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CITY COUNCIL
CITY
OF DISTRICTS 1 & 2
DENTON
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY
MAY 2, 2020 SPECIAL ELECTION
DENTON CANDIDATE PACKET
Section Category Link(s)
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
1. Candidate Letter edia/1719ceOd-b481-4bc4-952d-
a 149820bedOb/Section-01-2020-
Candidate-Letter-S ecial 1.as x
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
2. The City Council—Denton City Charter,Article II (Excerpt) edia/d1801315-4a3c-4b1d-9e03-
acObfedOdbac/Section-02-Charter-
Article-ll-The-Council-Excer t.as x
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
Elections, Initiative, Referendum and Recall—Denton City Charter,Article edia/134aee7e-63ce-4d6f-afe4-
3. III (Excerpt) 84d1b033ccO7/Section-03-Charter-
Article-111-Nominations-and-
Elections-Excer t.as x
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
edia/5322450c-5al d-413b-bd47-
4, Candidate Election Calendar of Important Dates 8aa5a6cal 136/Section-04-2020-
Candidate-Calendar-
S ecial 1.as x
CANDIDACY
5. Conduct of Voting Generally—Texas Election Code, Title 6, Chapter 61 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
EL/htm/EL.61.htm
6. Application For A Place on the City Special Election Ballot(Form 2-21) https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/fo
rms/pol-sub/2-21 f.pdf
Candidate for City Office—Texas Election Code, Title 9, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
7. Chapter 143 EL/htm/EL.143.htm
Degrees of Relationship; Nepotism Prohibition—Government https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
8. Code, Title 5, Chapter 573 GV/htm/GV.573.htm
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
Consanguinity and Affinity Relationship Chart—VTCA Government Code, edia/ff49dcca-425e-46be-a55c-
9, Title 5, Chapter 573, Sections 573.021 a372f7922044/Section-09-
through 573.025 Consanguinity-and-Affinity-
Relationshi -Chart.as x
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
10. Filing Period for Application for a Place on the Special Election Ballot edia/3d93a21d-13d4-4638-9f61-
273728985dOd/Section-10-Notice-
of-Filin -Period-S ecial.as x
Code of Fair Campaign Practices (Form CFCP)—Texas Ethics https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/f
Commission orms/coh/cfcp.pdf
11. & https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/D
Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 258 ocs/EL/htm/EL.258.htm
https://www.cityofdenton.com/getm
12. City of Denton Election Code of Ethics edia/5f33c294-7443-43c8-aO68-
4847b10f9e5a/Section-12-Denton-
Code-of-Ethics.as x
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getm
First Steps for Candidates Running for a City Office—Texas Ethics edia/df9a881 b-dbde-4244-9155-
13. Commission 90154adeebbe/Section-1 3-First-
Ste s-for-Candidates.as x
IF
Table of Contents Candidate Packet
May 2,2020 Special Election
Page 2 of 4
CAMPAIGN TREASURER
14. Campaign Treasurer—Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 252— https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
EL/htm/EL.252.htm
Appointment of A Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate—Instruction https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/for
15. Guide—Texas Ethics Commission ms/coh/CTA ins.pdf
Appointment of A Campaign Treasurer By A Candidate(Form CTA)— https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/for
16. Texas Ethics Commission ms/coh/e_cta.pdf
Amendment:Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer By A Candidate https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/for
17. — Instruction Guide—Texas Ethics Commission ms/coh/ACTA_ins.pdf
Amendment of a Campaign Treasurer By A Candidate (Form ACTA)— https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/for
18. Texas Ethics Commission ms/coh/acta.pdf
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING AND REGULATIONS
Guide to A Local Filing Authority's Duties Under The Campaign Finance https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/reso
19. Law—Texas Ethics Commission urces/guides/coh local quide.pdf
A Brief Overview of the Texas Ethics Commission and its Duties— https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/abou
20. Texas Ethics Commission VBethic.pdf
Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates&Officeholders Who https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/resources
21. File With Local Filing Authorities—Texas Ethics Commission / ug ides/
2020 Filing Schedule For Reports Due in Connection With Elections https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/filing
22• Held On Uniform Election Dates—Texas Ethics Commission info/schedules/s20uniform.pdf
Regulating Political Funds and Campaigns—Texas Election Code, Title https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
23• 15, Chapter 251 EL/htm/EL.251.htm
Restrictions of Contributions&Expenditures—Texas Election Code, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
24• Title 15, Chapter 253 EL/htm/EL.253.htm
25. Political Reporting—Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 254 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
EL/htm/EL.254.htm
Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report- Instruction https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
26• Guide—Texas Ethics Commission s/coh/COH_ins.pdf
Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Report(Form C/OH) and Designation https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
27. of Final Report(Form C/OH-FR—Texas Ethics Commission s/coh/coh.pdf
Correction/Amendment Affidavit For Candidate/Officeholder https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
28. (Form COR-C/OH)—Texas Ethics Commission s/coh/cor coh.pdf
Candidate/Officeholder Report of Unexpended Contributions Instruction https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
29. Guide—Texas Ethics Commission s/coh/COHuc_ins.pdf
Candidate/Officeholder Report of Unexpended Contributions(Form https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
30. C/OH-UC)—Texas Ethics Commission I s/coh/coh_uc.pdf
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Personal Financial Disclosure, Standards of Conduct, and Conflict of https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/statu
31. Interest—Texas Government Code, Chapter 572 tes/ch572.pdf
Helpful Hints for Filing Your Personal Financial Statement—Texas https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/reso
32• Ethics Commission urces/guides/Bpfs.pdf
Personal Financial Statement, Instruction Guide—Texas https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
33. Ethics Commission s/pfs/PFS_ins.pdf
Personal Financial Statement(PFS)—Texas Ethics Commission https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
s/ fs/ fs20-LOCAL. df
34. Personal Financial Statement(PFS—Local)—Texas Ethics https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
Commission(electronic fillable form) s/pfs/e_pfs20-LOCAL.pdf
Table of Contents Candidate Packet
May 2,2020 Special Election
Page 3 of 4
POLITICAL ADVERTISING
City of Denton Code of Ordinances, Chapter 33—Signs and Advertising, https://library.municode.com/tx/denton/
35. Section 33.16.3 codes/code of ordinances?nodeld=SP
BLADECO CH33SIADDE S33-16TESI
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getme
36 City of Denton Political Signage At-A-Glance dia/008e4a07-2e92-4c2e-960c-
20b8c9061766/Section-36-Denton-
Political-Si na e.as x
Short Guide to the Prohibition Against Using Political Subdivision https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/resources
37• Resources for Political Advertising in Connection With An Election— /advertising/Bsub_adv.php
Texas Ethics Commission
Political Advertising:What You Need to Know—Texas Ethics https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/reso
38. Commission urces/advertising/Gpol adv.pdf
Regulating Political Advertising&Campaign Communications https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
39 —Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 255 EL/htm/EL.255.htm
40. Political Signs—Texas Department of Transportation http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-
info/row/ olitical-si ns. df
https://www.txdot.gov/inside-
41. Campaign Signs-TxDOT txdot/division/right-of-way/campalqn-
sigLq,.html
POLL WATCHERS AND INSPECTORS
42• Watchers—Texas Election Code, Title 3, Chapter 33 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
EL/htm/EL.33.htm
43. https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/for
Poll Watcher's Guide—Texas Secretary of State, Elections Division ms/pollwatchers-
2018. df#search= oll%20watcher
44. Appointment of Poll Watcher By A Candidate On The Ballot Or https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/for
Declared Write—In Candidate (Form AW4-16)and Instructions ms/pol-sub/4-16f.pdf
—Texas Ethics Commission
45. State Inspectors—Texas Election Code, Title 3, Chapter 34 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/
EL/htm/EL.34.htm
46. Request for Inspectors (Form 4-19)—Texas Secretary of State, https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/for
Elections Division ms/pol-sub/4-19f.pdf
BLANK FORMS [ELECTRONIC PACKET ONLY]
https://www.citvofdenton.com/getme
Application For A Place on the City Special Election Ballot dia/64c1d7b6-efdf-4e08-a1eb-
47. (English/Spanish) (Form 2-21) b088ff38e2a3/Section-47-2020-
Application-for-a-Place-on-the-
S ecial-Election-Ballot.as x
Appointment of A Campaign Treasurer By A Candidate(Form https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
48. CTA) s/coh/cta.pdf
49. Amendment of a Campaign Treasurer By A Candidate(Form ACTA) https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
s/coh/acta.pdf
50. Code of Fair Campaign Practices(Form CFCP) https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
s/coh/cfcp.pdf
Appointment of Poll Watcher By A Candidate On the Ballot Or Declared https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/for
51. Write—in Candidate (Form AW4-16) ms/pol-sub/4116f.pdf
52. Request for Inspectors (Form AW4-19) https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/for
ms/pol-sub/4-19f.pdf
Table of Contents Candidate Packet
May 2,2020 Special Election
Page 4 of 4
Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Report and Designation of Final https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
53. Report Form C/OH s/coh/coh.pdf
54. Correction Affidavit of Candidate/Officeholder(Form COR—C/OH) https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
s/coh/cor_coh.pdf
Candidate/Officeholder Report of Unexpended Contributions(Form https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
55. C/OH—UC) s/coh/coh_uc.pdf
56. Personal Financial Statement(Form PFS) [Electronic Fillable Version] https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/data/form
s/pfs/e_pfs20-LOCAL.pdf
CANDIDATE LETTER
NAY 2, 2020 SPECIAL ELECTION
Y TYCOLNCIL DISTRICTS 1 AND 2
1M C 2
MMM
DENTON
December 27, 2019
This Candidate Packet is prepared to acquaint candidates with applicable City regulations, as well as State and local legal
requirements related to running for City Council The packet contains much information, but is not all-inclusive of the laws
goveming elections. Therefore,we recommend you familiarize yourselfwith information provided in this packet and contact the
noted authority should you have any questions. Contact information for those authorities listed is provided later in this letter
(Candidate Packet,Section 1).
ELECTION DAY,RESIDENCY AND QUALIFICATIONS
On Saturday,Nhy 2,2020,qualified residents of enton will elect members to the Denton City Council for Places 1 and 2,during
a Special Election. The specific requirements for each Place are the following:
• Shall have domiciled for at least one year next preceding his or her election within the corporate limits of Denton, shall
continuously be domiciled within the corporate limits of Denton, and as follows when seeking office for the particular seat
noted below.
• If running for District 1 or 2, must reside in the respective district for which office is sought for at least one year
preceding his or her election and throughout the term ofoffice.
Additional qualifications are as follows:
• Be a United States citizen.
• Be a registered voter ofthe city at the time of filing for office.
• Be 18 years of age or older on or before the first day ofthe term in which they are elected
• Have not been determined mentally incompetent by a final judgment of a court.
• Have not been finally convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the
resulting disabilities.
• Not be in arrears in the payment ofany taxes or other liabilities due the City ofanton.
• Have resided continuously in Texas on or before one year preceding the filing deadline.
• Shall have and maintain the eligibility requirements for municipal officers set forth in Section 141.001 ofthe Texas Election
Code,Vemon's Texas Civil Statutes Annotated hereinafter referred to as 'Election Code"as it may nowread or hereafter be
amended.
• Shall not hold any other public office of emolument.
• ff a member of the council shall, after being elected, cease to possess any of the above-noted qualifications or eligibility
requirements,or shall hold another office of emolument,or enter a plea of guilty to a felony, or be convicted of a felony,he
or she shall immediately forfeit his or her office.
Article 11(IFE COUNCIL)ofthe Denton City Charter(excerpt provided)contains information relative to City Council composition,
roles and responsibilities. AM version ofthe City Charter can be found on the City's website. (See Candidate Packet,Section
2)
Article III(NOMNATIONS AND ELECTIONS)ofthe Denton City Charter(excerpt provided)covers the annual order/regulation of
elections, application for candidacy and runoffelections. AU version of the City Charter can be found on the City's website.
(See Candidate Packet,Section 3)]
City Council Candidates
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"ORTANT DATES/CALENDAR
• CANDIDATE ELECTION CALENDAR OF MORTANT DATES—City Secretary's Office
[Provides important dates related to the Nhy 2,2020 Special Election. (See Candidate Packet,Section 4)]
• DRAVX�G FOR BALLOT POSITION—City Secretary's Office
[The Texas Election Code requires the order in which candidates are listed on the ballot be detemvned by a drawing. The
drawing will be held at 11:00 a.m.,Nbnday,March 9,2020,in the City ofDenton Council Chambers,215 E.NtKmney. The
candidate or their representative may draw for the ballot position. If a candidate or representative is not at the drawing,the
city secretary will draw on behalf of the candidate. An additional notification will be sent as the date draws near. Staff will
also be providing a presentation covering political signs.]
CANDIDACY
• CONDUCT OF NUTIlVC"GENERALLY—Texas Election Code,Title 6,Chapter 61—Secretary of State
[Provides ir&rmation on expected conduct during the election process. (See Candidate Packet,Section 5)]
• APPLICATION FOR A PLACE ON THE CITY OF DENTON SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT AND INSTRUCTIONS] —
Secretary of State
[The Application must be signed before a Notary Public and be accurately completed in its entirety. Notary Public services
are available from the City Secretary's Office at no cost As the Application is a swum document,it cannot be changed once
filed. Fomaal review of the Application and conformance with the requirements set forth earlier will be conducted after its
submission. (See Candidate Packet,Section 6)
Also included are the following:
o Texas Government Code,Title 9,Chapter 143(Candidate for City Office). (See Candidate Packet, Section
7)
o Texas Government Code, Title 5, Chapter 573 (Degrees of Relationship; Nepotism Prohibition). (See
Candidate Packet,Section 8)
o Related Consanguinity and Affinity Relationship Chart. (See Candidate Packet,Section 9)]
• FI[1NG PERIOD FOR APPLICATION FOR APLACE ON THE DENTON SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT-Secretary of State
[The first day to file for office is 8 a.m.,Wednesday,February 5, 2020. The last day to file for office is 5 p.m., Tuesday,
Nhrch 3,2020. Candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline to allow sufficient time to address any filing
deficiencies that may be identified during the formal reviewperiod. (See Candidate Packet, Section 10)]
• CODE OF FAIR CM&AIGNPRACTICES(FORMCFCP)—Secretary of State
[Also included is Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 258 (Fair Campaign Practices). THIS FORM IS STRICTLY
NUUMARY. The Texas Election Code encourages every candidate subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
This form may be submitted at any time. (See Candidate Packet, Section 11)]
• CTTYOF DENTON CODE OF ELECTION ETHICS—City Secretary's Office
[In 2001, the City of Denton established the Code of Election Ethics to foster truthful, fair and open campaigns for public
office. While candidates are encouraged to subscribe to the City ofDenton Code ofElection Ethics,acceptance is voluntary.
This form may be submitted at any time. (See Candidate Packet,Section 12)]
• FIRSTSTEPS FORCANDIDATES RLINI�FOR AMY OFFICE—Texas Ethics Commission
[This is an at-a-glance guide on certain requirements offiling for candidacy and applicability ofreporting requirements. (See
Candidate Packet,Section 13)]
City Council Candidates
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CAN AIGN TREASURER
• APPOININE NT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE(FORM CIA)AND INSTRUCTION GUIDE—Texas
Ethics Commission
[This form must be filed BEFORE any funds can be collected or expended for campaign purposes,or at the time offiling for
candidacy,whichever comes first. Candidates may appoint themselves as their own campaign treasurer. (See Candidate
Packet,Sections 14, 15,and 16)]
• Al\ ENf:APPOINIIVENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE(FORM ACTA)AND INSTRUCTION
GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[Also includes Texas Election Code, Title 15 Chapter 252 (Campaign Treasurer). A campaign treasurer or information
contained in the original form filed may be changed at any time. Changes can only be made by using this form. Only the
information being changed from the original CTA or previously filed ACTA should be noted on this form. (See Candidate
Packet,Sections 17 and 18)]
POLITICAL ACITVfIY/C"AIGN CONIMUITONS
The City ofDenton does not linritt employees frompublicly endorsing a candidate,placing a yard sign on private property,wearing
or distributing campaign material,making financial contributions,or campaigning for a candidate,are permissible under City policy
so long as those activities take place while the employee is off-duty and does not include the use of any City equipment or
resources.
The Texas Election Code sets faith certain requirements for campaign contributions/expenditures. Important information is noted
below.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND OTHER REPORTING REGULATIONS
• `GUIDE TO LOCAL FRINGAUITTORITY'S DUTIES UNDER TEE CANPAIGNFINANCELAW'—Texas Ethics Commission
[Explains the responsibilities ofthe City Secretary's Office under the Texas campaign finance law. In summary,this office is
required to make forms available,accept certain filings but does not regulate the content ofthose filings and is not required
to remind filers ofreporting deadlines. (See Candidate Packet,Section 19)]
• `ABRIEF OVERVIEWOF THE TEXAS ETHICS CO"&SION AND ITS DUTIES"—Texas Ethics Commission
[Provides information on the forms mandated and administered by the Texas Ethics Commission and outlines their area of
authority. (See Candidate Packet,Section 20)]
• CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH FOCAL FILM
AUTHORITIES—Texas Ethics Commission
[This guide helps candidates gain a better understanding as to the reporting requirements for campaign finance reports.
(See Candidate Packet,Section 21)]
• 2020 FILING SCHEDULE FOR REPORTS DUE IN CONNECTION WITH ELECTIONS HELD ON UNIFORM ELECTION
DATES—Texas Ethics Commission
[This schedule outlines filing deadlines for campaign finance reporting as related to the Nhy 2,2020 Special Election. It also
notes deadlines for semi-annualreports required tobe filed depending on when the original Campaign Treasurer Appointment
(CTA)formwas filed. (See Candidate Packet,Section 22)]
• REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CANFAIGNS—Texas Election Code, Title 15, Chapter 251, General Provisions
—Texas Ethics Commission
[Requirements on political fund expenditures and submittal of campaign finance reports. (See Candidate Packet, Section
23)]
City Council Candidates
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• RESTRICTIONS ONCONTRIBUITONS ANDE)TENDIITJRES—Texas Election Code,Title 15,Chapter 253—Texas Ethics
Commission
[Restrictions relative to political fund expenditures and submittal of campaign finance reports. (See Candidate Packet,
Section 24)]
• POLITICAL REPORTING—Texas Election Code,Title 15,Chapter 254—Terms Ethics Commission
[Requirements on political fund expenditures and submittal of campaign finance reports and the contents of those reports.
