Texas Ethics Commission

Advisory Opinion

EAO-475. The Texas Ethics Commission has been asked to consider whether an incorporated local organization that is a member of an incorporated statewide organization may make donations to charities that match the amount of political contributions made by individual members of the local organization to the statewide organization's general-purpose political committee. (AOR-537)

SUMMARY

The making of charitable contributions according to the proposed solicitation program is not a permissible solicitation expense for purposes of §253.100(b) of the Election Code.

The Texas Ethics Commission is authorized by §571.091 of the Government Code to issue advisory opinions in regard to the following statutes: (1) Chapter 572, Government Code; (2) Chapter 302, Government Code; (3) Chapter 303, Government Code; (4) Chapter 305, Government Code; (5) Chapter 2004, Government Code; (6) Title 15, Election Code; (7) Chapter 159, Local Government Code; (8) Chapter 36, Penal Code; and (9) Chapter 39, Penal Code.

Questions on particular submissions should be addressed to the Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, (512) 463-5800.

TRD-200702852

Natalia Luna Ashley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: July 5, 2007