TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION

Whether an officer of a state agency meets the definition of an "appointed officer" in Chapter 572 of the Government Code when the officer is not appointed to a term of service fixed in statute or state constitution beyond the default maximum term specified by Article XVI, Section 30(a) of the Texas Constitution. (AOR-717-CI.)

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 November 20, 2024.

TRD-202405633

Jim Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: November 20, 2024

Ethics Advisory Opinion Request

Whether a particular communication is political advertising, as defined by Section 251.001(16) of the Election Code. (AOR 703.)

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 November 20, 2024.

TRD-202405631

Jim Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: November 20, 2024

Does the rule defining a "principal purpose" of a political committee (TEC Rule § 20.1(17)) apply to a nonprofit corporation? If so, what threshold must a nonprofit corporation remain below to avoid becoming a political committee? (AOR-707.)

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 November 20, 2024.

TRD-202405632

Jim Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: November 20, 2024

Whether the generally applicable lobby registration and disclosure requirements apply to a person who lobbies on behalf of a tribal nation. (AOR-718.)

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 November 20, 2024.

TRD-202405634

Jim Tinley

General Counsel

Texas Ethics Commission

Filed: November 20, 2024