section, accepts one or more political contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,000; and

(2)

(No change.)

(c)-(g)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103284

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Subchapter D. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OFFICEHOLDER WHO DOES NOT HAVE A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT ON FILE

1 TAC §20.281

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, §571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §20.281 affects §254.0391, Election Code

§20.281.Special Session Report by Certain Officeholders.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

Contributions reported in a special session report are required [ not ] to be reported in the next applicable sworn report of contributions and expenditures [ any other report ].

(d)-(g)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103285

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Subchapter E. REPORTS BY A SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE

1 TAC §§20.301, 20.333, 20.337

The amendments are proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendments of §20.301 affects Section 253.031, Election Code; §20.333 affects Section 254.038, Election Code; and §20.337 affects Section 254.0391, Election Code.

§20.301.Thresholds for Campaign Treasurer Appointment.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

A specific-purpose committee may not knowingly make or authorize campaign contributions or campaign expenditures exceeding $500 to support or oppose a candidate in a primary or general election for an office listed below unless the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

a seat on the State Board of Education; [ or ]

(4)

a multi-county district office ; or [ . ]

(5)

a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county.

§20.333.Telegram Report by Certain Specific-Purpose Committees.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Campaign treasurers for the following specific-purpose committees must file telegram reports:

(1)

a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a candidate for statewide office or state senator that, during the period described in subsection (a) of this section, accepts one or more political contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1,000; and

(2)

(No change.)

(c)-(g)

(No change.)

§20.337.Special Session Reports by Specific-Purpose Committees.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Contributions reported in a special session report are required [ not ] to be reported in the next applicable sworn report of contributions and expenditures [ any other report ].

(e)-(g)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103286

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Subchapter F. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR A GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEE

1 TAC §20.401

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §20.401 affects Section 253.031, Election Code.

§20.401.Thresholds for Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by a General-Purpose Committee.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Unless the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day, a general-purpose committee may not knowingly make or authorize campaign contributions or campaign expenditures exceeding $500 to support or oppose a candidate in a primary or general election for the following:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

a seat on the State Board of Education; [ or ]

(4)

a multi-county district office ; or [ . ]

(5)

a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103287

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Chapter 22. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES

The Texas Ethics Commission proposes the amendment of §22.1, concerning the waiting period for political committees that support or oppose candidates who file with the commission; and §22.19 concerning the use of political contributions to reimburse personal funds for the use of personal assets for political purposes; and the repeal of §22.32 concerning the transitional rule authorizing certain judicial candidates and officeholders to accept political contributions for the purpose of retiring debt. The amendment of §22.1 reflects that single-county district judges are now required to file with the commission. The amendment of §22.19 reflects that ethics advisory opinions authorize any reasonable rate of reimbursement for the use of a personal vehicle for political purposes, not just the IRS standard mileage rate. The provisions in §22.32 have been executed and are no longer effective.

Karen Lundquist, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years these rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering these rules.

Ms. Lundquist also has determined that for each year of the first five years these rules are in effect, the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rules are the following: The amendment of §22.1 will conform the rule to current law. The amendment of §22.19 recognizes that ethics advisory opinions allow any reasonable rate of reimbursement for the use of a personal vehicle for political purposes and conforms the rule to current interpretations. §22.32 is a transitional rule that has been executed and is thus no longer effective. There will be no effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing these sections. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed.

The Texas Ethics Commission invites comments on the proposed rules from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Karen Lundquist, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the commission concerning the proposed rules may do so at any commission meeting during the agenda item "Communication to the Commission from the Public" and during the public comment period at a commission meeting when the commission considers final adoption of the proposed rules. Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.

1 TAC §22.1, §22.19

The amendments are proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §22.1 affects Section 253.031, Election Code; and §22.19 affects Section 253.035, Election Code.

§22.1.Certain Campaign Treasurer Appointments Required before Political Activity Begins.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Unless the committee's campaign treasurer appointment was filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day, a political committee may not knowingly make or authorize campaign contributions or campaign expenditures exceeding $500 to support or oppose a candidate in a primary or general election for the following:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

a seat on the State Board of Education; [ or ]

(4)

a multi-county district office ; or [ . ]

(5)

a judicial district office filled by voters of only one county.

(f)

(No change.)

§22.19.General Restrictions on Reimbursement of Personal Funds.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

A candidate or officeholder may reimburse personal funds from political contributions for the use of personal assets for political purposes provided that the reimbursement is reported as a political expenditure. [ Reimbursement of personal funds from political contributions for the use of a personal vehicle for political purposes must be at the rate set in accordance with the IRS standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle. ]

(d)-(g)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103288

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


1 TAC §22.32

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Ethics Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeal is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed repeal of §22.32 affects Section 253.153, Election Code.

§22.32.Transitional Rule for Debt Retirement of Judicial Candidates and Officeholders Not Running in the 1996 Election.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103289

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800


Chapter 26. POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE ADVERTISING

1 TAC §26.15

The Texas Ethics Commission proposes the amendment of §26.15, concerning the right-of-way notice on political advertising signs. The amendment provides the current citation to the law required to be cited on the sign.

Karen Lundquist, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering this rule.

Ms. Lundquist also has determined that for each year of the first five years this rule is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rule is the following: The rule will conform to current law. There will be no effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing the section. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.

The Texas Ethics Commission invites comments on the proposed rule from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Karen Lundquist, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the commission concerning the proposed rule may do so at any commission meeting during the agenda item "Communication to the Commission from the Public" and during the public comment period at a commission meeting when the commission considers final adoption of the proposed rule. Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.

The amendment is proposed under Government Code, Chapter 571, §571.062, which provides authorization for the commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by the commission.

The proposed amendment of §26.15 affects §255.007, Election Code.

§26.15.Notice Requirement on Political Advertising Signs.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The following notice must be written on each political advertising sign: "NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE) [ (ARTICLE 2372cc, VERNON'S TEXAS CIVIL STATUTES, AND ARTICLE 6674v-7, REVISED STATUTES) ], TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A HIGHWAY."

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on June 11, 2001.

TRD-200103290

Tom Harrison

Executive Director

Texas Ethics Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 29, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800