reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 556 - Political Activities by Certain Public Entities and Individuals › Section 556.008. Compensation Prohibition

Sec. 556.008.  COMPENSATION PROHIBITION.  A state agency may not use appropriated money to compensate a state officer or employee who violates Section 556.004(a), (b), or (c) or Section 556.005 or 556.006(a), or who is subject to termination under Section 556.007.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1498, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 556 - Political Activities by Certain Public Entities and Individuals › Section 556.009. Notice of Prohibitions

Sec. 556.009.  NOTICE OF PROHIBITIONS.  (a)  A state agency shall provide each officer and employee of the agency a copy of Sections 556.004, 556.005, 556.006, 556.007, and 556.008 and require a signed receipt on delivery.  A new copy and receipt are required if one of those provisions is changed.
(b)  A state agency shall maintain receipts collected from current officers and employees under this section in a manner accessible for public inspection.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1498, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter A. Sedition › Section 557.001. Sedition

Sec. 557.001.  SEDITION.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:
(1)  commits, attempts to commit, or conspires with one or more persons to commit an act intended to overthrow, destabilize, destroy, or alter the constitutional form of government of this state or of any political subdivision of this state by force, violence, or a threat of force or violence;
(2)  under circumstances that constitute a clear and present danger to the security of this state or a political subdivision of this state, advocates, advises, or teaches or conspires with one or more persons to advocate, advise, or teach a person to commit or attempt to commit an act described in Subdivision (1); or
(3)  participates, with knowledge of the nature of the organization, in the management of an organization that engages in or attempts to engage in an act intended to overthrow, destabilize, destroy, or alter the constitutional form of government of this state or of any political subdivision of this state by force or violence.
(b)  An offense under this section is a felony punishable by:
(1)  a fine not to exceed $20,000;
(2)  confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not less than one year or more than 20 years; or
(3)  both fine and imprisonment.
(b-1)  Notwithstanding Section 15.02(d), Penal Code, a conspiracy to commit an offense under this section is punishable in the same manner as an offense under this section.
(c)  A person convicted of an offense under this section may not receive community supervision under Chapter 42A, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 25.072, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 770 (H.B. 2299), Sec. 2.60, eff. January 1, 2017.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 462 (S.B. 1900), Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter A. Sedition › Section 557.002. Disqualification

Sec. 557.002.  DISQUALIFICATION.  A person who is finally convicted of an offense under Section 557.001 may not hold office or a position of profit, trust, or employment with the state or any political subdivision of the state.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter A. Sedition › Section 557.003. Seditious Organizations

Sec. 557.003.  SEDITIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.  (a)  An organization, either incorporated or unincorporated, may not engage in or have as a purpose activities intended to overthrow, destroy, or alter the constitutional form of government of this state or a political subdivision of this state by force or violence.
(b)  An organization that violates Subsection (a):
(1)  may not lawfully exist, function, or operate in this state;  and
(2)  is not entitled to the rights, privileges, and immunities granted to organizations under the law of this state.
(c)  A district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney may bring an action against an organization in a court of competent jurisdiction.  If the court finds that the organization has violated Subsection (a), the court shall order:
(1)  the organization dissolved;
(2)  if the organization is incorporated in the state or has a permit to do business in the state, the organization's charter or permit revoked;
(3)  all funds, records, and property of the organization forfeited to the state;  and
(4)  all books, records, and files of the organization turned over to the attorney general.
(d)  It is prima facie evidence that an organization engages in or has as a purpose engaging in activities intended to overthrow, destroy, or alter the constitutional form of the government of this state or a political subdivision of this state by force or violence if it is shown that the organization has a parent or superior organization that engages in or has as a purpose engaging in activities intended to overthrow, destroy, or alter the constitutional form of the government of this state or a political subdivision of this state by force or violence.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter A. Sedition › Section 557.004. Enforcement

