Advisory Opinion Requests
AOR-468.
The Texas Ethics Commission has
been asked about the application of Penal Code Chapter 36 to a law firm's
payment of a severance bonus or other benefit to an employee intending to
leave private practice temporarily and work for a state agency.
AOR-469.
The Ethics Commission has been asked
about the application of the revolving door provision in Government Code §572.054
to a former employee of a state agency who has the opportunity to contract
with a publishing company to write a book that deals with subject matter relevant
to the work of the state agency. The state agency may endorse the book and,
if it does, it will have the right to approve the editorial content of the
book.
AOR-470.
The Texas Ethics Commission has
been asked to consider whether an individual who makes a gift to charity in
the name of a legislator or other public official is providing a "benefit"
to the public official for purposes of Penal Code Chapter 36.
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 36, Penal Code; and (8) 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-9909092
Tom Harrison
Executive Director
Texas Ethics Commission
Filed: December 31, 1999
EAO-423.
Whether a legislator may use political
contributions to pay the costs associated with membership in a nonprofit organization
that helps its members develop leadership skills. (AOR-466)
SUMMARY.
A legislator may use political contributions
to pay the costs of membership in an organization that helps its members acquire
leadership skills if the legislator's primary purpose in joining the organization
is to facilitate legislative work.
EAO-424.
Whether §255.001 of the Election
Code requires that a political advertising disclosure statement be placed
on candy wrappers printed with a candidate's political slogan. (AOR-467)
SUMMARY.
Section 255.001 of the Election
Code does not require that small candy wrappers imprinted with a candidate's
political slogan include a political advertising disclosure statement.
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-9909091
Tom Harrison
Executive Director
Texas Ethics Commission
Filed: December 31, 1999
Opinions