1Vbst candidates will be required to file at least tvw Title 15 reports although those involved in a runoff election will have to
file an additional report. Candidates will be required to file semiannual report(s)until a DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT
form is filed. However,filing of a Candidate/Officeholder Report of Unexpended Contributions may still be required.
o The 30THDAYBEFORE SPECIAL ELECTION(Thursday,April 2,2020 due date at 5 p.m.)report covers the period
beginning on the day a campaign treasurer was appointed or the first day after the period covered by the last required
report,as applicable,and continuing through the 40th day before the election(Nbnday,March 23,2020).
o The 8TH DAY BEFORE SPECIAL ELECTION(Friday, April 24, 2020 due date at 5 p.m.)report covers the period
beginning on the 39th day before the election(Tuesday,March 24,2020)and continuing through the loth day before
the election(Wednesday,April 22,2020).
o The 8TH DAY BEFORE RUNOFF ELECTION(Friday, June 5, 2020 due date at 5 p.m.)report covers the period
beginning the day after the last day covered in the 8th Day Before Special Election report(Thursday,April 23,2020)and
continuing through the 1 Oth day before r uloffelection day(Wednesday,June 3,2020). This ir&n-nation is based on the
expectation the runoff election will be held Saturday, June 13, 2020, which is subject to change at this point.
NOTE: Candidates will be notified of the official date for the runoff election,if applicable.
Carefully read the Election Code requirements and the Texas Ethics Commissions'instructions included with report forms to
ensure all required reports are timely/accurately filed. Submission deadlines and reporting periods applicable to each filing
are fuarther outlined in the Candidate Calendar provided in this packet. (See Candidate Packet,Section 25)]
• CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTTINAL REPORT (FORNE C/OH and C/0I-1-FR) AND
INSTRUCTION GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commis Sion
[These provide the schedules and instructions on applicable contributions and expenditures reported on running a campaign.
All reports are filed with the City Secretary's Office. It is important candidates understand the importance of adhering to
reporting requirements. Questions or complaints regarding filed reports must be directed to the Texas Ethics Commission.
o This section includes Form C/OnFR(last page). Filing this form temninates the campaign treasurer appointment,but
will not necessarily end the requirement to file campaign finance reports. (See Candidate Packet, Sections 26 and
27)]
• CORRECTION/MVM DN AFFIDAVIT FOR CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER(FORM COR C/OH)AND INSTRUCTION
GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[This form allows corrections to previously filed reports. The affidavit must identify the information being changed. (See
Candidate Packet,Section 28)]
• CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOIDER REPORT OF UNEVENDED CONTRIBUTIONS (FORM GOH UCH AND INSTRUCTION
GUIDE—Texas Ethics Commission
[If the candidate had unexpended political contributions,interest,assets,or other money earned from political contributions
at the time a final report was filed,this report is required annually. This report is required until a report ofthe final disposition
ofunexpended contributions has been filed. (See Candidate Packet,Sections 29 and 30)]
City Council Candidates
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PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATENENT
Candidates are required to file a Personal Financial Statement(FormPFS). The form,instruction guide,hints and regulations are
provided. Officeholders and candidates holding or running for an elected office in municipalities with populations of 100,000
or more are required to file this form. The candidate's deadline for filing the PFS is 5 p.m., Nbnday, March 23, 2020,
with the City Secretary's Office, Denton City Hall, 215 E. McKinney. It is important you utilize the form provided with the
candidate packet to ensure you use the most current form provided by the State. The reporting period is
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. (See Candidate Packet, Sections 31,32,33,and 34)]
POLITICAL ADVERTISING
The City of Denton, State of Texas and Texas Department of Transportation(TxDOT)set forth certain requirements/restrictions
on political signs on residential property and public rights-of--way. See below.
• DENTON CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 33-Signs and Advertising Devices, Section 33.16.3—Denton Development
Services,Zoning Compliance Division
[Requires that political signs in residential neighborhoods cannot exceed a size of thirty-six(36)square feet and be more
than eight(8)feet high.The City of Denton prohibits the placement of political signs in the City public right-of-way,as this is
a public safety issue. (See Candidate Packet,Sections 35 and 36)]
• `A SHORT GUIDE TO THE PROHBIIION AGAINST USING POLITICAL SUBDIVISION RESOURCES FOR POLITICAL
ADVERTISING IN CONNECTION WITH AN EIECTION'—Texas Ethics Commission
[Provides information relative to the prohibition of using City resources for political advertising for the generaYspeciaUrunoff
elections. (See Candidate Packet,Section 37)]
• `i'OLTITCALADVERTISING:WHAT YOUNEED TO KNOW'—Texas Ethics Connnission
[Outlines state-mandated disclosures/notices on political advertising. (See Candidate Packet,Section 38)]
• REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTIS M AND CANPAIGN COMA N[CAIIONS—Texas Election Code,Title 15,Chapter
255—Secretary of State
[Outlines legal requirements/restrictions on political advertising. Section 255.007 of the Texas Election Code requires the
following notice be written on each political advertising sign:
'NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393,
TRANSPORTATION CODE),TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAYOF A
HIGHWAY"
(See Candidate Packet,Section 39)]
• POLITICAL SIGNS—Texas Department of Transportation(TxDOT)
[Regulates the placement ofpolitical signs on state highways. (See Candidate Packet,Sections 40)
• CANPAIGN SIGNS—TxDOT
[Addresses TxDOT's role and enforcement for wrongfully placing campaign signs on right ofways,trees,telephone poles,
traffic signs and private property. (See Candidate Packet,Section 41)]
City Council Candidates
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POLL WATCHERS AND INSPECTORS
• APPOMNINT OF POLL WA=R BY CANDIDATE ON TIE BALLOT OR DECLARED WRITE-1N CANDIDATE AND
POLL WATCHER'S GUIDE AND INSTRUCTIONS—Secretary of State
[Also includes Texas Election Code, Title 3, Chapter 33 (Watchers). THIS IS STRICTLYOPTIONAL. Ilowever, should a
poll watcher be appointed, they should be provided a copy of the Watcher's Guide to ensure an understanding of their
responsibilities and limitations that apply to this appointment.(See Candidate Packet,Sections 42,43,and 44)]
• STATE INSPECTORS—TEXAS ELECTION CODE,=3,CHAPTER 34—Secretary of State
[THIS IS STRICTLY OPTIONAL Arequest may be submitted to the Secretary of State for state inspectors'observation of
activities within polling locations. The request can be made on the form provided in this packet and must be fully executed
before submitting it to the Secretary of State. The due date to submit the forth is no later than the fourth business day before
the election in which inspectors are requested(Tuesday,April28,2020). (See Candidate Packet,Sections 45 and 46)]
CANDIDATE INFORMATION IS PUBLIC INFORMATION
All information a candidate files with the City Secretary's Office in relation to candidacy or election to public office becomes a
public record at time offiling and is provided in accordance with the Texas Public lrtfor oration Act.
INFORTANCE OF UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION
The mailing address indicated on the Application for a Place on the Special Election Ballot,Campaign Treasurer Appointment,or
Amendment of Campaign Treasurer will be used to notify candidates about election related matters. It is important candidates
notify this office ofany contact information change(s).
CONTACT INFORMATION
City Secretary's Office
• Rosa Rios,City Secretary,City of Denton 940-349-8309
ros a.rios Ca�cityofdenton.corn
• Zolaina Palker,Deputy City Secretary,City ofanton 940-349-7735
zolaina.parket a cityofdenton.com
• Jane Richardson,Assistant City Secretary,City ofanton 940-349-8304
lane.richardsonAcj!yofdenton.com
Denton Development Services,Zoning Compliance Division
• Caleb Norris,Zoning Compliance Division 940-349-7454
caleb.nonis(a�cci yofdenton.cotn
• Justin James,Zoning Compliance Division 940-349-7457
iustin.james ityofdenton.com
• Denton County Elections Department 940-349-3200
wwwvotedenton.com/
• Secretary of State,Elections Division 800-252-8683
• wwwsos.state.tx.us
• Texas Department ofTransportation 800-558-9368
www.txdot.gov/
• Texas Ethics Commission 512-463-5800
vwvw ethics.state.tx.us
• U.S.Department ofJustice 202-514-2000
www.usdoi
City Council Candidates
IVky 2,2020 Special Election
Page 7 of DENTON
CANDIDATE REQUESTS FOR MORMATION
In order to provide the most efficient service for candidates during this election season, please direct all requests for
infon-nation to my attention at rosa.rios(a)cityofdenton.com rather than contacting individual city departments. We will coordinate
with the proper department(s) to provide the requested inbimation through this office. Readily available information will
be provided at no cost to candidates and/or representatives of candidates. HoAever, the City reserves the right to assess
charges to requests that are considered beyond readily accessible information.
All requests/responses to candidate requests for information will be posted to the City of Denton's website
at www.cityofdenton.com/vote.
SLAMARY
This Candidate Packet may include revised forms from those provided in previous years. Therefore,please ensure the forms
contained in this packet are used. While many of the forms listed have been linked to the appropriate source, hard copies of
these forms can be obtained from this office. This packet is designed to provide valuable information on
responsibilities/requirements of filing for candidacy. Do not hesitate to contact the proper authority ifyou have questions.
Thank you for your interest in serving our community.
Respectfully,
-eg
Rosa Rios Zolai Parker
City Secretary City Secretary
12/19/2019 Denton,TX Code of Ordinances
ARTICLE II. -THE COUNCIL
Sec. 2.01. - Number, selection and term.
(a) The city council shall have seven (7) members, six(6)councilpersons and a mayor.The manner of their
election is prescribed herein. Each councilperson shall be elected to and occupy a place on the council,
such places being numbered one(1),two(2),three(3),four(4),five (5)and six(6).The mayor's position
on the council shall be place seven (7).
(b) Four(4) members of the council whose positions shall be places one (1),two (2),three (3)and four(4),
shall be residents of and elected by the qualified voters of single-member geographical districts of the
city, known as districts one (1),two (2),three (3)and four(4), as such districts may from time to time be
determined by the city council in accordance with Section 2.01(d), and created and described by
ordinance.Two (2) members of the council and the mayor shall be elected by the qualified voters of the
entire city, commonly known as at large. One(1)at large member, place five (5), shall be a resident of
district one (1) or two (2), and one (1)at large member, place six(6), shall be a resident of district three(3)
or four(4).
(c) (1) Each member of the council including the mayor shall hold a place on the city council, and shall be
elected to such place for a two-year term. No member of the council or the mayor,who has been
elected to three(3) consecutive full terms in a place, shall be eligible to file for election for that same
place,whether elected before or after the effective date of this provision,without having first been
off the council for at least one annual council election cycle. Nothing herein shall be deemed to
prohibit the council members or the mayor from being elected to other places on the council or as
mayor, so long as otherwise eligible, except that no council member or the mayor shall be elected to
or serve for more than twelve(12) consecutive years.
(2) A person who has become ineligible to serve pursuant to Section 2.01(c)(1)shall not be eligible to be
elected to a place on the council or as mayor without having first been off the council for at least
one annual council election cycle, after which such person shall regain eligibility for office, if
otherwise eligible under this Charter.
(d) The council shall from time to time create and describe by ordinance election districts known as districts
one(1),two(2), three(3) and four(4). Such districts shall be created so that each will contain, as nearly as
possible, a population equivalent to the others, according to the latest available census data.
(Ord. No. 76-12,Amend. No. 1,4-5-76; Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 2009-199,Amend. No. 1,
9-1-09, ratified 11-3-09)
Sec. 2.02.-Qualifications.
(a) Each member of the council, in addition to having the other qualifications prescribed by law:
(1) Shall be registered to vote in the city;
(2) Shall have domiciled for at least one year next preceding his or her election within the corporate
limits of Denton and, if running within a single member geographic district, or at large place five(5)
requiring a domicile in district one(1) or two(2), or at large place six(6) requiring a domicile in
district three (3) or four(4), as set forth in Section 2.01,for at least one year preceding his or her
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election in the district in which elected; further, shall continuously be domiciled within the corporate
limits of Denton and, if elected within a single member geographic district, or at large place five(5)
requiring a domicile in district one(1) or two(2), or at large place six(6) requiring a domicile in
district three (3) or four(4), in the district in which elected throughout his or her term of office.
(3) Shall not hold any other public office of emolument;
(4) Shall have and maintain the eligibility requirements for municipal officers set forth in Section
141.001 of the Texas Election Code,Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes Annotated hereinafter referred to
as "Election Code" as it may now read or hereafter be amended.
(b) If a member of the council shall, after being elected, cease to possess any of these qualifications or
eligibility requirements, or shall hold another office of emolument, or enter a plea of guilty to a felony, or
be convicted of a felony he or she shall immediately forfeit his or her office.
(c) City Councilmember Stipend. Each member of the City Council shall receive compensation in the form of
a monthly stipend as set forth in this section.The initial monthly stipend shall be seven hundred fifty
dollars($750.00)for each member of the City Council elected from a district or at large position, and one
thousand dollars($1,000.00)for the Mayor elected at large.These initial amounts shall become effective
on ratification of this charter provision.
City Council may, by a separate ordinance, approve an adjustment in the stipend no more frequently than
once per fiscal year, but no increase in such compensation shall take effect until commencement of the
terms of the Mayor and/or Council Members elected at the next regular election.Any increase in the
amount of the stipend shall not exceed three (3) percent of the then-current stipend amount unless
approved by a two-thirds(2/3)vote of the Council.The stipend shall be reported in the annual city budget as
a separate line item.
(Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 99-057,Amend. No. 5, 2-16-99, ratified 5-1-99; Ord. No. 2009-
199,Amend. No. 2, 9-1-09, ratified 11-3-09; Ord. No. 2017-237, § 1(Amends.A, E), 8-15-17, ratified 11-7-17; Ord. No.
2017-373, § 2(Props.A, E), 11-20-17)
Sec. 2.03. - Presiding officer: Mayor and mayor pro tem.
The mayor shall preside at the meetings of the council and shall be recognized as head of the city government for
all ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purposes of martial law, but shall not interfere with the managerial
duties and responsibilities of the city manager.The mayor shall have all the same powers and privileges as any other
councilmember, including entitlement to vote upon all matters considered by the council, but shall have no veto power.
The council shall, as soon as possible after the annual election, elect from its membership a mayor pro tem.The mayor
pro tem shall act as mayor during the absence or disability of the mayor.
(Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 2009-199,Amend. No. 3, 9-1-08, ratified 11-3-09)
Sec. 2.04. -Vacancies in council.
Where a vacancy in any place on the council, including that of mayor, shall occur,the vacant place shall be filled by a
special election, and,where necessary, by a runoff election, in the same manner as provided in this Charter for the
regular election of the councilperson. Such special election shall be held on the first authorized uniform election date
following the creation of the vacancy occurring on or after the thirtieth day after the date the election is ordered.The
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runoff election,where necessary, shall be held in accordance with the requirements of the Election Code and all other
applicable laws; provided, however,that where a vacancy shall occur within one hundred and twenty(120)days of a
regular election, no special election to fill the vacancy shall be called, unless more than one vacancy occurs.
(Ord. No. 76-12,Amend. No. 2,4-5-76; Ord. No. 99-057,Amend. No. 6, 2-16-99, ratified 5-1-99; Ord. No. 2009-199,
Amend. No. 3, 9-1-09, ratified 11-3-09)
Sec. 2.05. - Meetings of the council.
(a) As soon as practicable after each city council election and in accordance with state law,the council shall
meet at the city hall and the newly-elected members shall qualify and assume the duties of office.
Thereafter,the council shall meet regularly at city hall at such times as may be prescribed by its rules but
not less frequently than once each calendar month. Special called meetings may be held from time to
time at city hall or other locations accessible to the public.
(b) Special meetings shall be called by the city secretary upon request of the mayor, city manager, or a
majority of the members of the council.
(c) The city manager shall attend all meetings of the council and may take part in the discussion of all
matters coming before the council but shall have no vote.
(Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 2006-232,Amend. No. 3, 8-28-06, ratified 11-7-06)
Sec. 2.06. -Quorum,voting.
(a) A majority of the members of the council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and
the affirmative vote of a majority of the council shall be necessary to repeal any ordinance or take any
official action in the name of the city, except as otherwise provided in this Charter or by the general laws
of the State of Texas.
(b) The ayes and noes shall be taken upon the passage of all ordinances or resolutions and the vote of each
member shall be recorded in the minutes.
(Ord. No. 76-12,Amend. No. 3,4-5-76; Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80)
Sec. 2.07. - Rules of procedure, minutes.
The council shall determine its own rules of procedure and order of business. Except as may otherwise be provided
by state law, such as certain executive sessions under the Texas Open Meetings Act, being Chapter 551 of the Texas
Government Code, minutes of all meetings of the council shall be taken and preserved as a permanent record open to
the public for inspection.
(Ord. No. 2006-232,Amend. No. 4, 8-28-06, ratified 11-7-06)
Sec. 2.08. - Powers of the council.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter all powers of the city and the determination of all matters of policy
shall be vested in the council. Without limitation of the powers granted or delegated to the city by the Constitution,
statutes, or this Charter,the council shall have power to:
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(a) Appoint and remove the city manager.
(b) Appoint and remove the city attorney,the city auditor, and the municipal court judge.
(c) Approve members of all boards, commissions and committees serving the city.
(d) Adopt the budget of the city.
(e) Fix the salary of the city manager, city auditor, city attorney, and the municipal court judge.
(f) Authorize by ordinance the issuance of bonds, assignments of revenue or warrants.
(g) Approve plats.
(h) Adopt and modify the official map of the city.
(i) Adopt and modify the zoning plan, including any and all zoning and land use regulations to the
fullest extent allowed by law.
Q) Provide for the establishment and designation of fire limits and prescribe the kind and character of
buildings, structures, or improvements which may be erected therein, and provide for the
condemnation of dangerous or dilapidated buildings or structures which increase the fire hazard
and the manner of their removal or destruction.
(k) Adopt and modify the building code.
(1) After receiving a recommendation from the planning commission adopt, modify and carry out plans
proposed by the planning commission for the clearance of slum districts and rehabilitation of
blighted areas, and for the replanning, improvement and redevelopment of any area or district
which may have been destroyed in whole or in part by disaster.
(m) Regulate, license and fix the charges or fares made by any person,firm or corporation owning,
operating or controlling any vehicle of any character used for the carrying of passengers for hire or
the transportation of freight for hire on the public streets or alleys of the city.