Sec. 557.004.  ENFORCEMENT.  (a)  A district court may, on application by a district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney, order injunctive or other equitable relief appropriate to enforce this subchapter.
(b)  The procedure for relief sought under Subsection (a) of this section is the same as that for other similar relief in the district court except that the proceeding may not be instituted unless the director of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas or the director's assistant in charge is notified by telephone, telegraph, or in person that injunctive or other equitable relief will be sought.
(c)  An affidavit that states that the notice described in Subsection (b) was given and that accompanies the application for relief is sufficient to permit filing of the application.
(d)  Injunctive or other equitable relief sought to enforce this subchapter may not be granted in a labor dispute.
(e)  The internal security section of the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas shall assist in the enforcement of this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter A. Sedition › Section 557.005. Judicial Powers in Labor Disputes

Sec. 557.005.  JUDICIAL POWERS IN LABOR DISPUTES.  This subchapter does not affect the powers of the courts of this state or of the United States under the law of this state in a labor dispute.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter B. Sabotage › Section 557.011. Sabotage

Sec. 557.011.  SABOTAGE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person, with the intent to injure the United States, this state, or any facility or property used for national defense sabotages or attempts to sabotage any property or facility used or to be used for national defense.
(b)  An offense under this section is a felony punishable by confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not less than two years or more than 20 years.
(c)  If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another provision of law, the actor may be prosecuted under both sections.
(d)  In this section, "sabotage" means to wilfully and maliciously damage or destroy property.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 25.073, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter B. Sabotage › Section 557.012. Capital Sabotage

Sec. 557.012.  CAPITAL SABOTAGE.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person commits an offense under Section 557.011(a) and the sabotage or attempted sabotage causes the death of an individual.
(b)  An offense under this section is punishable by:
(1)  death; or
(2)  confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for:
(A)  life; or
(B)  a term of not less than two years.
(c)  If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under other law, the actor may be prosecuted under both sections.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 25.074, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter B. Sabotage › Section 557.013. Enforcement

Sec. 557.013.  ENFORCEMENT.  The attorney general, a district or county attorney, the department, and any law enforcement officer of this state shall enforce this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter C. Communism › Section 557.021. Definitions

Sec. 557.021.  DEFINITIONS.  In this subchapter:
(1)  "Communist" means a person who commits an act reasonably calculated to further the overthrow of the government:
(A)  by force or violence;  or
(B)  by unlawful or unconstitutional means and replace it with a communist government.
(2)  "Department" means the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.
(3)  "Government" means the government of this state or any of its political subdivisions.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter C. Communism › Section 557.022. Restrictions

Sec. 557.022.  RESTRICTIONS.  (a)  The name of a communist may not be printed on the ballot for any primary or general election in this state or a political subdivision of this state.
(b)  A person may not hold a nonelected office or position with the state or any political subdivision of the state if:
(1)  any of the compensation for the office or position comes from public funds of this state or a political subdivision of this state;  and
(2)  the employer or superior of the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the person is a communist.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 557 - Sedition, Sabotage, and Communism › Subchapter C. Communism › Section 557.023. Enforcement

Sec. 557.023.  ENFORCEMENT.  The attorney general, a district or county attorney, the department, and any law enforcement officer of this state shall enforce this subchapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 558 - Interpreters for Deaf or Hearing Impaired Persons › Section 558.001. Definition

Sec. 558.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "deaf or hearing impaired" means having a hearing impairment, regardless of the existence of a speech impairment, that inhibits:
(1)  comprehension of an examination or proceeding;  or
(2)  communication with others.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 558 - Interpreters for Deaf or Hearing Impaired Persons › Section 558.002. State Examinations

Sec. 558.002.  STATE EXAMINATIONS.  (a)  A deaf or hearing impaired person taking a state examination required for state employment or issuance of a state license is entitled, on request, to an interpreter.
(b)  The interpreter may be paid for not more than eight hours for interpreting in a calendar day and is entitled to $5 for each hour of interpreting in a calendar day, except that the interpreter is entitled to $15 for the first hour.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 558 - Interpreters for Deaf or Hearing Impaired Persons › Section 558.003. Proceedings Before Political Subdivisions

