TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
The Texas Ethics Commission is authorized by Government Code, sec.571.091, to 
issue advisory opinions in regard to the following statutes: the Government 
Code, Chapter 302; the Government Code, Chapter 305; the Government Code, 
Chapter 572; the Election Code, Title 15; the Penal Code, Chapter 36; and the 
Penal Code, Chapter 39.
Requests for copies of the full text of opinions or questions on particular 
submissions should be addressed to the Office of the Texas Ethics Commission, 
P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, (512) 463-5800.
Texas Ethics Commission
Opinions
EAO-240 (AOR-269).
Whether the clerk of a court of appeals is required to file an annual financial 
disclosure statement with the Ethics Commission.
Summary of Opinion.
A clerk of a court of appeals is not required to file an annual financial 
disclosure statement under the Government Code, Chapter 572.
EAO-241 (AOR-271).
Whether a legislator may use political contributions to pay various expenses.
Summary of Opinion.
A legislator may use political contributions to pay reasonable household 
expenses in Austin. The term "reasonable household expenses" includes rent and 
phone service for an Austin residence but does not include all meals in Austin. 
A legislator may use political contributions to pay for expenses such as gas, 
parking, tips, tolls, or a mobile phone that are incurred in connection with 
state business.
EAO-242 (AOR-273).
Reporting requirements under Title 15 for a nonprofit corporation formed to 
produce an informational newsletter for distribution to residents of a city 
council member's district.
Summary of Opinion.
A nonprofit corporation formed to produce an informational newsletter for 
distribution to a city council member's constituents must form a political 
committee, since such a publication would constitute an officeholder 
contribution.
EAO-243 (AOR-274).
Whether members of the Psychological Associate Advisory Committee are "state 
officers" for purposes of the Government Code, Chapter 572.
Summary of Opinion.
Members of the Psychological Associate Advisory Committee are not required to 
file annual financial disclosure statements under the Government Code, Chapter 
572.
EAO-244 (AOR-277).
Whether the Governor-elect may donate political contributions to the state 
treasury.
Summary of Opinion.
An unrestricted donation of political contributions to the state treasury is not 
a conversion of those political contributions to personal use for purposes of 
the Election Code, sec.253.035.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 19, 1995.
TRD-9500928
Sarah Woelk
Director, Advisory Opinions
Texas Ethics Commission
Filed: January 23, 1995