Texas Ethics Commission
The Texas Ethics Commission is authorized by Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-
9d.1, sec.1.29, to issue advisory opinions in regard to the following statutes: 
Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-9b; the Government Code, Chapter 302; the 
Government Code, Chapter 305; 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.
Opinions
EAO-113. Concerning lobby reporting requirements applicable to a reception for 
state officials held by a private foundation that supports a state institution 
of higher education (AOR-124).
Summary of Opinion.
A donation to a private foundation that supports a state institution of higher 
education is not a lobby expenditure if the foundation exercises discretion in 
the use of the donation, even if the donation is ultimately used for the type of 
expenditures that may require lobby registration and reporting. An individual 
registrant who attends an event and thereby satisfies the "presence" requirement 
for an organization that is making the expenditures for the event is not 
required to report the expenditures for the event.
EAO-114. Concerning lobby reporting requirements applicable to a "loose knit" 
group that holds a reception in Austin to promote a county (AOR-129).
Summary of Opinion.
A "loose knit group" may be required to register under the lobby statute. If a 
group has as a principal purpose making political contributions or making 
political expenditures, it is a political committee.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 12, 1993.
TRD-9317720
Sarah Woelk
Director, Advisory Opinions
Texas Ethics Commission
Filed: January 15, 1993
For further information, please call: (512) 463-5800