Sec. 558.003.  PROCEEDINGS BEFORE POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.  (a)  In a proceeding before the governing body of a political subdivision in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by the governing body after an adjudicative hearing, the governing body shall supply for a party who is deaf or hearing impaired an interpreter who has qualifications approved by the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
(b)  In this section, "political subdivision" means a county, municipality, school district, special purpose district, or other subdivision of state government that has jurisdiction limited to a geographic portion of the state.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 835, Sec. 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 559 - State Government Privacy Policies › Section 559.001. Definition

Sec. 559.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "state governmental body" means a governmental body as defined by Section 552.003 that is part of state government.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1059, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 559 - State Government Privacy Policies › Section 559.002. Right to Be Informed About Information Collected

Sec. 559.002.  RIGHT TO BE INFORMED ABOUT INFORMATION COLLECTED.  It is the policy of this state that an individual is entitled to be informed about information that a state governmental body collects about the individual unless the state governmental body is allowed to withhold the information from the individual under Section 552.023.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1059, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 559 - State Government Privacy Policies › Section 559.003. Right to Notice About Certain Information Laws and Practices

Sec. 559.003.  RIGHT TO NOTICE ABOUT CERTAIN INFORMATION LAWS AND PRACTICES.  (a)  Each state governmental body that collects information about an individual by means of a form that the individual completes and files with the governmental body in a paper format or in an electronic format on an Internet site shall prominently state, on the paper form and prominently post on the Internet site in connection with the electronic form, that:
(1)  with few exceptions, the individual is entitled on request to be informed about the information that the state governmental body collects about the individual;
(2)  under Sections 552.021 and 552.023 of the Government Code, the individual is entitled to receive and review the information;  and
(3)  under Section 559.004 of the Government Code, the individual is entitled to have the state governmental body correct information about the individual that is incorrect.
(b)  Each state governmental body that collects information about an individual by means of an Internet site or that collects information about the computer network location or identity of a user of the Internet site shall prominently post on the Internet site what information is being collected through the site about the individual or about the computer network location or identity of a user of the site, including what information is being collected by means that are not obvious.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1059, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 559 - State Government Privacy Policies › Section 559.004. Right to Correction of Incorrect Information

Sec. 559.004.  RIGHT TO CORRECTION OF INCORRECT INFORMATION.  Each state governmental body shall establish a reasonable procedure under which an individual is entitled to have the state governmental body correct information about the individual that is possessed by the state governmental body and that is incorrect.  The procedure may not unduly burden an individual using the procedure.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1059, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 559 - State Government Privacy Policies › Section 559.005. Applicability of and Construction With Public Information Law

Sec. 559.005.  APPLICABILITY OF AND CONSTRUCTION WITH PUBLIC INFORMATION LAW.  (a)  Chapter 552 governs the charges that a state governmental body may impose on an individual who requests information the governmental body collects about the individual.  The governmental body may not charge an individual to correct information about the individual.
(b)  To the extent of a conflict between this chapter and the public information law, Chapter 552, Chapter 552 controls.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1059, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 560 - Biometric Identifier › Section 560.001. Definitions

Sec. 560.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Biometric identifier" means a retina or iris scan, fingerprint, voiceprint, or record of hand or face geometry.
(2)  "Governmental body" has the meaning assigned by Section 552.003, except that the term includes each entity within or created by the judicial branch of state government.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 634, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 559.001 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(78), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 560 - Biometric Identifier › Section 560.002. Disclosure of Biometric Identifier