(n) Provide by ordinance for the exercise of the police powers of the city.
(o) Establish and maintain a free public library and to cooperate for such purposes with any person,
firm, association or political subdivision in the manner prescribed by ordinance.
(p) Provide by ordinance for the exercise by this city of any and all powers of local self-government not
made self-enacting by this charter or by statute.
(q) Inquire into the conduct of any office, department or agency of the city and make investigations of
municipal affairs.
(r) Provide for an independent audit.
(s) Perform the districting and redistricting function.
(Ord. No. 76-12,Amend. No. 4,4-5-76; Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 2006-232,Amend. No. 5,
8-28-06, ratified 11-7-06)
Sec. 2.09. -Ordinances.
(a) In addition to such acts of the council as are required by statutes or by this charter to be by ordinance,
every act of the council establishing a fine or other penalty or providing for the expenditure of funds or
for the contracting of indebtedness, shall be by ordinance.The enacting clause of all ordinances shall be:
"The Council of the City of Denton hereby ordains:"
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(b) Every ordinance shall be introduced in written, printed, or electronic form and passed in compliance with SE
of this Article, authenticated by the signatures of the mayor(or mayor pro tem)and the city secretary and
systematically recorded in an ordinance book in a manner approved by the council. It shall be necessary to
the caption or title of each ordinance in the minutes of the council.
(c) A full text of every penal ordinance, or in lieu thereof a descriptive caption or title stating in summary the
purpose of the ordinance and the penalty for violation thereof, shall be published at least twice in the
official newspaper of the City of Denton within ten (10)days after the passage of such ordinance;
provided that any penal ordinance shall become effective not less than fourteen (14) days from the date
of its passage.All other ordinances, except those specifically required by this charter to be published, are
not required to be published in either the official newspaper of the city or in any other publication, and
such ordinances shall become effective upon passage or on the date specified therein.
(d) The council shall have power to cause the ordinances of the city to be corrected, amended, revised,
codified and printed in code form as often as the council deems necessary and advisable, and such
printed code, when adopted by the council, shall be in full force and effect without the necessity of
publishing the same or any part thereof in the official newspaper except that the ordinance adopting the
same shall be published one time in the official newspaper of the city. Such printed code shall be
admitted in evidence in all courts and places without further proof.
(Ord. No. 2006-232,Amend. No. 6, 8-28-06, ratified 11-7-06)
Sec. 2.10.-Council not to interfere in appointments or removals.
Neither the council nor any of its members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his or her
removal from, office by any officer appointed by the city council under Section 2.08 of this Charter or by any of his or
her subordinates. Except for the purpose of inquiry,the council and its members shall deal with the administrative
service solely through the officers appointed by the city council and neither the council nor any member thereof shall
give orders to any subordinates of the officers appointed by the city council, either publicly or privately.
(Ord. No. 2009-199,Amend. No. 4, 9-1-09, ratified 11-3-09)
Sec. 2.11.- Employee bonds.
The council shall require bonds of all municipal officers and employees who receive or pay out any monies of the
city.The amount of such bonds shall be determined by the council and the cost thereof shall be borne by the city.
Sec. 2.12.-City secretary.
The city secretary shall be appointed by the city manager subject to the approval of the council. He shall serve as
clerk of the council,give notice of its meetings, keep the journal of its proceedings, authenticate by his signature and
record in full in a book kept for the purpose all ordinances and resolutions, and perform such other duties as this
charter may provide or as the city manager may assign him.
Sec. 2.13.- Independent annual audit.
(a) Prior to the end of each fiscal year,the council shall designate a certified public accountant who, as of the
end of the fiscal year, shall make an independent audit of accounts and other evidences of financial
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transactions of the city government and shall submit his report to the council and to the city manager.
Such accountant shall have no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the city
government or of any of its officers. He shall not maintain any accounts or records of the city business,
but within specifications approved by the council, shall post-audit the books and documents kept by the
department of finance and any separate or subordinate accounts kept by any other office, department or
agency of the city government.
(b) A copy of such audit shall be kept in the office of the city secretary subject to inspection by any citizen
during regular office hours.
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ARTICLE III. - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Sec. 3.01. - Municipal elections.
(a) The regular election for the choice of members of the City Council as provided in Article II
shall be held each year on the uniform election day for municipal elections in May
established by the Election Code. The Council may by resolution or ordinance order special
elections which shall be held as nearly as practicable according to the provisions for a regular
election. The hours and places for holding all City elections shall be determined by the City
Council. All elections shall be conducted in accordance with the Election Code and all other
applicable laws as they now read or may hereafter be amended.
(b) On the first Saturday in April immediately following adoption of Section 2.01, and the drawing
of election district boundaries by the council, the voters shall elect:
(1) The mayor, place seven (7), for a term of two (2)years.
(2) Two (2) councilmembers, places five (5) and six (6), for terms of two (2)years each.
(3) One (1) councilmember for an interim term of one (1)year. This position shall be
denominated for such interim term as place four (4) and such councilmember shall be
elected from the city at large and may be a resident of any district.
At the next following regular annual municipal election after the one referred to above in this
section, the district and at large system provided in Section 2.01 shall take full effect.
(c) Councilmembers holding office at the time the charter amendments to Section 2.01 are
adopted (places one (1), two (2) and three (3)) shall serve the remainder of their unexpired
terms as at large members of the council.
(d) If any councilmember whose term would not otherwise expire at the time of the canvass of
the results of the election specified in Section 3.01(b) shall enter said election, such
councilmember's term shall be deemed to have been vacated at the time of the canvass of
said election results, whether the candidacy of said councilmember is successful or not.
(e) Neither the mayor nor any member of the council shall become a candidate for election to
any position on the council, other than for reelection to the same seat, unless such candidate
shall first submit to the city secretary his written resignation from the council to be effective
at the time of the canvass of the results of the next regularly scheduled election. If such
candidate's unexpired term would otherwise extend beyond the date of such canvass, the
city secretary shall notify the council and an election shall be held on the date of the next
regularly scheduled election to fill the unexpired term of said resigning councilmember.
(Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 99-057, Amend. No. 7, 2-16-99, ratified 5-1-99; Ord.
No. 2006-232, Amend. No. 7, 8-28-06, ratified 11-7-06)
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Sec. 3.02. - Nominations.
(a) Any qualified person may have his or her name placed on the ballot as a candidate for
councilmember by filing with the city secretary not more than ninety(90) days nor less than
thirty(30) days prior to the date of election an application in substantially the following form:
I, , do hereby declare that I am a candidate for the Council of the City of Denton and
request that my name be printed upon the official Ballot for that office in the next city election.
I am aware of the nepotism law, chapter 573 of the Government Code. I am qualified to serve
on the council with respect to the qualifications set forth in the Charter. I reside at
Denton, Texas.
Signed
The foregoing petition was filed with the City Secretary on the day of , 19
City Secretary
(b) As an alternative method, any qualified person may be nominated for councilmember by a
written petition signed by the greater twenty five (25) qualified voters of the city or one-half
of one percent of the total votes received by all candidates for mayor in the most recent
mayoral general election, provided the candidate signs the petition certifying his or her
acceptance. One such petition shall be circulated and signed for each nominee or candidate.
With each signature shall be stated the place of residence of the signer, giving the street and
number or other description sufficient to identify it. Nominating petitions shall be filed with
the city secretary not more than ninety(90) days nor less than thirty(30) days before the
election day, and shall be in substantially the following form:
We, the undersigned electors of the City of Denton, hereby nominate whose
residence address is as a candidate for councilmember of the City of Denton, to
be voted for at the election to be held on the day of , 19 ; and we individually
certify that we are qualified to vote for a candidate for the council.
Name Address Date of Signing
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(Spaces for the greater twenty five (25) or one-half of one percent of the total votes received for
candidates for Mayor signatures and required data)
Acceptance of Nomination
I am qualified to serve on the council of the City of Denton with respect to the qualifications
set forth in this Charter. I hereby accept the nomination for councilmember and agree to
serve if elected.
Signature of Candidate
Statement of Circulator
The undersigned is the circulator of the foregoing petition containing signatures. Each
signature was appended thereto in my presence and is the genuine signature of the person
whose name it purports to be.
Signature of Circulator
Address of Circulator
The foregoing petition was filed with the City Secretary on the day of 19
City Secretary
(Ord. No. 99-057, Amend. No. 8, 2-16-99, ratified 5-1-99)
Sec. 3.03. - Official ballot.
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The city secretary shall make up the official ballot from the names presented to him. The order in which
the names of the candidates for each place shall appear on the ballot shall be determined by lot in a
drawing held under the supervision of the city secretary, at which drawing each candidate or his designated
representative shall have a right to be present. All official ballots shall be printed at least twenty(20) days
prior to the date of any general or special election, and absentee voting shall be governed by the general
laws of the State of Texas.
Sec. 3.04. - Canvass: Election returns, results.
(a) Immediately after counting the votes, the presiding judge shall deliver the official returns of
the election to the city secretary. Not earlier than the third day or later than the sixth day
after the election or as otherwise required by the Election Code and all other applicable laws,
the city council shall canvass the returns and declare the results. The returns of every
municipal election shall be recorded in the minutes of the council.
(b) The candidates receiving the majority of the votes cast for each place shall be declared
elected. If no candidate receives a majority, or if there is a tie for any one place, the council
shall order a runoff election which shall be held not earlier than the twentieth or later than
the thirtieth day after the date the final canvass of the regular election is completed or as
otherwise required by the Election Code and all other applicable laws. Only the names of the
candidates who tie for the highest number of votes cast for that place, or the two (2)
candidates who receive the highest number of votes with neither having a majority of votes
cast for that place, shall be printed on the ballot for each election. In the event of a tie vote at
the runoff election, the candidates who tie shall cast lots in the presence of the City Secretary
to determine which one shall be declared elected, and said lots shall be cast within five (5)
days of the runoff election in accordance with Section 2.028 of the Election Code and all
other applicable laws.
(c) Immediately after the election results have been declared the mayor shall deliver certificates
of election to the successful candidates. Each councilman shall take the oath of office as soon
thereafter as practicable at which time his term of office shall begin.
(Ord. No. 76-12, Amend. No. 1, 4-5-76; Ord. No. 79-86, § 2, 12-11-79, ratified 1-19-80; Ord. No. 99-057,
Amend. No. 9, 2-16-99, ratified 5-1-99)
Sec. 3.05. - Regulation of elections.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all city elections shall be governed by the applicable
provisions of the Election Code of the State of Texas, as now or hereafter amended. The council shall have
the power to make such additional regulations as may be necessary.
State Law reference— Elections, V.T.C.A., Election Code § 1.005 et seq.
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City of Denton
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2, 2020 Special Election — City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
January 2020
Al,I Semi-Annual Campaign Finance Report period covered: 1st day 1 2 3 4
Campaign Treasurer Appointment(CTA)was filed or day after last
day reported in the last report filed; end date is December 31,2019 City Offices Closed-
New Year's Day
15t day to apply for Ballot
by Mail
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
11"Semi-Annual
Campaign Finance Report
due(5 p.m.)
File with City Secretary's
Office
City Hall,215 E.McKinney
8 a.m.—5 p.m.,Mon.-Fri.
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
City Offices Closed-
MLK Day
26 27 28 29 30 31
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2,2020 Special Election-City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
February 2020 1
Plan ahead: Personal Financial Statement is due by 5 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2020 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
City Council Meeting 1st day to file Application
6:30 p.m.: for a Place on the Ballot or
City Council Orders General& Declaration of Write-In
Special Elections Candidacy
File with City Secretary's
Office,City Hall,
215 E.McKinney
8 a.m.-5 p.m.,Mon.-Fri.
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2,2020 Special Election-City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
March 2020 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Last day to file Last day for candidates
Application for a Place (balloVwrite-in)to
on the Ballot or withdraw
Declaration of Write-In
Candidacy (5 p.m.)
(5 p.m.) File with City Secretary's Office
File with City Secretary's City Hall,215 E.McKinney
Office
City Hall,215 E. McKinney
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Drawing for order of names
on the Ballot(less write-in)
11 a.m.,Council Chamber,
Denton City Hall,215 E.
McKinney
[If unable to attend,send a
representative]
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Personal Financial
Statement due
(5 p.m.)
[Covers period 01/01/2019
through 12/31/2019]
File with City Secretary's Office
City Hall,215 E.McKinney
29 30 31
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2,2020 Special Election—City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
April 2020
t �
B30tn Day Campaign Finance Report period covered: The start date is 1 2 3 4
the day after the last day covered by your last required report or the
day you filed your Campaign Treasurer Appointment(CTA)form; end B30th Day Campaign
Finance Report due
date is March 23, 2020 (5 p.m.)
c8th Day Campaign Finance Report period covered: March 24,2020; File with City Secretary's Office
end date is April 22, 2020 City Hall,215 E_McKinney
Last day to submit voter registration
application for eligibility to vote in
May election.
Submit to Denton County Election's
Office,
701 Kimberly Drive,Suite A101
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Last day fora voter to hand-
deliver their application for a
ballot by mail.
Deliver to Denton County Election's
Office,
701 KimbedyDrive,Suite A101
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
EARLY VOTING STARTS
Last day Denton County c81h Day Campaign Finance
Last day to apply for ballot by can receive application from voter Report due
mail(received by Denton delivered by mail for ballot to be (5 p.m.)
County Elections,not voted by mail. File with City Secretary's Office
postmarked) Submit to Denton County Election's Office, City Hall,215 E.McKinney
701 KimbedyDrive,Suite A101
•• •
................. ....................a ............... • ................. . . ................. . ...............
�
Early Voting Starts • Early Votinq Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd • Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd
26 27 28 29 30
Deadline to submit a request
for election inspectors for
election day to the Secretary of
State(optional)
Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Ends
%................. I •.....................
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2,2020 Special Election—City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
May 2020 1
1 2
ELECTION DAY
Polls open—
7 a.m.to 7 p.m.
Last day for Denton County
Elections to receive Ballot by
Mail
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
City Council Meeting Deadline for Runoff
Time: TBD
City Council Canvass of General Candidate to withdraw(5
&Special Election Returns; P.M.);
Swear-In Council Member-
Elect(s)and order Runoff
Election,if needed
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
City Offices Closed—
Memorial Day
31 Note: Runoff Election information subject to change until Runoff is ordered May 12, 2020
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2,2020 Special Election—City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
June 2020
E8th Day RUNOFF 1 2 3 5 6
Report period E81h Day RUNOFF Campaign
Finance Report due
4
covered: April23, (5p.m.)
2020; end date is City Secretary's office
................... :... j1 E-A�J� G ....■ •••• ....
June 3, 2020 Runoff Off Runoff Off Runoff Off Runoff Off Runoff Off Runoff Off
Early Voting Starts Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Cont'd
�.................� .................� z................. ....... ................. .................�
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
RUNOFF ELECTION
DAY
Polls open—
Runoff Off Runoff Off 7 a.m.to 7 p.m.
Early Voting Cont'd Early Voting Ends
..................� �..................
_
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Special City Council Meeting
Time: TBD
City Council Canvass of Runoff
Election Returns
28 29 30 Note: Runoff Election information subject to change until Runoff is ordered
May 12, 2020
Special Election Candidate Calendar
May 2,2020 Special Election—City Council Districts 1 and 2
As of January 7,2020
July 2020 1
D2nd Semi-Annual Campaign Finance Report period covered: Start 1 2 3 4
date is January 1 or the day after the last day covered by the last
required report,whichever is later; end date is June 30,2020, unless
a Final Report was filed if not elected
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
o2nd Semi-Annual
Campaign Finance Report
due
(5 p.m.)
File with City Secretary's Office
City Hall,215 E.McKinney
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31
12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 61. CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 6 . CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 61 . CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec . 61 . 001 . BYSTANDERS EXCLUDED; UNLAWFUL PRESENCE OF CANDIDATE .
(a) Except as permitted by this code, a person may not be in the polling
place from the time the presiding judge arrives there on election day to
make the preliminary arrangements until the precinct returns have been
certified and the election records have been assembled for distribution
following the election.
(b) A candidate in the election commits an offense if the candidate
is in a polling place during the period described by Subsection (a) for a
purpose other than:
(1) voting; or
(2) official business in the building in which the polling place
is located.
(c) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (b) that the
candidate:
(1) is not within plain view or hearing of the persons in the
voting area or the area in which voters are being accepted for voting; and
(2) is not engaged in campaign activity.
(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff . Jan . 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1350, Sec. 3, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Sec . 61 . 002 . OPENING POLLING PLACE FOR VOTING. At the official time
for opening the polls for voting, an election officer shall open the
polling place entrance and admit the voters .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff . Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 61 . 003 . ELECTIONEERING AND LOITERING NEAR POLLING PLACE. (a) A
person commits an offense if, during the voting period and within 100 feet
of an outside door through which a voter may enter the building in which a
polling place is located, the person:
(1) loiters; or
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(2) electioneers for or against any candidate, measure, or
political party.
(a-1) The entity that owns or controls a public building being used
as a polling place may not, at any time during the voting period, prohibit
electioneering on the building' s premises outside of the area described in
Subsection (a) , but may enact reasonable regulations concerning the time,
place, and manner of electioneering.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Electioneering" includes the posting, use, or distribution
of political signs or literature. The term does not include the
distribution of a notice of a party convention authorized under Section
172 . 1114 .
(2) "Voting period" means the period beginning when the polls
open for voting and ending when the polls close or the last voter has
voted, whichever is later.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 235 (H.B. 259) , Sec. 1, eff. June 14,
2013 .
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 235 (H.B. 259) , Sec. 2, eff. June 14,
2013 .
Acts 2017, 85th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 828 (H.B. 1735) , Sec . 12, eff.
September 1, 2017 .
Sec . 61 . 004 . UNLAWFUL OPERATION OF SOUND AMPLIFICATION DEVICE OR
SOUND TRUCK. (a) A person commits an offense if, during the voting period
and within 1, 000 feet of a building in which a polling place is located,
the person operates a sound amplification device or a vehicle with a
loudspeaker while the device or loudspeaker is being used for the purpose
of:
(1) making a political speech; or
(2) electioneering for or against any candidate, measure, or
political party.
(b) For the purpose of Subsection (a) , a person operates a vehicle
with a loudspeaker if the person drives the vehicle, uses the loudspeaker,
or operates sound equipment in connection with the loudspeaker.
