1 TAC §20.52, §20.61
The Texas Ethics Commission proposes new §20.52 and
an amendment to §20.61, relating to rules that would require the description
of a political expenditure for travel outside of Texas to include detailed
information regarding travel.
The new §20.52 requires the description of an in-kind political contribution
for travel outside of Texas to include the name of the persons traveling on
whose behalf the travel was accepted and certain detailed information regarding
the travel.
The amendment to §20.61 requires the description of a political expenditure
for travel outside of Texas to include the name of the persons traveling on
whose behalf the expenditure for travel was made and certain detailed information
regarding the travel.
David A. Reisman, Executive Director, has determined that for each year
of the first five years the 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 the rules as proposed. Mr. Reisman has also determined
that these rules will have no local employment impact.
Mr. Reisman has also determined that for each year of the first five years
the rules are in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be more complete
disclosure regarding in-kind political contributions for travel and political
expenditures for travel.
Mr. Reisman has also determined that there will be no direct adverse effect
on small businesses or micro-businesses because these rules do not apply to
single businesses.
Mr. Reisman has further determined that there are no economic costs to
persons required to comply with the rules.
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 David A. Reisman, 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 rules.
Information concerning the date, time, and location of commission meetings
is available by telephoning (512) 463-5800 or, toll free, (800) 325-8506.
The new §20.52 and the amendment to §20.61 are proposed
under Government Code, Chapter 571, Section 571.062, which authorizes the
commission to adopt rules concerning the laws administered and enforced by
the commission.
The proposed new §20.52 and the amendment to §20.61 affects title
15 of the Election Code.
§20.52.Description of In-Kind Contribution for Travel.
The description of an in-kind contribution for travel outside of the
state of Texas must provide the following:
(1)
The name of the person or persons traveling on whose behalf
the travel was accepted;
(2)
The means of transportation;
(3)
The name of the departure city or the name of each departure
location;
(4)
The name of the destination city or the name of each destination
location;
(5)
The dates on which the travel occurred;
(6)
The campaign or officeholder purpose of the travel, including
the name of a conference, seminar, or other event.
§20.61.Description of Expenditure.
(a)
The report of a political expenditure for goods
or services must describe the categories of goods or services received in
exchange for the expenditure.
(b)
The description of a political
expenditure for travel outside of the state of Texas must provide the following:
(1)
The name of the person or persons traveling on whose behalf
the expenditure was made;
(2)
The means of transportation;
(3)
The name of the departure city or the name of each departure
location;
(4)
The name of the destination city or the name of each destination
location;
(5)
The dates on which the travel occurred;
(6)
The campaign or officeholder purpose of the travel, including
the name of a conference, seminar, or other event.
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 May 16, 2005.
TRD-200501955
David A. Reisman
Executive Director
Texas Ethics Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: June 26, 2005
For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800