Sec. 560.002.  DISCLOSURE OF BIOMETRIC IDENTIFIER.  A governmental body that possesses a biometric identifier of an individual:
(1)  may not sell, lease, or otherwise disclose the biometric identifier to another person unless:
(A)  the individual consents to the disclosure;
(B)  the disclosure is required or permitted by a federal statute or by a state statute other than Chapter 552;  or
(C)  the disclosure is made by or to a law enforcement agency for a law enforcement purpose;  and
(2)  shall store, transmit, and protect from disclosure the biometric identifier using reasonable care and in a manner that is the same as or more protective than the manner in which the governmental body stores, transmits, and protects its other confidential information.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 634, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 559.002 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(78), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle A - Open Government › Chapter 560 - Biometric Identifier › Section 560.003. Application of Chapter 552

Sec. 560.003.  APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 552.  A biometric identifier in the possession of a governmental body is exempt from disclosure under Chapter 552.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 634, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.  Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 559.003 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, Sec. 2(78), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 571.001. Purpose

Sec. 571.001.  PURPOSE.  It is the policy of the legislature to protect the constitutional privilege of free suffrage by regulating elections and prohibiting undue influence while also protecting the constitutional right of the governed to apply to their government for the redress of grievances.  This chapter is intended to achieve those purposes and shall be construed to achieve the following objectives:
(1)  to control and reduce the cost of elections;
(2)  to eliminate opportunities for undue influence over elections and governmental actions;
(3)  to disclose fully information related to expenditures and contributions for elections and for petitioning the government;
(4)  to enhance the potential for individual participation in electoral and governmental processes;  and
(5)  to ensure the public's confidence and trust in its government.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 571.002. Definitions

Sec. 571.002.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Ethics Commission.
(2)  "Complainant" means an individual who files a sworn complaint with the commission.
(2-a)  "Executive director" means the executive director of the commission.
(3)  "Political party" includes only a political party required to hold a primary election under Section 172.001, Election Code.
(4)  "Respondent" means a person who is alleged to have committed a violation of a rule adopted by or a law administered and enforced by the commission.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.021. Texas Ethics Commission

Sec. 571.021.  TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION.  This chapter applies to the Texas Ethics Commission created under Article III, Section 24a, of the Texas Constitution.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.022. Sunset Provision

Sec. 571.022.  SUNSET PROVISION.  The commission is subject to review under Chapter 325 (Texas Sunset Act), but is not abolished under that chapter.  The commission shall be reviewed during the periods in which state agencies abolished in 2013 and every 12th year after that year are reviewed.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1449, Sec. 2.05, eff. Sept. 1, 1999;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.02, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1232 (S.B. 652), Sec. 1.03, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.0221. Discrimination Prohibited

Sec. 571.0221.  DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED.  Appointments to the commission shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, age, national origin, or religion of the appointees.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Renumbered from Government Code Sec. 571.033 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.07, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.023. Presiding Officer

Sec. 571.023.  PRESIDING OFFICER.  The members of the commission shall elect annually the presiding officer of the commission.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.0231. Restriction on Commission Membership

Sec. 571.0231.  RESTRICTION ON COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP.  A person may not be a member of the commission if the person is required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.0232. Grounds for Removal

Sec. 571.0232.  GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL.  (a)  It is a ground for removal from the commission that a member:
(1)  does not have at the time of taking office the qualifications required by Section 24a, Article III, Texas Constitution;
(2)  does not maintain during service on the commission the qualifications required by Section 24a, Article III, Texas Constitution;
(3)  is ineligible for membership under Section 571.0231;
(4)  cannot, because of illness or disability, discharge the member's duties for a substantial part of the member's term;  or
(5)  is absent from more than half of the regularly scheduled commission meetings that the member is eligible to attend during a calendar year without an excuse approved by a majority vote of the commission.
(b)  The validity of an action of the commission is not affected by the fact that it is taken when a ground for removal of a commission member exists.
(c)  If the executive director has knowledge that a potential ground for removal exists, the executive director shall notify the presiding officer of the commission of the potential ground.  The presiding officer shall then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.  If the potential ground for removal involves the presiding officer, the executive director shall notify the next highest ranking officer of the commission, who shall then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.03, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.024. Expenses