(c) In this section, "voting period" means the period prescribed by
Section 61 . 003 (b) .
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(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 497 (H.B. 535) , Sec . 1, eff. September 1,
2005 .
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 497 (H.B. 535) , Sec . 2, eff. September 1,
2005 .
Sec. 61 . 005 . SECURITY OF BALLOTS, BALLOT BOXES, AND ENVELOPES . (a)
From the time a presiding judge receives the official ballots for an
election until the precinct returns for that election have been certified,
the presiding judge shall take the precautions necessary to prevent access
to the ballots, ballot boxes, and envelopes used for provisional ballots in
a manner not authorized by law.
(b) The ballots, ballot boxes, and envelopes used for provisional
ballots at a polling place shall be in plain view of at least one election
officer from the time the polls open for voting until the precinct returns
have been certified.
(c) A presiding election judge commits an offense if the judge fails
to prevent another person from handling a ballot box containing voters '
marked ballots or an envelope containing a voter' s provisional ballot in an
unauthorized manner or from making an unauthorized entry into the ballot
box or envelope. An offense under this subsection is a Class A
misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1078, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th
Leg. , ch. 1315, Sec. 19, eff. Jan. 1, 2004 .
Sec. 61 . 006 . UNLAWFULLY DIVULGING VOTE. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person was in a polling place for any purpose other than
voting and knowingly communicates to another person information that the
person obtained at the polling place about how a voter has voted.
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
(c) This section does not apply to information presented in an
official investigation or other official proceeding in which the
information is relevant.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec . 53, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
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Sec. 61 . 007 . UNLAWFULLY REVEALING INFORMATION BEFORE POLLS CLOSE.
(a) An election officer, watcher, or other person serving at a polling
place in an official capacity commits an offense if, before the polls close
or the last voter has voted, whichever is later, the officer, watcher, or
other person reveals :
(1) the number of votes that have been received for a candidate
or for or against a measure;
(2) a candidate ' s position relative to other candidates in the
tabulation of the votes;
(3) whether a measure is passing or failing; or
(4) the names of persons who have or have not voted in the
election.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) Beginning at 9 : 30 a.m. and at each subsequent two-hour interval
through 5 : 30 p.m. , the presiding judge shall post written notice of the
total number of voters who have voted in the precinct. The notice shall be
posted at an outside door through which a voter may enter the building in
which the polling place is located.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 440, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1987, 70th
Leg. , ch. 472, Sec . 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 2,
Sec . 7 . 04, eff . Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 427, Sec . 1, eff .
Sept. 1, 2003 .
Sec. 61 . 008 . UNLAWFULLY INFLUENCING VOTER. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person indicates to a voter in a polling place by word,
sign, or gesture how the person desires the voter to vote or not vote.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 61 . 009 . INSTRUCTING VOTER ON CASTING BALLOT. On the request of
a voter, an election officer shall instruct the voter on the proper
procedure for casting a ballot.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
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Sec. 61 . 010 . WEARING NAME TAG OR BADGE IN POLLING PLACE. (a) Except
as provided by Subsection (b) , a person may not wear a badge, insignia,
emblem, or other similar communicative device relating to a candidate,
measure, or political party appearing on the ballot, or to the conduct of
the election, in the polling place or within 100 feet of any outside door
through which a voter may enter the building in which the polling place is
located.
(b) An election judge, an election clerk, a state or federal election
inspector, a certified peace officer, or a special peace officer appointed
for the polling place by the presiding judge shall wear while on duty in
the area described by Subsection (a) a tag or official badge that indicates
the person' s name and title or position.
(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection
(a) . An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 472, Sec. 17, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1349, Sec. 24, 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 61 . 011 . REMOVING WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FOUND IN POLLING PLACE.
(a) An election officer shall periodically check each voting station and
other areas of the polling place for sample ballots or other written
communications used by voters that were left or discarded in the polling
place.
(b) An election officer shall remove from the sight of the voters any
written communication found under Subsection (a) .
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 112, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 61 . 012 . ACCESS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES . (a) Except as
provided by Section 61 . 013, each polling place must provide at least one
voting station that:
(1) complies with:
(A) Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U. S .C. Section 794) and its subsequent amendments;
(B) Title II of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act
(42 U. S .C. Section 12131 et seq. ) and its subsequent amendments; and
(C) the requirements for accessibility under 42 U. S .C.
Section 15481 (a) (3) and its subsequent amendments; and
(2) provides a practical and effective means for voters with
physical disabilities to cast a secret ballot.
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(b) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1182, Sec. 4, eff.
June 15, 2007 .
Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 1315, Sec. 20, eff. Jan . 1, 2004 .
Amended by:
Acts 2006, 79th Leg. , 3rd C . S . , Ch. 5 (H.B. 1) , Sec . 11 . 02, eff. May
31, 2006 .
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1182 (H.B. 556) , Sec . 2, eff. June 15,
2007 .
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1182 (H.B. 556) , Sec . 4, eff. June 15,
2007 .
Sec. 61 . 013 . ACCESS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES : ELECTIONS OF
CERTAIN POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS . (a) For an election other than an
election of a political subdivision that is held jointly with another
election in which a federal office appears on the ballot, the political
subdivision is not required to meet the requirements of Section 61 . 012 (a)
(1) (C) if the political subdivision:
(1) is a county with a population of less than 2, 000;
(2) is a county with a population of 2, 000 or more but less than
5, 000, and the county provides at least one voting station that meets the
requirements for accessibility under 42 U. S .C. Section 15481 (a) (3) on
election day;
(3) is a county with a population of 5, 000 or more but less than
10, 000, and the county provides at least one voting station that meets the
requirements for accessibility under 42 U. S .C. Section 15481 (a) (3) on
election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance;
(4) is a county with a population of 10, 000 or more but less than
20, 000, and the county:
(A) makes a showing in the manner provided by Subsection (c)
that compliance with Section 61 . 012 (a) (1) (C) constitutes an undue burden on
the county;
(B) provides at least one voting station that meets the
requirements for accessibility under 42 U. S .C. Section 15481 (a) (3) on
election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance;
and
(C) provides a mobile voting station that meets the
requirements for accessibility under 42 U. S .C. Section 15481 (a) (3) that
during the period for early voting by personal appearance is deployed at
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12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 61. CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY
least once at each polling place used for early voting by personal
appearance; or
(5) is located in a county described by Subdivisions (1) - (4) and
meets the same requirements as the county in which the political
subdivision is located.
(b) A voter with a disability that desires a reasonable accommodation
to vote in an election of a county described by Subsection (a) (1) or a
political subdivision located in that county shall make a request for the
accommodation with the early voting clerk of the county or political
subdivision not later than the 21st day before the date of the election.
On receipt of the request, the early voting clerk shall make a reasonable
accommodation to allow the voter to cast a vote.
(c) A county or political subdivision may make a showing of undue
burden under Subsection (a) (4) (A) by filing an application with the
secretary of state not later than the 90th day before the date of the
election that states the reasons that compliance would constitute an undue
burden. A showing of an undue burden may be satisfied by proof that the
election costs associated with compliance with Section 61 . 012 (a) (1) (C)
constitute a significant expense for the county or political subdivision
and reflect an increase of at least 25 percent in the costs of holding an
election as compared to the costs of the last general election held by the
county or political subdivision before January 1, 2006 . Not later than the
20th day after the date of receiving an application under this section, the
secretary of state shall determine whether compliance with Section
61 . 012 (a) (1) (C) is an undue burden for the county or political subdivision.
(d) A county or political subdivision that intends to use this
section to provide fewer voting stations that meet the requirements for
accessibility under 42 U. S .C. Section 15481 (a) (3) than required by Section
61 . 012 (a) (1) (C) must:
(1) provide notice to the secretary of state of that intent not
later than the 90th day before the date of the election; and
(2) for a county described by Subsection (a) (2) , (3) , or (4) , or
a political subdivision located in such a county, publish notice of the
location of each voting station that meets the requirements for
accessibility under 42 U. S .C. Section 15481 (a) (3) in a newspaper of general
circulation in the county or political subdivision not later than the 15th
day before the date of the start of the period of early voting by personal
appearance.
(e) For purposes of this section, a political subdivision located in
more than one county may choose:
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(1) to be considered located in the county that contains the
greatest number of registered voters of the political subdivision; or
(2) for each portion of the political subdivision located in a
different county, to be considered a separate political subdivision.
(f) The secretary of state shall prescribe procedures and adopt rules
as necessary to implement this section.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1182 (H.B. 556) , Sec . 3, eff. June
15, 2007 .
Sec. 61 . 014 . USE OF CERTAIN DEVICES . (a) A person may not use a
wireless communication device within 100 feet of a voting station.
(b) A person may not use any mechanical or electronic means of
recording images or sound within 100 feet of a voting station.
(c) The presiding judge may require a person who violates this
section to turn off the device or to leave the polling place.
(d) This section does not apply to:
(1) an election officer in conducting the officer' s official
duties;
(2) the use of election equipment necessary for the conduct of
the election; or
(3) a person who is employed at the location in which a polling
place is located while the person is acting in the course of the person' s
employment.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 697 (H.B. 1921) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Renumbered from Election Code, Section 61 . 013 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg. ,
R. S . , Ch. 87 (S .B. 1969) , Sec. 27 . 001 (12) , eff. September 1, 2009 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 175 (H.B . 1493) , Sec . 1, eff. May 27,
2009 .
SUBCHAPTER B. INTERPRETER
Sec . 61 . 031 . USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE . (a) Except as provided by
Subsection (b) , an election officer may not use a language other than
English in performing an official duty in connection with the election.
(b) If a voter cannot communicate in English, an election officer may
communicate with the voter in a language that the voter and the officer
understand.
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Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff . Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec. 61 . 032 . INTERPRETER PERMITTED. If an election officer who
attempts to communicate with a voter does not understand the language used
by the voter, the voter may communicate through an interpreter selected by
the voter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec . 61 . 033 . ELIGIBILITY TO SERVE AS INTERPRETER. To be eligible to
serve as an interpreter, a person must be a registered voter of the county
in which the voter needing the interpreter resides .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec . 61 . 034 . TRANSLATING BALLOT . If a voter cannot comprehend the
language in which the ballot is printed, an interpreter may accompany the
voter to the voting station for the purpose of translating the ballot to
the voter.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec. 61 . 035 . OATH. Before serving as an interpreter, the person
selected as interpreter must take the following oath administered by an
election officer:
"I swear (or affirm) that, to the best of my ability, I will correctly
interpret and translate each question, answer, or statement addressed
either to the voter by any election officer or to an election officer by
the voter. "
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 61 . 036 . TRANSLATION REQUIRED. (a) If an election officer and a
voter communicate in a language other than English, any other election
officer or watcher may request an English translation of anything
communicated in the other language .
(b) If a translation request is made, the election officer
communicating with the voter shall make the translation.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
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2-22
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 141.031,Chapters 143 and 144,Texas Election Code
1/2017
ALL INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED UNLESS INDICATED OPTIONAL
APPLICATION FOR A PLACE ON THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT
TO:City Secretary/Secretary of Board
I request that my name be placed on the above-named official ballot as a candidate for the office indicated below.
OFFICE SOUGHT(Include any place number or other distinguishing number,if any.)
FULL NAME(First, Middle, Last) PRINT NAME AS YOU WANT IT TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOTI
PERMANENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS(Do not include a P.O. Box or Rural PUBLIC MAILING ADDRESS(Campaign mailing address,if available.)
Route. If you do not have a residence address, describe the address
at which you receive personal mail and location of residence.)
CITY STATE ZIP CITY STATE ZIP
PUBLIC EMAIL ADDRESS(If available) OCCUPATION(Do not leave blank) DATE OF BIRTH VOTER REGISTRATION VUID
NUMBER(Optional)2
TELEPHONE CONTACT INFORMATION (Optional) LENGTH OF CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE AS OF DATE APPLICATION SWORN
Home: IN STATE IN TERRITORY FROM WHICH THE
OFFICE SOUGHT IS ELECTED3
Work: year(s) year(s)
Cell:
month(s) month(s)
If using a nickname as part of your name to appear on the ballot,you are also signing and swearing to the following statements: I further swear
that my nickname does not constitute a slogan nor does it indicate a political, economic, social, or religious view or affiliation. I have been
commonly known by this nickname for at least three years prior to this election.
Before me,the undersigned authority,on this day personally appeared (name) who being by me
here and now duly sworn, upon oath says:
"I, (name) of County, Texas, being a
candidate for the office of swear that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws
of the United States and of the State of Texas. I am a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of
this state. I have not been finally convicted of a felony for which I have not been pardoned or had my full rights of citizenship restored by other
official action. I have not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or
partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. I am aware of the nepotism law,Chapter 573,Government Code.
I further swear that the foregoing statements included in my application are in all things true and correct."
X
SIGNATURE OF CANDIDATE
Sworn to and subscribed before me at this the day of
SEAL
Signature of Officer Administering Oath Title of Officer Administering Oath
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY SECRETARY OR SECRETARY OF BOARD:
(See Section 1.007)
Date Received Signature of Secretary
Voter Registration Status Verified ❑
2-22
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 141.031,Chapters 143 and 144,Texas Election Code
1/2017
INSTRUCTIONS
A special election can be used to fill a vacancy only if authorized by law.
An application for a special election may not be filed until after the election is ordered.The filing deadline is governed by Section
201.054 of the Texas Election Code, and by the date the special election was ordered.The filing deadline should be stated in the
election order. Please review the Secretary of State's election law calendars for Section 201.054 deadlines.
If you have questions about the application, please contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at 800-252-8683.
NEPOTISM LAW
The candidate must sign this statement indicating his awareness of the nepotism law. The nepotism prohibitions of chapter 573,
Government Code, are summarized below:
No officer may appoint, or vote for or confirm the appointment or employment of any person related within the second degree
by affinity (marriage) or the third degree by consanguinity (blood) to himself, or to any other member of the governing body or
court on which he serves when the compensation of that person is to be paid out of public funds or fees of office. However,
nothing in the law prevents the appointment, voting for, or confirmation of anyone who has been continuously employed in the
office or employment for the following period prior to the election or appointment of the officer or member related to the
employee in the prohibited degree: six months, if the officer or member is elected at the general election for state and county
officers.
No candidate may take action to influence an employee of the office to which the candidate is seeking election or an employee or
officer of the governmental body to which the candidate is seeking election regarding the appointment or employment of a
person related to the candidate in a prohibited degree as noted above. This prohibition does not apply to a candidate's actions
with respect to a bona fide class or category of employees or prospective employees.
Examples of relatives within the third degree of consanguinity are as follows:
(1) First degree: parent, child;
(2) Second degree: brother, sister,grandparent,grandchild;
(3) Third degree:great-grandparent,great-grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece.
These include relatives by blood, half-blood, and legal adoption. Examples of relatives within the second degree of affinity are as
follows:
(1) First degree: spouse,spouse's parent, son-in-law,daughter-in-law;
(2) Second degree: brother's spouse,sister's spouse, spouse's brother, spouse's sister, spouse's grandparent.
Persons related by affinity (marriage) include spouses of relatives by consanguinity, and, if married, the spouse and the spouse's
relatives by consanguinity.These examples are not all inclusive.
FOOTNOTES
1For rules concerning the form of a candidate's name or nickname on the ballot, see subchapter B, chapter 52 of the Texas
Election Code.
2Inclusion of a candidate's VUID is optional. However, many candidates are required to be registered voters in the territory from
which the office is elected at the time of the filing deadline. Please visit the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's website
for additional information. http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/hb484-fag.shtml
3This refers to the length of residence inside the district or territory from which the office is elected. For example, length of
residence in a school district,for a school trustee office elected at large.This field MUST BE COMPLETED.
4All oaths, affidavits, or affirmations made within this State may be administered and a certificate of the fact given by a judge,
clerk, or commissioner of any court of record, a notary public, a justice of the peace, city secretary (for a city office), and the
Secretary of State of Texas.
2-22
Prescrito por el Secretario de Estado
Secci6n 141.031,Capitulos 143 y 144,C6digo Electoral de Texas
1/2017
DEBE PROPORCIONARSE LA INFORMACION REQUERIDA A MENOS QUE SE INDIQUE QUE ES OPCIONAL
SOLICITUD PARA FIG URAR EN LA BOLETA DE LA CIUDAD DE DENTON,TEXAS ELECCION ESPECIAL
A:Secretario(a)de la Ciudad/Secretario del Consejo
Solicito que mi nombre figure en la boleta oficial indicada mas arriba como candidato/a al cargo a continuaci6n.
PUESTO OFICIAL SOLICITADO(Incluya cualquier numero de cargo u otro numero distintivo,si el cargo to tiene).
NOMBRE COMPLETO(Primer nombre,segundo nombre,apellido) ESCRIBA SU NOMBRE COMO DESEA QUE FIGURE EN LA BOLETA'
DIRECCION RESIDENCIAL PERMANENTE (No incluya una casilla postal DIRECCION POSTAL PUBLICA (Direcci6n en la que recibira
o una ruta rural. Si usted no tiene una direcci6n residencial, describa correspondencia relacionada a su campana,si es disponible.)
el lugar en que recibe correspondencia personal y la ubicaci6n de su
residencia.)
CIUDAD ESTADO CODIGO POSTAL CIUDAD ESTADO CODIGO POSTAL
CORREO ELECTRONICO PUBUCO(Si esta EMPLEO(No deje este espacio en FECHA DE NACIMIENTO VOID—NUMERO UNICO DE
disponible.) blanco.) IDENTIFICACION DE
VOTANTE(Opcional)2
INFORMACION DE CONTACTO(Opcional) DURACION DE RESIDENCIA CONTINUA AL MOMENTO DE JURAMENTAR ESTA
Tel.residencial: SOLICITUD
EN EL ESTADO EN EL TERRITORIO POR EL CUAL SERIA
Tel. la bora I: E LECTO/A3
ano(s) ano(s)
Tel.celular: mes(es) mes(es)
En caso de usar un apodo como parte de su nombre en la boleta, usted tambien firma y jura to siguiente: Asimismo, juro que mi apodo no
constituye un lema politico ni tampoco es una indicaci6n de mis creencias o afiliaciones politicas, econ6micas, sociales o religiosas. Se me ha
conocido por este apodo durante al menos tres anos antes de esta elecci6n.
