TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

Whether a Texas Limited Liability Company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Master Limited Partnership that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange is prohibited by Chapter 253 of the Election Code from making certain political contributions. (AOR 693.)

The Texas Ethics Commission is authorized by section 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 159, Local Government Code; (8) Chapter 36, Penal Code; (9) Chapter 39, Penal Code; (10) Section 2152.064, Government Code; and (11) Section 2155.003, Government 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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400926

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024

How various provisions of title 15 of the Texas Election Code apply to a Texas "purpose trust" formed under Section 112.121, Texas Property Code. (AOR 697.)

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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400927

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024

Whether employees of a state agency may provide a list of preferred items to non-profit entities that would be used in carrying out the agency's mission so long as the gifts are not provided to employees for their personal use or enjoyment. (AOR 698.)

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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400928

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024

Where must candidates for an appraisal district's board of directors file campaign treasurer appointments and campaign finance reports? (AOR 699 and AOR 701.)

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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400929

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024

Whether the purchase of a storage trailer is a normal overhead, administrative, or operating cost of a political party such that contributions from a corporation may be accepted and used for its purchase. (AOR-700.)

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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400930

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024

Whether a state university may provide prizes to randomly selected attendees of sporting events under Chapter 36 of the Penal Code when the recipient of the prize may be a university employee. (AOR 702.)

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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400931

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024

Whether a former elected official who is now an appointed state official may use campaign funds to pay for rent, utility, and other reasonable housing or household expenses incurred in maintaining a residence in Travis County in connection with public duties. (AOR 704.)

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 or opinions@ethics.state.tx.us.

Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2024.

TRD-202400932

James Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: March 1, 2024