Sec. 571.024.  EXPENSES.  A member of the commission is entitled to travel expenses incurred in performing official duties and to a per diem equal to the maximum amount allowed on January 1 of that year for federal employees per diem for federal income tax purposes, subject to the same limitations for members of state boards and commissions in the General Appropriations Act.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.025. Meetings

Sec. 571.025.  MEETINGS.  The commission shall meet at least once each calendar quarter and at other times at the call of the presiding officer.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.026. Quorum; Vote Required

Sec. 571.026.  QUORUM;  VOTE REQUIRED.  (a)  A majority of the membership of the commission constitutes a quorum.
(b)  A vacancy on the commission may not be considered in determining the membership of the commission for the purpose of a quorum.
(c)  An action or recommendation of the commission requiring a vote of the commission is not valid unless:
(1)  the action or recommendation is approved by a record vote taken at a meeting of the commission with a quorum present;  and
(2)  except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the action or recommendation receives an affirmative vote of a majority of the membership of the commission.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.04, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.027. Prohibited Participation

Sec. 571.027.  PROHIBITED PARTICIPATION.  (a)  A member of the commission may not participate in a commission proceeding relating to any of the following actions if the member is the subject of the action:
(1)  a formal investigation by the commission;
(2)  a sworn complaint filed with the commission;  or
(3)  a motion adopted by vote of at least six members of the commission.
(b)  A member of the commission may not participate in or vote on any matter before the commission if the matter concerns the member directly or an individual related to the member within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.05, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.0271. Commission Member Training

Sec. 571.0271.  COMMISSION MEMBER TRAINING.  (a)  A person who is appointed to and qualifies for office as a member of the commission may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission until the person completes a training program that complies with this section.
(b)  The training program must provide the person with information regarding:
(1)  the legislation that created the commission;
(2)  the programs operated by the commission;
(3)  the role and functions of the commission;
(4)  the rules of the commission, with an emphasis on the rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority;
(5)  the current budget for the commission;
(6)  the results of the most recent formal audit of the commission;
(7)  the requirements of:
(A)  the open meetings law, Chapter 551;
(B)  the public information law, Chapter 552;
(C)  the administrative procedure law, Chapter 2001;  and
(D)  other laws relating to public officials, including conflict-of-interest laws;  and
(8)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by the commission.
(c)  A person appointed to the commission is entitled to reimbursement, as provided by the General Appropriations Act, for the travel expenses incurred in attending the training program regardless of whether the attendance at the program occurs before or after the person qualifies for office.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.028. Prohibited Candidacy

Sec. 571.028.  PROHIBITED CANDIDACY.  A member of the commission may not be a candidate for an elective public office for 12 months after the date on which the member ends service on the commission.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.029. Staff

Sec. 571.029.  STAFF.  (a)  The commission may employ staff, including an executive director and a general counsel, necessary to administer the commission's functions.
(b)  The commission may not employ a person and an employee of the commission may not continue in employment with the commission if the person at the time of employment or while employed by the commission is:
(1)  an officer of a political party, a political subdivision, or a political committee;
(2)  a person required to be registered under Chapter 305;
(3)  a candidate or campaign treasurer subject to Title 15, Election Code;  or
(4)  a member of the legislature.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.030. Separation of Responsibilities

Sec. 571.030.  SEPARATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES.  The commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policy-making responsibilities of the commission and the management responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the commission.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.0301. Information to Members and Employees

Sec. 571.0301.  INFORMATION TO MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES.  The executive director or the executive director's designee shall provide to members and employees of the commission, as often as necessary, information regarding the requirements for office or employment under this chapter, including information regarding a person's responsibilities under applicable laws relating to standards of conduct for state officers or employees.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.0302. Equal Employment Policy