Ante mi,la autoridad suscrita,compareci6(nombre) quien frente a mi y bajo juramento debido,
declara:
"Yo, (nombre) del condado de Texas, siendo
candidato para el cargo oficial de juro solemnemente que apoyare y defendere la
Constituci6n y las leyes de los Estados Unidos y del Estado de Texas. Soy ciudadano de los Estados Unidos elegible para ocupar tal cargo oficial
bajo la Constitucion y las leyes de este Estado. No se me ha condenado por un delito mayor por el cual no haya sido absuelto o por el cual no se
me hayan restituido enteramente mis derechos de ciudadania por medio de otra acci6n oficial. No existe un fallo final de un tribunal
testamentario que me declare total o parcialmente incapacitado mentalmente sin derecho a votar. Yo tengo conocimiento de la ley sobre el
nepotismo segun el Capitulo 573 del C6digo de Gobierno.
Ademas,juro que las declaraciones anteriores que incluyo en mi solicitud son verdaderas y correctas".
X
FIRMA DEL CANDIDATO
Jurado y suscrito ante mi en este dia de
SELLO
Firma del oficial que administra el juramento' Titulo del oficial que administra el juramento
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY SECRETARY OR SECRETARY OF BOARD:
(See Section 1.007)
Date Received Signature of Secretary
Voter Registration Status Verified
2-22
Prescrito por el Secretario de Estado
Secci6n 141.031,Capitulos 143 y 144,C6digo Electoral de Texas
1/2017
INSTRUCCIONES
Una elecci6n especial puede ser usada para Ilenar una vacante solamente si estA autorizado por la ley.
Una solicitud para una elecci6n especial no puede ser presentada hasta que la elecci6n sea ordenada. La fecha limite de presentaci6n
se rige por la Secci6n 201.054 del C6digo Electoral de Texas, y por la fecha en que se orden6 la elecci6n especial. La fecha limite de
presentaci6n deberia ser indicada en la orden de elecci6n. Por favor revise el calendario de leyes electorales del Secretario de Estado
para la fechas limite de la Secci6n 201.054.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la solicitud, por favor p6ngase en contacto con la divisi6n de elecciones del Secretario de Estado al 800-
252-8683.
LEY SOME EL NEPOTISMO
El candidato deberA firmar esta declaraci6n para indicar que tiene conocimiento sobre la ley sobre el nepotismo. A continuaci6n figuran
las prohibiciones del nepotismo segun el capitulo 573 de C6digo Gobierno:
Ningun funcionario podrA nombrar, votar por o confirmar el nombramiento o empleo de ninguno de sus parientes en segundo grado
por afinidad (matrimonio) o en tercer grado por consanguinidad (sangre), o de los parientes de cualquier otro integrante del cuerpo
directivo o tribunal en que el funcionario celebre sesi6n cuando la compensaci6n para esa persona se pagare con fondos publicos u
honorarios de su puesto oficial. Sin embargo, la ley no prohibe el nombramiento,el votar por o la confirmaci6n de ninguna persona que
haya trabajado en la oficina de manera continua o el empleo para el siguiente periodo antes de la elecci6n o el nombramiento del
funcionario o miembro emparentado con el empleado en el grado prohibido: seis meses, si el funcionario o miembro se elige en una
elecci6n general de funcionarios de estado y condado.
Ningun candidato podrA influir sobre un empleado relacionado al puesto oficial al cual el candidato aspira o un empleado o funcionario
del cuerpo fiscal al cual el candidato aspira respecto del nombramiento o el empleo de un pariente del candidato en un grado prohibido
segun se indica arriba. Esta restricci6n no se dirige a las acciones de un candidato respecto de una clase o categoria de empleados o
posibles empleados de buena fe.
Los ejemplos de parentesco en tercer grado por consanguinidad son los siguientes:
(1) Primer grado: padre, madre, hijo(a);
(2) Segundo grado: hermano(a), abuelo(a), nieto(a);
(3) Tercer grado: bisabuelo(a), bisnieto(a),tio(a),sobrino(a).
Los siguientes incluyen parentescos de consanguinidad, medios hermanos y adopci6n legal. Los ejemplos de parentescos en segundo
grado por afinidad son los siguientes:
(1) Primer grado:c6nyuge,suegro(a),yerno, nuera;
(2) Segundo grado:cunado(a), abuelo(a)del c6nyuge.
Las personas que estan emparentadas por afinidad (matrimonio) incluyen los c6nyuges de parientes emparentados por consanguinidad,
y,si casados, el c6nyuge y los parientes del c6nyuge por consanguinidad. No todos estos ejemplos son inclusivos.
N OTAS
'Para reglas sobre la forma del nombre de un candidato o apodo en la boleta electoral, vea el subcapitulo B, Capitulo 52 del C6digo
Electoral de Texas.
La inclusi6n del numero unico de identificaci6n de votante (VUID, por sus siglas en Ingles) es opcional. Sin embargo, para muchos
candidatos, es un requisito estar registrados como votantes en el territorio por el cual serian elector a partir de la fecha limite de la
solicitud. Puede encontrar informaci6n adicional sobre el requisito de registro de votante en nuestra
pagina: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/hb484-fag.shtml
3Esto se refiere a la duraci6n de la residencia dentro del distrito o territorio de que se elige la oficina. Por ejemplo, la duraci6n de
residencia en un distrito escolar, para una oficina del consejero escolar elegida en general. Este campo DEBE SER COMPLETADO.
'Los juramentos, las declaraciones juradas o las afirmaciones que se efectuen dentro de este Estado podran ser administradas por un
juez, escribano o comisionado de alguna corte de registro, por un notario publico, un juez de paz, un secretario de la ciudad o el
Secretario de Estado de Texas,quienes cuentan con la capacidad de proporcionar un certificado del hecho.
12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 143.CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 9 . CANDIDATES
CHAPTER 143 . CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
Sec. 143 . 001 . APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter applies to a
candidate for a city office.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec . 143 . 002 . INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY REQUIRED. Except as provided by
Section 143 . 003, a candidate ' s name may appear on the ballot only as an
independent.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec. 143 . 003 . PARTISAN CANDIDACY FOR HOME-RULE CITY OFFICE
AUTHORIZED. (a) A city charter may authorize nominations of partisan
candidates by political organizations for an office of a home-rule city.
Implementing regulations may be prescribed by the charter or by ordinance
under charter authorization.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2015, 84th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1236 , Sec. 6 . 001,
eff. September 1, 2015 .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff . Jan . 1, 1986 .
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1236 (S .B. 1296) , Sec . 6 . 001, eff.
September 1, 2015 .
Sec. 143 . 004 . APPLICATION REQUIRED. Subject to Section 143 . 005, to
be entitled to a place on the ballot, a candidate must make an application
for a place on the ballot .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec . 143 . 005 . APPLICATION FOR HOME-RULE CITY OFFICE. (a) A city
charter may prescribe requirements in connection with a candidate ' s
application for a place on the ballot for an office of a home-rule city.
This section does not authorize a city charter requirement in connection
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with the timely filing of an application, and any charter requirement
related to an application' s timely filing is superseded by Section 143 . 007
and other applicable filing provisions prescribed by this code .
(b) If a city charter prescribes the requirements that a candidate ' s
application must satisfy for the candidate ' s name to be placed on the
ballot, Section 141 . 031 (a) (4) (L) also applies to the application. The
other provisions of Section 141 . 031 do not apply.
(c) If a city charter requires candidates to pay a filing fee, the
amount of the fee and an alternative procedure to payment of the fee shall
be prescribed by the charter or by ordinance under charter authorization.
However, if an ordinance prescribing an alternative procedure to payment of
a filing fee is adopted before the effective date of this code without
charter authorization, the ordinance, as it exists on the effective date of
this code, continues in effect until the adoption of a charter provision
prescribing an alternative procedure or authorizing prescription of an
alternative procedure by ordinance.
(d) For any petition required or authorized to be filed in connection
with a candidate ' s application for a place on the ballot for an office of a
home-rule city, the minimum number of signatures that must appear on the
petition is the greater of:
(1) 25; or
(2) one-half of one percent of the total vote received in the
territory from which the office is elected by all candidates for mayor in
the most recent mayoral general election.
(e) If the city charter of a home-rule city with a population of more
than 1 . 18 million located primarily in a county with a population of 2
million or more that holds nonpartisan elections for its offices requires
both a petition and a $50 fee to be filed for a candidate ' s name to be
placed on the ballot, those requirements supersede this section.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 54, Sec . 11 (a) , eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts 1987, 70th
Leg. , ch. 427, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 597,
Sec. 66, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 2001, 77th Leg. , ch. 669, Sec . 15, eff.
Sept . 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 695, Sec . 1, eff. June 20, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 614 (H.B. 417) , Sec. 30, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702) , Sec . 14, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
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12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 143.CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
Sec. 143 . 006 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM APPLICATION FILED. (a) Except as
provided by Subsections (b) and (c) , an application for a place on the
ballot must be filed with the city secretary.
(b) An authority other than the city secretary may be designated to
receive applications by a home-rule city charter or ordinance adopted under
charter authorization.
(c) An application for a place on the ballot for the first election
of officers following the incorporation of a city must be filed with the
authority designated by law.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec . 143 . 007 . FILING PERIOD. (a) Except as otherwise provided by
this code, an application for a place on the ballot must be filed not later
than 5 p.m. of the 62nd day before election day. An application may not be
filed earlier than the 30th day before the date of the filing deadline.
(b) An application filed by mail is considered to be filed at the
time of its receipt by the appropriate authority.
(c) For an election to be held on a uniform election date, the day of
the filing deadline is the 78th day before election day.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 925, Sec . 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 1109 (H.B. 2339) , Sec. 3, eff. September 1,
2005 .
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1318 (S .B . 100) , Sec. 17, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Acts 2015, 84th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 84 (S .B . 1703) , Sec. 9, eff. September
1, 2015 .
Sec. 143 . 008 . EXTENDED FILING DEADLINE FOR CERTAIN OFFICES . (a)
This section applies only to an office with a four-year term.
(b) If at the deadline prescribed by Section 143 . 007 no candidate has
filed an application for a place on the ballot for an office, the filing
deadline for that office is extended to 5 p.m. of the 57th day before
election day.
(c) This section does not apply to an election to be held on the date
of the general election for state and county officers .
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Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 133, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 925, Sec. 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 1109 (H.B. 2339) , Sec . 4, eff. September 1,
2005 .
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12/26/2019 GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 573.DEGREES OF RELATIONSHIP; NEPOTISM PROHIBITIONS
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 5 . OPEN GOVERNMENT; ETHICS
SUBTITLE B. ETHICS
CHAPTER 573 . DEGREES OF RELATIONSHIP; NEPOTISM PROHIBITIONS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 573 . 001 . DEFINITIONS . In this chapter:
(1) "Candidate" has the meaning assigned by Section 251 . 001,
Election Code.
(2) "Position" includes an office, clerkship, employment, or
duty.
(3) "Public official" means :
(A) an officer of this state or of a district, county,
municipality, precinct, school district, or other political subdivision of
this state;
(B) an officer or member of a board of this state or of a
district, county, municipality, school district, or other political
subdivision of this state; or
(C) a judge of a court created by or under a statute of this
state .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 002 . DEGREES OF RELATIONSHIP. Except as provided by Section
573 . 043, this chapter applies to relationships within the third degree by
consanguinity or within the second degree by affinity.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1993 .
SUBCHAPTER B. RELATIONSHIPS BY CONSANGUINITY OR BY AFFINITY
Sec. 573 . 021 . METHOD OF COMPUTING DEGREE OF RELATIONSHIP. The degree
of a relationship is computed by the civil law method.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
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Sec. 573 . 022 . DETERMINATION OF CONSANGUINITY. (a) Two individuals
are related to each other by consanguinity if:
(1) one is a descendant of the other; or
(2) they share a common ancestor.
(b) An adopted child is considered to be a child of the adoptive
parent for this purpose.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 023 . COMPUTATION OF DEGREE OF CONSANGUINITY. (a) The
degree of relationship by consanguinity between an individual and the
individual ' s descendant is determined by the number of generations that
separate them. A parent and child are related in the first degree, a
grandparent and grandchild in the second degree, a great-grandparent and
great-grandchild in the third degree and so on.
(b) If an individual and the individual ' s relative are related by
consanguinity, but neither is descended from the other, the degree of
relationship is determined by adding:
(1) the number of generations between the individual and the
nearest common ancestor of the individual and the individual ' s relative;
and
(2) the number of generations between the relative and the
nearest common ancestor.
(c) An individual ' s relatives within the third degree by
consanguinity are the individual ' s :
(1) parent or child (relatives in the first degree) ;
(2) brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild (relatives in the
second degree) ; and
(3) great-grandparent, great-grandchild, aunt who is a sister of
a parent of the individual, uncle who is a brother of a parent of the
individual, nephew who is a child of a brother or sister of the individual,
or niece who is a child of a brother or sister of the individual (relatives
in the third degree) .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 024 . DETERMINATION OF AFFINITY. (a) Two individuals are
related to each other by affinity if:
(1) they are married to each other; or
(2) the spouse of one of the individuals is related by
consanguinity to the other individual .
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(b) The ending of a marriage by divorce or the death of a spouse ends
relationships by affinity created by that marriage unless a child of that
marriage is living, in which case the marriage is considered to continue as
long as a child of that marriage lives .
(c) Subsection (b) applies to a member of the board of trustees of or
an officer of a school district only until the youngest child of the
marriage reaches the age of 21 years .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 260, Sec. 32, eff. May 30, 1995 .
Sec. 573 . 025 . COMPUTATION OF DEGREE OF AFFINITY. (a) A husband and
wife are related to each other in the first degree by affinity. For other
relationships by affinity, the degree of relationship is the same as the
degree of the underlying relationship by consanguinity. For example: if
two individuals are related to each other in the second degree by
consanguinity, the spouse of one of the individuals is related to the other
individual in the second degree by affinity.
(b) An individual ' s relatives within the third degree by affinity
are:
(1) anyone related by consanguinity to the individual ' s spouse in
one of the ways named in Section 573 . 023 (c) ; and
(2) the spouse of anyone related to the individual by
consanguinity in one of the ways named in Section 573 . 023 (c) .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
SUBCHAPTER C. NEPOTISM PROHIBITIONS
Sec. 573 . 041 . PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO PUBLIC OFFICIAL. A public
official may not appoint, confirm the appointment of, or vote for the
appointment or confirmation of the appointment of an individual to a
position that is to be directly or indirectly compensated from public funds
or fees of office if:
(1) the individual is related to the public official within a
degree described by Section 573 . 002; or
(2) the public official holds the appointment or confirmation
authority as a member of a state or local board, the legislature, or a
court and the individual is related to another member of that board,
legislature, or court within a degree described by Section 573 . 002 .
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12/26/2019 GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 573.DEGREES OF RELATIONSHIP;NEPOTISM PROHIBITIONS
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 042 . PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO CANDIDATE. (a) A candidate
may not take an affirmative action to influence the following individuals
regarding the appointment, reappointment, confirmation of the appointment
or reappointment, employment, reemployment, change in status, compensation,
or dismissal of another individual related to the candidate within a degree
described by Section 573 . 002 :
(1) an employee of the office to which the candidate seeks
election; or
(2) an employee or another officer of the governmental body to
which the candidate seeks election, if the office the candidate seeks is
one office of a multimember governmental body.
(b) The prohibition imposed by this section does not apply to a
candidate ' s actions taken regarding a bona fide class or category of
employees or prospective employees .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 043 . PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO DISTRICT JUDGE. A district
judge may not appoint as official stenographer of the judge ' s district an
individual related to the judge or to the district attorney of the district
within the third degree.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 044 . PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO TRADING. A public official
may not appoint, confirm the appointment of, or vote for the appointment or
confirmation of the appointment of an individual to a position in which the
individual ' s services are under the public official ' s direction or control
and that is to be compensated directly or indirectly from public funds or
fees of office if:
(1) the individual is related to another public official within a
degree described by Section 573 . 002; and
(2) the appointment, confirmation of the appointment, or vote for
appointment or confirmation of the appointment would be carried out in
whole or partial consideration for the other public official appointing,
confirming the appointment, or voting for the appointment or confirmation
of the appointment of an individual who is related to the first public
official within a degree described by Section 573 . 002 .
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Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
SUBCHAPTER D. EXCEPTIONS
Sec . 573 . 061 . GENERAL EXCEPTIONS . Section 573 . 041 does not apply to :
(1) an appointment to the office of a notary public or to the
confirmation of that appointment;
(2) an appointment of a page, secretary, attendant, or other
employee by the legislature for attendance on any member of the legislature
who, because of physical infirmities, is required to have a personal
attendant;
(3) a confirmation of the appointment of an appointee appointed
to a first term on a date when no individual related to the appointee
within a degree described by Section 573 . 002 was a member of or a candidate
for the legislature, or confirmation on reappointment of the appointee to
any subsequent consecutive term;
(4) an appointment or employment of a bus driver by a school
district if:
(A) the district is located wholly in a county with a
population of less than 35, 000; or
(B) the district is located in more than one county and the
county in which the largest part of the district is located has a
population of less than 35, 000;
(5) an appointment or employment of a personal attendant by an
officer of the state or a political subdivision of the state for attendance
on the officer who, because of physical infirmities, is required to have a
personal attendant;
(6) an appointment or employment of a substitute teacher by a
school district;
(7) an appointment or employment of a person by a municipality
that has a population of less than 200; or
(8) an appointment of an election clerk under Section 32 . 031,
Election Code, who is not related in the first degree by consanguinity or
affinity to an elected official of the authority that appoints the election
judges for that election.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 76, Sec. 5 . 07 (a) , eff. Sept. 1, 1995;
Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 260, Sec. 33, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 165, Sec. 31 . 01 (48) , eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg. ,
ch. 1026, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999 .
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.573.htm 5/7
12/26/2019 GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 573.DEGREES OF RELATIONSHIP; NEPOTISM PROHIBITIONS
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1002 (H.B. 2194) , Sec . 14, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Sec. 573 . 062 . CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT. (a) A nepotism prohibition
prescribed by Section 573 . 041 or by a municipal charter or ordinance does
not apply to an appointment, confirmation of an appointment, or vote for an
appointment or confirmation of an appointment of an individual to a
position if:
(1) the individual is employed in the position immediately before
the election or appointment of the public official to whom the individual
is related in a prohibited degree; and
(2) that prior employment of the individual is continuous for at
least :
(A) 30 days, if the public official is appointed;
(B) six months, if the public official is elected at an
election other than the general election for state and county officers; or
(C) one year, if the public official is elected at the
general election for state and county officers .
