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
Ethics Advisory Opinions
EAO-270 (AOR 276).
Whether contributions to a fund to be used for the purpose of financing a private lawsuit seeking to overturn federal control over Texas prisons are subject to title 15 of the Election Code.
Summary of Opinion.
A group that accepts contributions and makes expenditures to assist members of the legislature acting in their capacity as legislators in filing a lawsuit is a political committee for purposes of title 15 of the Election Code.
EAO-271 (AOR-301).
Whether a specific-purpose political committee formed to support a candidate must report the use of the candidate's personal equipment as a political contribution to the committee.
Summary of Opinion.
A specific-purpose political committee supporting a candidate has an identity separate from the candidate. If the candidate makes a transfer to the committee, the committee must report a contribution from the candidate.
EAO-272 (AOR-304).
Whether a county political party may use corporate contributions to pay for brochures and voter registration drives.
Summary of Opinion.
A county executive committee of a political party may not use corporate contributions to pay the costs associated with the printing and distribution of brochures soliciting donations to and membership in the party or the costs associated with voter registration drives.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on July 19, 1995
TRD-9509061
Sarah Woelk
Director, Advisory Opinions
Texas Ethics Commission
Filed: July 19, 1995