Sec. 571.0302.  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY.  (a)  The executive director or the executive director's designee shall prepare and maintain a written policy statement that implements a program of equal employment opportunity to ensure that all personnel decisions are made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin.
(b)  The policy statement must include:
(1)  personnel policies, including policies relating to recruitment, evaluation, selection, training, and promotion of personnel, that show the intent of the commission to avoid the unlawful employment practices described by Chapter 21, Labor Code;  and
(2)  an analysis of the extent to which the composition of the commission's personnel is in accordance with state and federal law and a description of reasonable methods to achieve compliance with state and federal law.
(c)  The policy statement must:
(1)  be updated annually;
(2)  be reviewed by the state Commission on Human Rights for compliance with Subsection (b)(1);  and
(3)  be filed with the governor's office.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.06, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.031. Records

Sec. 571.031.  RECORDS.  Except as provided by Sections 571.139(a) and 571.140, Chapter 552 applies to all records of the commission.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter B. Administrative Provisions › Section 571.032. Mailing of Notices, Decisions, and Reports

Sec. 571.032.  MAILING OF NOTICES, DECISIONS, AND REPORTS.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), each written notice, decision, and report required to be sent under this chapter shall be sent by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
(b)  After written notice under Section 571.123(b) regarding the filing of a sworn complaint has been sent to a person in the manner required by Subsection (a), the commission may send the person any additional notices regarding the complaint by regular mail unless the person has notified the commission to send all notices regarding the complaint by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 554 (S.B. 1807), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.061. Laws Administered and Enforced by Commission

Sec. 571.061.  LAWS ADMINISTERED AND ENFORCED BY COMMISSION.  (a)  The commission shall administer and enforce:
(1)  Chapters 302, 303, 305, 572, and 2004;
(2)  Subchapter C, Chapter 159, Local Government Code, in connection with a county judicial officer, as defined by Section 159.051, Local Government Code, who elects to file a financial statement with the commission;
(3)  Title 15, Election Code; and
(4)  Sections 2152.064 and 2155.003.
(b)  The commission shall perform any other powers or duties given to the commission under a law listed in Subsection (a).
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 506, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 507, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997;  Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1154, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 937 (H.B. 3560), Sec. 3.07, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.062. Rules

Sec. 571.062.  RULES.  (a)  The commission, on the affirmative vote of at least six members of the commission, may adopt rules to administer this chapter or any other law administered and enforced by the commission.
(b)  Chapter 2001, relating to rules and rulemaking, applies to the commission to the extent consistent with this chapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.063. Rules Concerning Gifts to Regulatory Agency Officers and Employees

Sec. 571.063.  RULES CONCERNING GIFTS TO REGULATORY AGENCY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.  (a)  The commission shall require each regulatory agency in the executive branch to develop rules limiting the acceptance of gifts or other benefits from persons appearing before or regulated by the agency.  The rules must be at least as restrictive as the rules of the commission.
(b)  The commission shall provide for the submission of those rules to the commission for approval.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 571.0631.  RULES CONCERNING TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL VIOLATIONS. The commission shall adopt rules prescribing procedures for investigating and resolving technical and clerical violations of laws within the commission's jurisdiction.  For registrations and reports filed under Chapter 305, the commission shall consider clerical violations to include obvious typographical errors.  A registrant filing a registration or report under Chapter 305 may correct obvious typographical errors without penalty by filing either a corrected registration or report or an updated or amended registration or report.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 604 (H.B. 677), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.064. Reporting and Registration Thresholds

Sec. 571.064.  REPORTING AND REGISTRATION THRESHOLDS.  (a)  If a law administered and enforced by the commission authorizes the commission to determine dollar amounts as reporting or registration thresholds, the commission shall set those thresholds in amounts that are reasonable, are in the public interest, and further the purposes of the reporting or registration law involved.
(b)  If a law administered and enforced by the commission sets dollar amounts or categories of amounts as reporting thresholds or if the commission sets those amounts, the commission annually shall adjust those thresholds upward to the nearest multiple of $10 in accordance with the percentage increase for the previous year in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.0645. Filing Deadline for Electronic Reports