(b) If, under Subsection (a) , an individual continues in a position,
the public official to whom the individual is related in a prohibited
degree may not participate in any deliberation or voting on the
appointment, reappointment, confirmation of the appointment or
reappointment, employment, reemployment, change in status, compensation, or
dismissal of the individual if that action applies only to the individual
and is not taken regarding a bona fide class or category of employees .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1993 .
SUBCHAPTER E . ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 573 . 081 . REMOVAL IN GENERAL. (a) An individual who violates
Subchapter C or Section 573 . 062 (b) shall be removed from the individual ' s
position. The removal must be made in accordance with the removal
provisions in the constitution of this state, if applicable. If a
provision of the constitution does not govern the removal, the removal must
be by a quo warranto proceeding.
(b) A removal from a position shall be made immediately and summarily
by the original appointing authority if a criminal conviction against the
appointee for a violation of Subchapter C or Section 573 . 062 (b) becomes
final . If the removal is not made within 30 days after the date the
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.573.htm 6/7
12/26/2019 GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 573.DEGREES OF RELATIONSHIP;NEPOTISM PROHIBITIONS
conviction becomes final, the individual holding the position may be
removed under Subsection (a) .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff . Sept. 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 082 . REMOVAL BY QUO WARRANTO PROCEEDING. (a) A quo
warranto proceeding under this chapter must be brought by the attorney
general in a district court in Travis County or in a district court of the
county in which the defendant resides .
(b) The district or county attorney of the county in which a suit is
filed under this section shall assist the attorney general at the attorney
general ' s discretion.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1993 .
Sec. 573 . 083 . WITHHOLDING PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION. A public official
may not approve an account or draw or authorize the drawing of a warrant or
order to pay the compensation of an ineligible individual if the official
knows the individual is ineligible.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Sec . 573 . 084 . CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) An individual commits an
offense involving official misconduct if the individual violates Subchapter
C or Section 573 . 062 (b) or 573 . 083 .
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a
fine not less than $100 or more than $1, 000 .
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 268, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1993 .
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.573.htm 7/7
NEPOTISM CHART
The chart below shows:
• Affinity Kinship (relationship by marriage) Affinity Kinship
• Consanguinity Kinship (relationship by blood)
for purposes of interpreting nepotism as defined (Relationship by Marriage)
in VTCA Government Code, Chapter 573,
§§573.021 - .025 SECOND DEGREE
SPOUSE'S SISTER'S
Also applicable to Conflict of Interest as outlined GRAND SPOUSE
other-
in Chapter 171 of the Local Government Code FATHER (IInrLaw)
FIRST DEGREE
SPOUSE'S BROTHER'S
GRAND FATHER- MOTHER- SPOUSE
DAUGHTE IN-LAW IN-LAW (Sister-
In-Law)
OFFICER
SON- DAUGHTER'
SPOUSE'S IN-LAW IN-LAW
BROTHER SPOUSE'S
(Brother- GRAND
OFFICER'S MOTHER
In-Law) SPOUSE
Consanguinity Kinship
(Relationship by Blood) SPOUSE'S
SISTER SPOUSE'S
(Sister- GRANDSON
In-Law)
HIRD DEGREE
GREAT
GRAND
AUNT MOTHER
SECOND DEGREE
GRAND GRAND
FATHER MOTHER
FIRST DEGREE GREAT
GRAND
FATHER
UNCLE
FATHER MOTHER
BROTHER OFFICER GRAND
DAUGHTER
SON DAUGHTER
GREAT
GRAND
NIECE DAUGHTER
SISTER GRANDSON
GREAT
NEPHEW GRANDSON
AW3-2a
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 141.040,Texas Election Code
10/2011
AMENDED
SPECIAL ELECTION (ELECCION ESPECIAL)
NOTICE OF DEADLINE TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR
PLACE ON THE BALLOT
(AVISO DE FECHA LIMITE PARA PRESENTAR SOLICITUDES PARA UN LUGAR EN LA BOLETA)
Notice is hereby given that applications for a place on the City of Denton, Texas May 2, 2020 Special
Election ballot may be filed during the following time:
(Se do oviso par to presente que los solicitudes para Lin lugor en la boleta de la Eleccion Especial de to
Ciudad de Denton, Texas el l de moyo 2020 se pueden presenter durante el siguiente hororio:)
FILING DATES AND TIMES:
(Fechos y Horario para Entregar Solicitudes:)
Start Date: Wednesday, February S, 2020 End Date: Tuesday March 3, 2020
(Fecha Inicio:) Miercoles, 5 Febrero 2020 (Fecha limiter) Mortes, 3 Morzo 2020
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. through S:00 p.m.
(Horario de to Oficinoj 8:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.
Physical address for filing applications in person for place on the ballot:
(Direccion fisica para presenter las solicitudes en persona para un lugar en la boleta:)
Denton City Hall (Ciudad de Denton)
City Secretary's Office (Oficino de la Secretaria)
21S E. McKinney
Denton, TX 79601
Address to mail applications for place on the ballot (if filing by mail):
(Direccion a donde envior las solicitudes para Lin lugar en la boleta (en coso de presenter par correo):)
City of Denton (Ciudad de Denton)
ATTN (ATENCION): Rosa Rios City Secretary (Secretaria de la Ciudad)
215 E. McKinney
Denton, TX 76201
Rosa Rios, City Secretary (Secretaria de la Ciudad)
Printed Name of Filing Officer
(hombre en letra de molde del Oficial de Archivos)
�1/_�I� ors:'i�7i_z
Signature of Filing Officer
(Firma del Oficial de Archivos)
December 17, 2019 (17 de Diciembre de 2019)
Date AMENDMENT Posted
(Fecha orchivoda ENMENDADA)
Texas Ethics Commission P.O.Box 12070 Austin,Texas 78711-2070 (512)463-5800 (TDD 1-800-735-2989)
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN FORM CFCP
PRACTICES COVER SHEET
OFFICE USE ONLY
Pursuant to chapter 258 of the Election Code, every candidate and Date Received
political committee is encouraged to subscribe to the Code of Fair
Campaign Practices. The Code may be filed with the proper filing
authority upon submission of a campaign treasurer appointment
form. Candidates or political committees that already have a
current campaign treasurer appointment on file as of September 1,
199/, may subscribe to the code at any time. Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked
Date Processed
Subscription to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is voluntary.
Date Imaged
1 ACCOUNT NUMBER 2 TYPE OF FILER
(Ethics Commission Filers)
CANDIDATE ❑ POLITICAL COMMITTEE
If filing as a candidate, complete boxes 3- 6, If filing for a political committee, complete
then read and sign page 2. boxes 7 and 8, then read and sign page 2.
3 NAME OF CANDIDATE TITLE(Dr.,Mr.,Ms.,etc.) FIRST MI
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX(SR.,JR.,III,etc.)
4 TELEPHONE NUMBER AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
OF CANDIDATE r
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
5 ADDRESS OF CANDIDATE STREET/PO BOX; APT SUITE CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
6 OFFICE SOUGHT
BY CANDIDATE
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
7 NAME OF COMMITTEE
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
8 NAME OF CAMPAIGN TITLE(Dr.,Mr.,Ms.,etc.) FIRST MI
TREASURER
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX(SR.,JR.,III,etc.)
GO TO PAGE 2
www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/23/2010
Texas Ethics Commission P.O.Box 12070 Austin,Texas 78711-2070 (512)463-5800 (TDD 1-800-735-2989)
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
There are basic principles of decency,honesty,and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state
has a moral obligation to observe and uphold,in order that,after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns,
our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will ofthe people may be
fully and clearly expressed on the issues.
THEREFORE:
(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my
opponent's record and stated positions on issues.
(2) 1 will not use or permit the use of character defamation,whispering campaigns,libel,slander,or scurrilous attacks
on any candidate or the candidate's personal or family life.
(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race,sex,religion,or national origin.
(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents,distorts,or otherwise falsifies the facts,nor will I
use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts,without justification,as to the
personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent.
(5) 1 will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system
of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters,including any
activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.
(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process,
and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.
(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not
to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the
laws governing elections.
I,the undersigned,candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political
committee,hereby voluntarily endorse,subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance
with the above principles and practices.
Signature Date
www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/23/2010
12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 258. FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 15 . REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 258 . FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
Sec. 258 . 001 . SHORT TITLE . This chapter may be cited as the Fair
Campaign Practices Act.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 002 . PURPOSE . (a) The purpose of this chapter is to
encourage every candidate and political committee to subscribe to the Code
of Fair Campaign Practices .
(b) It is the intent of the legislature that every candidate and
political committee that subscribes to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices
will follow the basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play to
encourage healthy competition and open discussion of issues and candidate
qualifications and to discourage practices that cloud the issues or
unfairly attack opponents .
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 003 . DELIVERY OF COPY OF CODE. (a) When a candidate or
political committee files its campaign treasurer appointment, the authority
with whom the appointment is filed shall give the candidate or political
committee a blank form of the Code of Fair Campaign Practices and a copy of
this chapter.
(b) The authority shall inform each candidate or political committee
that the candidate or committee may subscribe to and file the code with the
authority and that subscription to the code is voluntary.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 004 . TEXT OF CODE. The Code of Fair Campaign Practices
reads as follows :
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
There are basic principles of decency, honesty, and fair play that
every candidate and political committee in this state has a moral
obligation to observe and uphold, in order that, after vigorously contested
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.258.htm 1/3
12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 258.FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
but fairly conducted campaigns, our citizens may exercise their
constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will of the
people may be fully and clearly expressed on the issues .
THEREFORE:
(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit
attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my opponent ' s record and
stated positions on issues .
(2) I will not use or permit the use of character defamation,
whispering campaigns, libel, slander, or scurrilous attacks on any
candidate or the candidate ' s personal or family life.
(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice
based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.
(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that
misrepresents, distorts, or otherwise falsifies the facts, nor will I use
malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting
doubts, without justification, as to the personal integrity or patriotism
of my opponent .
(5) I will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical
practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system of free elections or
that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the
voters, including any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging
them from voting.
(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter
to full and equal participation in the electoral process, and will not
engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them
from voting.
(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics
that may come from others that I have pledged not to use or condone . I
shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision
of this code or the laws governing elections .
I, the undersigned, candidate for election to public office in the
State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political committee, hereby
voluntarily endorse, subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct
the campaign in accordance with the above principles and practices .
Date Signature
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 005 . FORMS . The commission shall print copies of the Code
of Fair Campaign Practices and shall supply the forms to the authorities
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12/26/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 258.FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
with whom copies of the code may be filed in quantities and at times
requested by the authorities .
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec . 1, eff . Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 006 . ACCEPTANCE AND PRESERVATION OF COPIES . (a) An
authority with whom a campaign treasurer appointment is filed shall accept
each completed copy of the code submitted to the authority that is properly
subscribed to by a candidate or the campaign treasurer of a political
committee.
(b) Each copy of the code accepted under this section shall be
preserved by the authority with whom it is filed for the period prescribed
for the filer' s campaign treasurer appointment.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 007 . SUBSCRIPTION TO CODE VOLUNTARY. The subscription to
the Code of Fair Campaign Practices by a candidate or a political committee
is voluntary.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 258 . 008 . INDICATION ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING. A candidate or a
political committee that has filed a copy of the Code of Fair Campaign
Practices may so indicate on political advertising in a form to be
determined by the commission.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Sec . 258 . 009 . CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION. This chapter does not create a
civil cause of action for recovery of damages or for enforcement of this
chapter.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 168, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.258.htm 3/3
-J�OF CODE OF ELECTION ETHICS
DENTON PURPOSE
The citizens of Denton deserve truthful, fair and open campaigns for public office. Such
campaigns encourage, rather than discourage participation in the political process. They further
discourage the cynicism, voter alienation and apathy seen too often in the election of those who
hold the public trust.
ASSUMPTIONS
The goal of free, open, sincere and honest debate on the issues.
Campaigns for public office are subject to unacceptable levels of negativism, attack advertising,
unfair election activities and other practices, which discourage participation in the elective
process.
Candidates are ultimately responsible for fair and ethical campaign practices.
FUNDAMENTAL CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
My campaign shall be committed to the principles of honesty, fairness, and respect for my
opponents and responsibility for my campaign activities.
My campaign shall emphasize my views, beliefs and experiences. Essential to such a campaign
is an open and public discussion of issues and presentation of my record and positions in a
truthful, frank and sincere manner.
My campaign shall not use and I shall discourage outside parties to use deceptions, half-truths, or
innuendo in my campaign.
Claims made by my campaign, about myself or about my opponent(s), will be supported by
publicly available, factual documents or evidence.
I shall disclose all contributions made to my campaign and shall supply campaign finance reports
as required by law.
My campaign will not use the City Logo or letterhead.
OPPONENT RESPECT
My campaign shall avoid references to my opponent, which are untrue.
My campaign shall not use personal attacks, which have no relevance to the issues before the
public.
My campaign shall encourage debates in public forums.
40" Code of Election Ethics—Page 2
DENTON
My campaign shall present my record and that of my opponent(s) accurately in a manner
focusing on the issues relating to the office sought.
My campaign shall ensure that my campaign staff and campaign supporters will observe these
principles of campaign practices. As a candidate, I shall take full responsibility for all
advertising or other statements created or used on my behalf by both campaign staff and
supporters.
My campaign shall be conducted openly and publicly, discussing the issues as I see them,
presenting my record and policies with sincerity and frankness, and yet free to present the record
and policies of my opponents.
My campaign shall not condone or allow advertising, which does not meet these principles
stated, and should such occur, my campaign shall correct such advertising in an appropriate
manner.
Date Signature
First Steps for Candidates Running for a City Office
This quick-start guide for candidates seeking a city office is not intended to provide comprehensive
information. For more details, including information on political advertising requirements, fundraising
rules, and filing schedules, see the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) website at www.ethics.state.tx.us.
1. All candidates must file a Campaign Treasurer Appointment (Form CTA).
All candidates must file Form CTA even if you do not intend to raise or spend any money.
Form CTA is required to be filed before you file an application for a place on the ballot, raise
or spend any money for your campaign, or announce your candidacy. File Form CTA with the
city clerk or city secretary, as applicable.
2. Opposed Candidates: Will you accept or spend more than $500 for the election?
• YES:
o You do not qualify to file on the modified reporting schedule.
o You are required to file pre-election campaign finance reports using Form C/OH if
you have an opponent on the ballot. Find Form C/OH and its instructions on our
"Local Filers Non-Judicial Candidate/Officeholder"webpage.
o Pre-election reports are due 30 days and 8 days prior to each election. To be
timely filed, pre-election reports must be received by the city clerk or city secretary
no later than the due date.
• NO:
o You can elect to file on the modified reporting schedule by completing the Modified
Reporting Declaration on page two of Form CTA. File Form CTA with the city clerk
or city secretary.
o If you elect to file on the modified reporting schedule, you do not have to file pre-
election campaign finance reports due 30 days and 8 days prior to the election.
• Exceed $500: If you elect to file on the modified reporting schedule but later exceed
$500 in either contributions or expenditures, what reports you will be required to file
depends upon when you exceed $500.
o If you exceed $500 on or before the 30th day before the election, you are required
to file pre-election campaign finance reports due 30 days and 8 days prior to an
election using Form C/OH. To be timely filed, pre-election reports must be
received by the city clerk or city secretary no later than the due date. Find Form
C/OH and its instructions on our"Local Filers Non-Judicial Candidate/Officeholder"
webpage.
o If you exceed $500 after the 30th day before the election, you are required to file
an Exceeded $500 Limit report using Form C/OH. To be timely filed, this report
must be filed with the city clerk or city secretary within 48 hours of exceeding$500.
You must also file the pre-election report due 8 days prior to an election. Find
Form C/OH and its instructions on our"Local Filers Non-Judicial
Candidate/Officeholder"webpage.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 of 2 Revised 7/18/19
o If you exceed $500 on or before the 8th day before the election, you are required
to file a pre-election campaign finance report due 8 days prior to an election using
Form C/OH. To be timely filed, the pre-election report must be received by the city
clerk or city secretary no later than the due date. Find Form C/OH and its
instructions on our"Local Filers Non-Judicial Candidate/Officeholder"webpage.
3. Unopposed Candidates.
If you do not have an opponent whose name will appear on the ballot in the election, you are
an unopposed candidate and are not required to file pre-election campaign finance reports
prior to that election.
4. All candidates must file semiannual campaign finance reports (Form C/OH).
All candidates are required to file semiannual reports using Form C/OH even if you have no
campaign activity or were unsuccessful in the election. Semiannual reports are due on January
15th and July 15th and must be filed with the city clerk or city secretary. To end your filing
obligations, you must cease campaign activity and file a Final report using Form C/OH and
attaching Form C/OH-FR (Designation of Final Report). Form C/OH-FR is found on the last
page of Form C/OH. Find Form C/OH and its instructions on our "Local Filers Non-Judicial
Candidate/Officeholder" webpage. For more information, see "Ending Your Campaign" for local
filers.
5. All candidates can use the TEC's Filing Application to prepare campaign finance
reports (Form C/OH).
You can use the TEC's Filing Application to prepare a PDF version of your campaign finance
report (Form C/OH). Select"Local Authority" and follow the steps to set up an account and
login to the application. Once you have completed your report, print out a copy, add your
treasurer information, get it notarized, and file it with the city clerk or city secretary by the
appropriate deadline.
6. Need More Information?
See the Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders Who File With Local Filing
Authorities, forms, instructions, examples on how to disclose contributions and expenditures,
political advertising and fundraising guides, and other information you may find useful on our
website at www.ethics.state.tx.us under the "Resources" and "Forms/Instructions" main menu
items.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 of 2 Revised 7/18/19
12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 252.CAMPAIGN TREASURER
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 15 . REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 252 . CAMPAIGN TREASURER
Sec. 252 . 001 . APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER REQUIRED. Each
candidate and each political committee shall appoint a campaign treasurer
as provided by this chapter.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 252 . 0011 . INELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT AS CAMPAIGN TREASURER.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) or (c) , a person is ineligible
for appointment as a campaign treasurer if the person is the campaign
treasurer of a political committee that does not file a report required by
Chapter 254 .