Sec. 571.0645.  FILING DEADLINE FOR ELECTRONIC REPORTS.  The commission shall by rule establish that the deadline for any report filed electronically with the commission is midnight on the last day for filing the report under the law requiring the filing of the report.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 472 (H.B. 2195), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.065. Forms

Sec. 571.065.  FORMS.  (a)  The commission shall prescribe forms for statements and reports required to be filed with the commission.
(b)  The commission shall provide for the distribution of the forms.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.066. Electronic Data Base

Sec. 571.066.  ELECTRONIC DATA BASE.  (a)  The Department of Information Resources shall study the implementation of the most appropriate electronic data base to enhance the commission's abilities to administer this chapter.
(b)  The commission shall:
(1)  establish an electronic data base composed of statements and reports filed with the commission;
(2)  provide the public with access to that data;
(3)  establish a system to provide access by electronic data transmittal processes to that data;
(4)  set and charge a fee for electronic access to the data base in an amount reasonable and necessary to cover the costs of access;  and
(5)  ensure that entries entered on multiple reports may be electronically cross-referenced in the data base.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.067. Computer Software

Sec. 571.067.  COMPUTER SOFTWARE.  The commission may develop computer software to facilitate the discharge of its statutory duties.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.0671. Requirements for Electronic Filing Software

Sec. 571.0671.  REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC FILING SOFTWARE.  (a)  Computer software provided or approved by the commission for use under Section 254.036(b), Election Code, or Section 302.013 or 305.0064 must:
(1)  use a standardized format for the entry of names, addresses, and zip codes;
(2)  provide for secure and encoded transmission of data from the computer of a person filing a report to the computers used by the commission;
(3)  be capable of being used by a person with basic computing skills;
(4)  provide confirmation to a person filing a report that the report was properly received;  and
(5)  permit a person using a computer to prepare a report or to retrieve information from a report to import information to the report from a variety of computer software applications that meet commission specifications for a standard file format or export information from the report to a variety of computer software applications that meet commission specifications for a standard file format without the need to reenter information.
(b)  Before determining the specifications for computer software developed, purchased, or licensed for use under Section 254.036, Election Code, or Section 302.013 or 305.0064, the commission shall conduct at least one public hearing to discuss the specifications.  For at least 10 days following the hearing, the commission shall accept public comments concerning the software specifications.
(c)  The commission may provide software for use under Section 254.036(b), Election Code, or Section 302.013 or 305.0064 by making the software available on the Internet.  If the commission makes the software available on the Internet, the commission is not required to provide the software on computer diskettes, CD-ROMs, or other storage media without charge to persons required to file reports under that section, but may charge a fee for providing the software on storage media.  A fee under this subsection may not exceed the cost to the commission of providing the software.
(d)  Electronic report or financial statement data saved in a commission temporary storage location for later retrieval and editing before the report or financial statement is filed is confidential and may not be disclosed.  After the report or financial statement is filed with the commission, the information disclosed in the filed report or financial statement is public information to the extent provided by the law requiring the filing of the report or financial statement.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1434, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.  Renumbered from Election Code Sec. 254.0361 and amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.08, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 584 (H.B. 3680), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics › Subtitle B - Ethics › Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission › Subchapter C. General Powers and Duties › Section 571.0672. Proposition of Technological Solutions

Sec. 571.0672.  PROPOSITION OF TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS.  The commission shall develop and implement a policy requiring the executive director and commission employees to research and propose appropriate technological solutions to improve the commission's ability to perform its functions.  The technological solutions must:
(1)  ensure that the public is able to easily find information about the commission on the Internet;
(2)  ensure that persons who want to use the commission's services are able to:
(A)  interact with the commission through the Internet;  and
(B)  access any service that can be provided effectively through the Internet;  and
(3)  be cost-effective and developed through the commission's planning processes.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 1.09, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.