(b) The period for which a person is ineligible under Subsection (a)
for appointment as a campaign treasurer ends on the date on which the
political committee in connection with which the person' s ineligibility
arose has filed each report required by Chapter 254 that was not timely
filed or has paid all fines and penalties in connection with the failure to
file the report.
(c) Subsection (a) does not apply to a person if, in any semiannual
reporting period prescribed by Chapter 254 :
(1) the political committee in connection with which the person' s
ineligibility arose did not accept political contributions that in the
aggregate exceed $5, 000 or make political expenditures that in the
aggregate exceed $5, 000; and
(2) the candidate who or political committee that subsequently
appoints the person does not accept political contributions that in the
aggregate exceed $5, 000 or make political expenditures that in the
aggregate exceed $5, 000 .
(d) Subsection (c) applies to a person who is the campaign treasurer
of a general-purpose committee regardless of whether the committee files
monthly reports under Section 254 . 155 . For purposes of this subsection,
political contributions accepted and political expenditures made during a
monthly reporting period are aggregated with political contributions
accepted and political expenditures made in each other monthly reporting
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 252.CAMPAIGN TREASURER
period that corresponds to the semiannual reporting period that contains
those months .
(e) A candidate or political committee is considered to have not
appointed a campaign treasurer if the candidate or committee appoints a
person as campaign treasurer whose appointment is prohibited by Subsection
(a) .
(f) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions accepted or
political expenditures made in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 03, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Sec. 252 . 002 . CONTENTS OF APPOINTMENT. (a) A campaign treasurer
appointment must be in writing and include:
(1) the campaign treasurer' s name;
(2) the campaign treasurer' s residence or business street
address;
(3) the campaign treasurer' s telephone number; and
(4) the name of the person making the appointment.
(b) A political committee that files its campaign treasurer
appointment with the commission must notify the commission in writing of
any change in the campaign treasurer' s address not later than the 10th day
after the date on which the change occurs .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 05, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 252 . 003 . CONTENTS OF APPOINTMENT BY GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEE.
(a) In addition to the information required by Section 252 . 002, a campaign
treasurer appointment by a general-purpose committee must include:
(1) the full name, and any acronym of the name that will be used
in the name of the committee as provided by Subsection (d) , of each
corporation, labor organization, or other association or legal entity that
directly establishes, administers, or controls the committee, if
applicable, or the name of each person who determines to whom the committee
makes contributions or the name of each person who determines for what
purposes the committee makes expenditures;
(2) the full name and address of each general-purpose committee
to whom the committee intends to make political contributions;
(3) the name of the committee and, if the name is an acronym, the
words the acronym represents; and
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(4) before the committee may use a political contribution from a
corporation or a labor organization to make a direct campaign expenditure
in connection with a campaign for an elective office, an affidavit stating
that:
(A) the committee is not established or controlled by a
candidate or an officeholder; and
(B) the committee will not use any political contribution
from a corporation or a labor organization to make a political contribution
to:
(i) a candidate for elective office;
(ii) an officeholder; or
(iii) a political committee that has not filed an
affidavit under this subdivision or Section 252 . 0031 (a) (2) .
(a-1) Filing an affidavit under Subsection (a) (4) does not create any
additional reporting requirements under Section 254 .261 .
(b) If any of the information required to be included in a general-
purpose committee ' s appointment changes, excluding changes reported under
Section 252 . 002 (b) , the committee shall file an amended appointment with
the commission not later than the 30th day after the date the change
occurs .
(c) The name of a general-purpose committee may not be the same as or
deceptively similar to the name of any other general-purpose committee
whose campaign treasurer appointment is filed with the commission. The
commission shall determine whether the name of a general-purpose political
committee is in violation of this prohibition and shall immediately notify
the campaign treasurer of the offending political committee of that
determination. The campaign treasurer of the political committee must file
a name change with the commission not later than the 14th day after the
date of notification. A campaign treasurer who fails to file a name change
as provided by this subsection or a political committee that continues to
use a prohibited name after its campaign treasurer has been notified by the
commission commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a Class
B misdemeanor.
(d) The name of a general-purpose committee must include the name of
each corporation, labor organization, or other association or legal entity
other than an individual that directly establishes, administers, or
controls the committee. The name of an entity that is required to be
included in the name of the committee may be a commonly recognized acronym
by which the entity is known .
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 02, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 06, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec . 3, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 252 . 0031 . CONTENTS OF APPOINTMENT BY SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE .
(a) In addition to the information required by Section 252 . 002, a campaign
treasurer appointment by a specific-purpose committee for supporting or
opposing a candidate for an office specified by Section 252 . 005 (1) must
include:
(1) the name of and the office sought by the candidate; and
(2) before the committee may use a political contribution from a
corporation or a labor organization to make a direct campaign expenditure
in connection with a campaign for an elective office, an affidavit stating
that:
(A) the committee is not established or controlled by a
candidate or an officeholder; and
(B) the committee will not use any political contribution
from a corporation or a labor organization to make a political contribution
to .
(i) a candidate for elective office;
(ii) an officeholder; or
(iii) a political committee that has not filed an
affidavit under this subdivision or Section 252 . 003 (a) (4) .
(a-1) If the information required to be provided under Subsection (a)
changes, the committee shall immediately file an amended appointment
reflecting the change.
(a-2) Filing an affidavit under Subsection (a) (2) does not create any
additional reporting requirements under Section 254 .261 .
(b) The name of a specific-purpose committee for supporting a
candidate for an office specified by Section 252 . 005 (1) must include the
name of the candidate that the committee supports .
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 2, Sec. 7 . 15 (a) , eff. Aug. 28, 1989 .
Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 03, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec. 4, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
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Sec. 252 . 0032 . CONTENTS OF APPOINTMENT BY CANDIDATE. (a) In
addition to the information required by Section 252 . 002, a campaign
treasurer appointment by a candidate must include:
(1) the candidate ' s telephone number; and
(2) a statement, signed by the candidate, that the candidate is
aware of the nepotism law, Chapter 573, Government Code .
(b) A campaign treasurer appointment that is filed in a manner other
than by use of an officially prescribed form is not invalid because it
fails to comply with Subsection (a) (2) .
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 2, Sec. 7 . 15 (a) , eff. Aug. 28, 1989 .
Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3A. 03, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;
Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 76, Sec. 5 . 95 (26) , eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1134, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 252 . 004 . DESIGNATION OF ONESELF. An individual may appoint
himself or herself as campaign treasurer.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 238, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 252 . 005 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM APPOINTMENT FILED: CANDIDATE. An
individual must file a campaign treasurer appointment for the individual ' s
own candidacy with:
(1) the commission, if the appointment is made for candidacy for:
(A) a statewide office;
(B) a district office filled by voters of more than one
county;
(C) a judicial district office filled by voters of only one
county;
(D) state senator;
(E) state representative; or
(F) the State Board of Education;
(2) the county clerk, if the appointment is made for candidacy
for a county office, a precinct office, or a district office other than one
included in Subdivision (1) ;
(3) the clerk or secretary of the governing body of the political
subdivision or, if the political subdivision has no clerk or secretary,
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with the governing body' s presiding officer, if the appointment is made for
candidacy for an office of a political subdivision other than a county;
(4) the county clerk if:
(A) the appointment is made for candidacy for an office of a
political subdivision other than a county;
(B) the governing body for the political subdivision has not
been formed; and
(C) no boundary of the political subdivision crosses a
boundary of the county; or
(5) the commission if:
(A) the appointment is made for candidacy for an office of a
political subdivision other than a county;
(B) the governing body for the political subdivision has not
been formed; and
(C) the political subdivision is situated in more than one
county.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 07, eff . Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1999, 76th
Leg. , ch. 511, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1999 .
Sec. 252 . 006 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM APPOINTMENT FILED: SPECIFIC-
PURPOSE COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR ASSISTING
OFFICEHOLDER. A specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a
candidate or assisting an officeholder must file its campaign treasurer
appointment with the same authority as the appointment for candidacy for
the office.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 252 . 007 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM APPOINTMENT FILED: SPECIFIC-
PURPOSE COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING MEASURE. A specific-purpose
committee for supporting or opposing a measure must file its campaign
treasurer appointment with:
(1) the commission, if the measure is to be submitted to voters
of the entire state;
(2) the county clerk, if the measure is to be submitted to voters
of a single county in an election ordered by a county authority;
(3) the secretary of the governing body of the political
subdivision or, if the political subdivision has no secretary, with the
governing body' s presiding officer, if the measure is to be submitted at an
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election ordered by an authority of a political subdivision other than a
county;
(4) the county clerk if:
(A) the measure concerns a political subdivision other than a
county;
(B) the governing body for the political subdivision has not
been formed; and
(C) no boundary of the political subdivision crosses a
boundary of a county; or
(5) the commission if:
(A) the measure concerns a political subdivision other than a
county;
(B) the governing body for the political subdivision has not
been formed; and
(C) the political subdivision is situated in more than one
county.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 08, eff . Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 252 . 008 . MULTIPLE FILINGS BY SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE NOT
REQUIRED. If under this chapter a specific-purpose committee is required
to file its campaign treasurer appointment with more than one authority,
the appointment need only be filed with the commission and, if so filed,
need not be filed with the other authorities .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 09, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 252 . 009 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM APPOINTMENT FILED: GENERAL-PURPOSE
COMMITTEE. A general-purpose committee must file its campaign treasurer
appointment with the commission.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 10, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 252 . 010 . TRANSFER OF APPOINTMENT . (a) If a candidate who has
filed a campaign treasurer appointment decides to seek a different office
that would require the appointment to be filed with another authority, a
copy of the appointment certified by the authority with whom it was
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originally filed must be filed with the other authority in addition to the
new campaign treasurer appointment.
(b) The original appointment terminates on the filing of the copy
with the appropriate authority or on the loth day after the date the
decision to seek a different office is made, whichever is earlier .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 252 . 011 . TIME APPOINTMENT TAKES EFFECT; PERIOD OF
EFFECTIVENESS . (a) A campaign treasurer appointment takes effect at the
time it is filed with the authority specified by this chapter.
(b) A campaign treasurer appointment continues in effect until
terminated.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 252 . 012 . REMOVAL OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER. (a) A campaign
treasurer appointed under this chapter may be removed at any time by the
appointing authority by filing the written appointment of a successor in
the same manner as the original appointment.
(b) The appointment of a successor terminates the appointment of the
campaign treasurer who is removed.
(c) If the campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose political
committee required to file its campaign treasurer appointment with the
commission or of a general-purpose political committee is removed by the
committee, the departing campaign treasurer shall immediately file written
notification of the termination of appointment with the commission.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 11, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 252 . 013 . TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT ON VACATING POSITION. (a)
If a campaign treasurer resigns or otherwise vacates the position, the
appointment is terminated at the time the vacancy occurs .
(b) A campaign treasurer who vacates the treasurer' s position shall
immediately notify the appointing authority in writing of the vacancy.
(c) If the campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose political
committee required to file its campaign treasurer appointment with the
commission or of a general-purpose political committee resigns or otherwise
vacates the position, the campaign treasurer shall immediately file written
notification of the vacancy with the commission.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 12, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 239, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 252 . 0131 . TERMINATION OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT. (a)
The commission by rule shall adopt a process by which the commission may
terminate the campaign treasurer appointment of an inactive candidate or
political committee that is required to file a campaign treasurer
appointment with the commission. The governing body of a political
subdivision by ordinance or order may adopt a process by which the clerk or
secretary, as applicable, of the political subdivision may terminate the
campaign treasurer appointment of an inactive candidate or political
committee that is required to file a campaign treasurer appointment with
the clerk or secretary. For purposes of this section, a candidate or
political committee is inactive if the candidate or committee:
(1) has never filed or has ceased to file reports under Chapter
254;
(2) in the case of a candidate, has not been elected to an office
for which a candidate is required to file a campaign treasurer appointment
with the authority who is seeking to terminate the candidate ' s campaign
treasurer appointment; and
(3) has not filed:
(A) a final report under Section 254 . 065 or 254 . 125; or
(B) a dissolution report under Section 254 . 126 or 254 . 159 .
(b) Before the commission may terminate a campaign treasurer
appointment, the commission must consider the proposed termination in a
regularly scheduled open meeting. Before the clerk or secretary of a
political subdivision may terminate a campaign treasurer appointment, the
governing body of the political subdivision must consider the proposed
termination in a regularly scheduled open meeting.
(c) Rules or an ordinance or order adopted under this section must:
(1) define "inactive candidate or political committee" for
purposes of terminating the candidate ' s or committee ' s campaign treasurer
appointment; and
(2) require written notice to the affected candidate or committee
of:
(A) the proposed termination of the candidate ' s or
committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment;
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(B) the date, time, and place of the meeting at which the
commission or governing body of the political subdivision, as applicable,
will consider the proposed termination; and
(C) the effect of termination of the candidate ' s or
committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment.
(d) The termination of a campaign treasurer appointment under this
section takes effect on the 30th day after the date of the meeting at which
the commission or governing body, as applicable, votes to terminate the
appointment. Following that meeting, the commission or the clerk or
secretary of the political subdivision, as applicable, shall promptly
notify the affected candidate or political committee that the appointment
has been terminated. The notice must state the effective date of the
termination.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 04, eff . Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 597 (H.B. 1863) , Sec . 1, eff. June 17, 2005 .
Sec. 252 . 014 . PRESERVATION OF FILED APPOINTMENTS . The authority with
whom a campaign treasurer appointment is filed under this chapter shall
preserve the appointment for two years after the date the appointment is
terminated.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 252 . 015 . ASSISTANT CAMPAIGN TREASURER. (a) Each specific-
purpose committee for supporting or opposing a candidate for an office
specified by Section 252 . 005 (1) or a statewide or district measure and each
general-purpose committee may appoint an assistant campaign treasurer by
written appointment filed with the commission.
(b) In the campaign treasurer' s absence, the assistant campaign
treasurer has the same authority as a campaign treasurer.
(c) Sections 252 . 011, 252 . 012, 252 . 013, and 252 . 014 apply to the
appointment and removal of an assistant campaign treasurer.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 13, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
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TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
BY A CANDIDATE
FORM CTA--INSTRUCTION GUIDE
� f 9
Revised January 15, 2020
Texas Ethics Commission,P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711
www.ethics.stale.is.us
(512)463-5800 • TDD(800)735-2989
Promoting Public Confidence in Government
FORM CTA-INSTRUCTION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................................................... 1
DUTIES OF A CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER............................................................... 1
QUALIFICATIONS OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER............................................................... 1
DUTIES OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER.............................................................................. 1
REQUIREMENT TO FILE BEFORE BEGINNING A CAMPAIGN....................................... 1
WHERE TO FILE A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT....................................... 2
FILING WITH A DIFFERENT AUTHORITY.......................................................................... 3
FORMING A POLITICAL COMMITTEE ................................................................................ 4
CHANGING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER............................................................................. 4
AMENDING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT............................................... 4
REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDERS..................................... 4
TERMINATING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT ......................................... 4
FILING A FINAL REPORT....................................................................................................... 5
ELECTRONIC FILING.............................................................................................................. 5
GUIDES...................................................................................................................................... 5
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................................................... 5
PAGE1 ....................................................................................................................................... 5
PAGE2....................................................................................................................................... 7
Form CTA-Instruction Guide
APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
BY A CANDIDATE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are for the APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BYA CANDIDATE
(Form CTA). Use Form CTA only for appointing your campaign treasurer. Use the AMENDMENT
(Form ACTA)for changing information previously reported on Form CTA and for renewing your choice
to report under the modified schedule. Note: Candidates for most judicial offices use Form JCTA to file a
campaign treasurer appointment.
DUTIES OF A CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER
As a candidate or officeholder, you alone, not the campaign treasurer, are responsible for filing
this form and all candidate/officeholder reports of contributions, expenditures, and loans. Failing
to file a report on time or filing an incomplete report may subject you to criminal or civil
penalties.
QUALIFICATIONS OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER
A person is ineligible for appointment as a campaign treasurer if the person is the campaign
treasurer of a political committee that has outstanding filing obligations (including outstanding
penalties). This prohibition does not apply if the committee in connection with which the
ineligibility arose has not accepted more than$5,000 in political contributions or made more than
$5,000 in political expenditures in any semiannual reporting period. A person who violates this
prohibition is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of political
contributions accepted or political expenditures made in violation of this provision. Note: A
candidate may appoint himself or herself as his or her own campaign treasurer.
DUTIES OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
State law does not impose any obligations on a candidate's campaign treasurer.
REQUIREMENT TO FILE BEFORE BEGINNING A CAMPAIGN
If you plan to run for a public office in Texas (except for a federal office), you must file this form
when you become a candidate even if you do not intend to accept campaign contributions or
make campaign expenditures. A"candidate" is a person who knowingly and willingly takes
affirmative action for the purpose of gaining nomination or election to public office or for the
purpose of satisfying financial obligations incurred by the person in connection with the
campaign for nomination or election. Examples of affirmative action include:
(A) the filing of a campaign treasurer appointment, except that the filing does not
constitute candidacy or an announcement of candidacy for purposes of the automatic
resignation provisions of Article XVI, Section 65, or Article XI, Section 11, of the
Texas Constitution;
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(B) the filing of an application for a place on the ballot;
(C) the filing of an application for nomination by convention;
(D) the filing of a declaration of intent to become an independent candidate or a
declaration of write-in candidacy;
(E) the making of a public announcement of a definite intent to run for public office in a
particular election, regardless of whether the specific office is mentioned in the
announcement;
(F) before a public announcement of intent, the making of a statement of definite intent
to run for public office and the soliciting of support by letter or other mode of
communication;
(G) the soliciting or accepting of a campaign contribution or the making of a campaign
expenditure; and
(H) the seeking of the nomination of an executive committee of a political party to fill a
vacancy.
Additionally, the law provides that you must file this form before you may accept a campaign
contribution or make or authorize a campaign expenditure, including an expenditure from your
personal funds. A filing fee paid to a filing authority to qualify for a place on a ballot is a
campaign expenditure that may not be made before filing a campaign treasurer appointment form
with the proper filing authority.
If you are an officeholder, you may make officeholder expenditures and accept officeholder
contributions without having a campaign treasurer appointment on file. If you do not have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file and you wish to accept campaign contributions or make
campaign expenditures in connection with your office or for a different office, you must file this
form before doing so. In such a case, a sworn report of contributions, expenditures, and loans
will be due no later than the 15th day after filing this form.
WHERE TO FILE A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT
The appropriate filing authority depends on the office sought or held.
a. Texas Ethics Commission. The Texas Ethics Commission (Commission) is the
appropriate filing authority for the Secretary of State and for candidates for or holders of
the following offices:
• Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, Land
Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, Railroad Commissioner.
• State Senator or State Representative.
• Supreme Court Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, and Court of Appeals
Judge.*
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• State Board of Education.
• A multi-county district judge* or multi-county district attorney.
• A single-county district judge.*
• An office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision
includes areas in more than one county and if the governing body of the political
subdivision has not been formed.
• A chair of the state executive committee of a political parry with a nominee on the
ballot in the most recent gubernatorial election.
• A county chair of a political party with a nominee on the ballot in the most recent
gubernatorial election if the county has a population of 350,000 or more.
* Judicial candidates use Form JCTA to appoint a campaign treasurer.
b. County Clerk. The county clerk(or the county elections administrator or tax assessor, as
applicable) is the appropriate local filing authority for a candidate for:
• A county office.
• A precinct office.
• A district office (except for multi-county district offices).
• An office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision
is within the boundaries of a single county and if the governing body of the
political subdivision has not been formed.
c. Local Filing Authority. If a candidate is seeking an office of a political subdivision other
than a county, the appropriate filing authority is the clerk or secretary of the governing
body of the political subdivision. If the political subdivision has no clerk or secretary, the
appropriate filing authority is the governing body's presiding officer. Basically, any
political subdivision that is authorized by the laws of this state to hold an election is
considered a local filing authority. Examples are cities, school districts, and municipal
utility districts.
FILING WITH A DIFFERENT AUTHORITY
If you have a campaign treasurer appointment on file with one authority, and you wish to accept
campaign contributions or make or authorize campaign expenditures in connection with another
office that would require filing with a different authority, you must file a new campaign treasurer
appointment and a copy of your old campaign treasurer appointment(certified by the old
authority)with the new filing authority before beginning your campaign. You should also
provide written notice to the original filing authority that your future reports will be filed with
another authority.
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FORMING A POLITICAL COMMITTEE
As a candidate, you must file an APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE
(FORM CTA). You may also form a specific-purpose committee to support your candidacy.
Remember that filing a campaign treasurer appointment for a political committee does not
eliminate the requirement that a candidate file his or her own campaign treasurer appointment
(FORM CTA) and the related reports.
NOTE: See the Campaign Finance Guide for Political Committees for further information
about specific purpose committees.
CHANGING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
If you wish to change your campaign treasurer, simply file an amended campaign treasurer
appointment(FORM ACTA). This will automatically terminate the outgoing campaign treasurer
appointment.
AMENDING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT
If any of the information reported on the campaign treasurer appointment(FORM CTA) changes,
file an AMENDMENT:APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE (FORM
ACTA)to report the change.
REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDERS
If you are an officeholder who appoints a campaign treasurer after a period of not having one,
you must file a report of contributions, expenditures, and loans no later than the 15th day after
your appointment is effective. This requirement is not applicable if you are a candidate or an
officeholder who is merely changing campaign treasurers.
TERMINATING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT
You may terminate your campaign treasurer appointment at any time by:
1) filing a campaign treasurer appointment for a successor campaign treasurer, or
2) filing a final report.
Remember that you may not accept any campaign contributions or make or authorize any
campaign expenditures without a campaign treasurer appointment on file. You may, however,
accept officeholder contributions and make or authorize officeholder expenditures.
If your campaign treasurer quits, he or she must give written notice to both you and your filing
authority. The termination will be effective on the date you receive the notice or on the date your
filing authority receives the notice, whichever is later.
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FILING A FINAL REPORT
For filing purposes, you are a"candidate" as long as you have an appointment of campaign
treasurer on file. If you do not expect to accept any further campaign contributions or to make
any further campaign expenditures, you may file a final report of contributions and expenditures.
A final report terminates your appointment of campaign treasurer and relieves you of the
obligation of filing further reports as a candidate. If you have surplus funds, or if you retain
assets purchased with political funds, you will be required to file annual reports. (See instructions
for FORM C/OH- UC.) If you are an officeholder at the time of filing a final report, you may be
required to file semiannual reports of contributions, expenditures, and loans as an officeholder.
If you do not have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file, you may not accept campaign
contributions or make campaign expenditures. A payment on a campaign debt is a campaign
expenditure. An officeholder who does not have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file
may accept officeholder contributions and make officeholder expenditures.
To file a final report, you must complete the CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE
REPORT(FORM C/OH), check the "final"box on Page 1, Section 9, and complete and attach the
DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT (FORM C/OH-FR).
ELECTRONIC FILING
All persons filing campaign finance reports with the Commission are required to file those
reports electronically unless the person is entitled to claim an exemption. Please check the
Commission's website at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us for information about exemptions from the
electronic filing requirements.
GUIDES
All candidates should review the applicable Commission's campaign finance guide. Guides are
available on the Commission's website at http:11www.ethics.state.tx.us.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
PAGE 1
1. TOTAL PAGES FILED: After you have completed the form, enter the total number of
pages of this form and any additional pages. A"page" is one side of a two-sided form. If
you are not using a two-sided form, a"page" is a single sheet.
2. CANDIDATE NAME: Enter your full name, including nicknames and suffixes (e.g., Sr.,
Jr., III), if applicable. Enter your name in the same way on Page 2, Section 11, of this form.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 5 Revised 1/15/2020
Form CTA-Instruction Guide
3. CANDIDATE MAILING ADDRESS: Enter your complete mailing address, including zip
code. This information will allow your filing authority to correspond with you. If this
information changes, please notify your filing authority immediately.
4. CANDIDATE PHONE: Enter your phone number, including the area code and extension, if
applicable.
5. OFFICE HELD: If you are an officeholder,please enter the office you currently hold.
Include the district, precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.
6. OFFICE SOUGHT: If you are a candidate, please enter the office you seek, if known.
Include the district, precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.
7. CAMPAIGN TREASURER NAME: Enter the full name of your campaign treasurer,
including nicknames and suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable.
8. CAMPAIGN TREASURER STREET ADDRESS: Enter the complete street address of
your campaign treasurer, including the zip code. You may enter either the treasurer's
business or residential street address. If you are your own treasurer, you may enter either
your business or residential street address. Please do not enter a P.O. Box.
9. CAMPAIGN TREASURER PHONE: Enter the phone number of your campaign treasurer,
including the area code and extension, if applicable.
10. CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: Enter your signature after reading the summary. Your
signature here indicates that you have read the following summary of the nepotism law; that
you are aware of your responsibility to file timely reports; and that you are aware of the
restrictions on contributions from corporations and labor organizations.
• The Texas nepotism law(Government Code, chapter 573) imposes certain
restrictions on both officeholders and candidates. You should consult the statute in
regard to the restrictions applicable to officeholders.
• A candidate may not take an affirmative action to influence an employee of the
office to which the candidate seeks election in regard to the appointment,
confirmation, employment or employment conditions of an individual who is
related to the candidate within a prohibited degree.
• A candidate for a multi-member governmental body may not take an affirmative
action to influence an officer or employee of the governmental body to which the
candidate seeks election in regard to the appointment, confirmation, or
employment of an individual related to the candidate in a prohibited degree.
• Two people are related within a prohibited degree if they are related within the
third degree by consanguinity(blood) or the second degree by affinity(marriage).
The degree of consanguinity is determined by the number of generations that
separate them. If neither is descended from the other, the degree of consanguinity
Texas Ethics Commission Page 6 Revised 1/15/2020
Form CTA-Instruction Guide
is determined by adding the number of generations that each is separated from a
common ancestor. Examples: (1) first degree -parent to child; (2) second degree -
grandparent to grandchild; or brother to sister; (3) third degree - great-grandparent
to great-grandchild; or aunt to niece who is child of individual's brother or sister.
A husband and wife are related in the first degree by affinity. A wife has the same
degree of relationship by affinity to her husband's relatives as her husband has by
consanguinity. For example, a wife is related to her husband's grandmother in the
second degree by affinity.
PAGE 2
11. CANDIDATE NAME: Enter your name as you did on Page 1.
12. MODIFIED REPORTING DECLARATION: Sign this option if you wish to report under
the modified reporting schedule.
The modified reporting option is not available for candidates for the office of state chair of a
political party and candidates for county chair of a political party.
To the left of your signature, enter the year of the election or election cycle to which your
selection of modified reporting applies.
Your selection of modified reporting is valid for an entire election cycle. For example, if you
choose modified reporting before a primary election, your selection remains in effect for any
runoff and for the general election and any related runoff. You must make this selection at least
30 days before the first election to which your selection applies.
An opposed candidate in an election is eligible to report under the modified reporting schedule if
he or she does not intend to accept more than $900 in political contributions or make more than
$900 in political expenditures in connection with an election. The amount of a filing fee paid to
qualify for a place on the ballot does not count against the $900 expenditure limit. An opposed
candidate who reports under the modified schedule is not required to file pre-election reports
(due 30 days and 8 days before an election) or runoff reports (due 8 days before a runoff). (Note:
An unopposed candidate is not required to file pre-election reports in the first place.) The
obligations to file semiannual reports, special pre-election reports (formerly known as telegram
reports), or special session reports, if applicable, are not affected by selecting the modified
schedule.
The $900 maximums apply to each election within the cycle. In other words, you are limited to
$900 in contributions and expenditures in connection with the primary, an additional $900 in
contributions and expenditures in connection with the general election, and an additional $900 in
contributions and expenditures in connection with a runoff.
EXCEEDING$900 IN CONTRIBUTIONS OR EXPENDITURES. If you exceed $900 in
contributions or expenditures in connection with an election, you must file according to the
regular filing schedule. In other words, you must file pre-election reports and a runoff report, if
you are in a runoff.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 7 Revised 1/15/2020
Form CTA-Instruction Guide
If you exceed either of the $900 limits after the 30th day before the election, you must file a
sworn report of contributions and expenditures within 48 hours after exceeding the limit. After
that, you must file any pre-election reports or runoff reports that are due under the regular filing
schedule.
Your selection is not valid for other elections or election cycles. Use the AMENDMENT(FORM
ACTA)to renew your option to file under the modified schedule for a different election year or
election cycle.
For more information, see the Commission's campaign finance guide that applies to you.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 8 Revised 1/15/2020
APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER FORM CTA
BY A CANDIDATE PG 1
See CTA Instruction Guide for detailed instructions. 1 Total pages filed:
2 CANDIDATE MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI OFFICE USE ONLY
NAME
Filer ID#
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX Date Received
3 CANDIDATE ADDRESS /PO BOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
MAILING
ADDRESS
Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked
4 CANDIDATE AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION Receipt# Amount$
PHONE
( ) Date Processed
5 OFFICE Date Imaged
HELD
(if any)
6 OFFICE
SOUGHT
(if known)
7 CAMPAIGN MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
TREASURER
NAME
8 CAMPAIGN STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
TREASURER
STREET
ADDRESS
(residence or business)
9 CAMPAIGN AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
TREASURER
PHONE \
10 CANDIDATE
SIGNATURE I am aware of the Nepotism Law, Chapter 573 of the Texas Government Code.
I am aware of my responsibility to file timely reports as required by title 15 of
the Election Code.
I am aware of the restrictions in title 15 of the Election Code on contributions
from corporations and labor organizations.
Signature of Candidate Date Signed
GO TO PAGE 2
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 1/1/2020
CANDIDATE MODIFIED FORM CTA
REPORTING DECLARATION PG 2
11 CANDIDATE
NAME
12 MODIFIED REPORTING COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU ARE
DECLARATION CHOOSING MODIFIED REPORTING
•• This declaration must be filed no later than the 30th day before
the first election to which the declaration applies. •-
•• The modified reporting option is valid for one election cycle only. •-
(An election cycle includes a primary election,a general election,and any related runoffs.)
•• Candidates for the office of state chair of a political party
may NOT choose modified reporting. --
I do not intend to accept more than $900 in political contributions or
make more than $900 in political expenditures (excluding filing fees)
in connection with any future election within the election cycle.
I understand that if either one of those limits is exceeded, I will be
required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff
report.
Year of election(s)or election cycle to Signature of Candidate
which declaration applies
This appointment is effective on the date it is filed with the appropriate filing authority.
TEC Filers may send this form to the TEC electronically at treasappoint(aD_ethics.state.tx.us
or mail to
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin,TX 78711-2070
Non-TEC Filers must file this form with the local filing authority
DO NOT SEND TO TEC
For more information about where to file go to:
http://204.65.203.6/filinginfo/QuickFileAReport.php
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 1/1/2020
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
AMENDMENT: APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
BY A CANDIDATE
FORM ACTA-INSTRUCTION GUIDE
x � Y
C� f
Revised January 15,2020
Texas Ethics Commission,P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711
www.ethics.state.tx.us
(512)463-5800 • TDD(800)735-2989
Promoting Public Confidence in Government
Form ACTA—Instruction Guide
FORM ACTA-AMENDMENT: APPOINTMENT OF A
CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
These instructions are for the AMENDMENT:APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BYA
CANDIDATE(Form ACTA). Use this form for changing information previously reported on Form CTA
and for renewing your choice to report under the modified schedule. The information you enter on this
form will replace the information from your previous APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
BYA CANDIDATE(Form (CTA).
If any of the information required to be reported on your CAMPAIGN TREASURER
APPOINTMENT changes, you should file an amendment. Use the AMENDMENT form(Form
ACTA) to report the changes. Do not use the APPOINTMENT form(Form CTA).
You must also use the AMENDMENT form to renew your option to file under the modified
schedule.
Except for your name at the top of the form (and your filer account number, if you file with the
Texas Ethics Commission (Commission)), enter only the information that is di erent from what
is on your current campaign treasurer appointment. Do not repeat information that has not
changed. The "NEW"boxes emphasize that the information entered on this form should only be
information that is different from what was previously reported. Any information entered in a
space with a"NEW"box will replace the existing information.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
PAGE 1
1. CANDIDATE NAME: Enter your name as it is on your current campaign treasurer
appointment. Enter your name in the same way on Page 2, Section 13, of this form. If you
are reporting a name change, enter your new name under Section 4.
2. FILER ID #: If you are filing with the Commission, you were assigned a filer account
number when you filed your initial campaign treasurer appointment. You should have
received a letter acknowledging receipt of the form and informing you of your account
number. Enter this number wherever you see "FILER ID#." If you do not file with the
Ethics Commission, you are not required to enter an account number.
3. TOTAL PAGES FILED: After you have completed the form, enter the total number of
pages of this form and any additional pages. A"page" is one side of a two-sided form. If
you are not using a two-sided form, a"page"is a single sheet.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 1/15/2020
Form ACTA—Instruction Guide
4. CANDIDATE NAME: Complete this section only if your name has changed. If your
name has changed, enter your complete new name, including nicknames and suffixes (e.g.,
Sr., Jr., III) if applicable.
5. CANDIDATE MAILING ADDRESS: Complete this section only if your mailing address
has changed. If your mailing address has changed, enter your complete new address,
including zip code. This information will allow your filing authority to correspond with
you.
6. CANDIDATE PHONE: Complete this section only if your phone number has changed. If
your phone number has changed, enter your new phone number, including the area code and
extension, if applicable.
7. OFFICE HELD: If you are an officeholder, complete this section only if your office has
changed. If your office has changed, please enter the new office held. Include the district,
precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.
8. OFFICE SOUGHT: If you are a candidate, complete this section only if the office you
seek has changed. If the office has changed, please enter the office you now seek, if known.
Include the district,precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.
Note: Changing the office you are seeking may require you to file your reports with a different
filing authority. See the Campaign Finance Guide for further information on filing with a
different authority.
9. CAMPAIGN TREASURER NAME: Complete this section only if your campaign
treasurer has changed. If your campaign treasurer has changed, enter the full name of your
new campaign treasurer, including nicknames and suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable.
Qualifications of Campaign Treasurer. A person is ineligible for appointment as a campaign
treasurer if the person is the campaign treasurer of a political committee that has outstanding
filing obligations (including outstanding penalties). This prohibition does not apply if the
committee in connection with which the ineligibility arose has not accepted more than$5,000 in
political contributions or made more than $5,000 in political expenditures in any semiannual
reporting period. A person who violates this prohibition is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed
three times the amount of political contributions accepted or political expenditures made in
violation of this provision.
10. CAMPAIGN TREASURER STREET ADDRESS: Complete this section only if your
campaign treasurer's street address has changed. If your campaign treasurer's street address
has changed, enter the complete new address of your campaign treasurer, including the zip
code. You may enter either the treasurer's new business or residential street address. If you
are your own treasurer, you may enter either your business or residential street address.
Please do not enter a P.O. Box.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 Revised 1/15/2020
Form ACTA—Instruction Guide
11. CAMPAIGN TREASURER PHONE: Complete this section only if your campaign
treasurer's phone number has changed. If your campaign treasurer's phone number has
changed, enter the new phone number of your campaign treasurer, including the area code
and extension, if applicable.
12. CANDIDATE SIGNATURE: Enter your signature after reading the summary. Your
signature here indicates that you have read the following summary of the nepotism law; that
you are aware of your responsibility to file timely reports; and that you are aware of the
restrictions on contributions from corporations and labor organizations.
• The Texas nepotism law (Government Code, chapter 573) imposes certain
restrictions on both officeholders and candidates. You should consult the statute in
regard to the restrictions applicable to officeholders.
• A candidate may not take an affirmative action to influence an employee of the office
to which the candidate seeks election in regard to the appointment, confirmation,
employment or employment conditions of an individual who is related to the
candidate within a prohibited degree.
• A candidate for a multi-member governmental body may not take an affirmative
action to influence an officer or employee of the governmental body to which the
candidate seeks election in regard to the appointment, confirmation, or employment of
an individual related to the candidate in a prohibited degree.
• Two people are related within a prohibited degree if they are related within the third
degree by consanguinity(blood) or the second degree by affinity(marriage). The
degree of consanguinity is determined by the number of generations that separate
them. If neither is descended from the other, the degree of consanguinity is
determined by adding the number of generations that each is separated from a
common ancestor. Examples: (1) first degree -parent to child; (2) second degree -
grandparent to grandchild; or brother to sister; (3)third degree - great-grandparent to
great-grandchild; or aunt to niece who is child of individual's brother or sister. A
husband and wife are related in the first degree by affinity. A wife has the same
degree of relationship by affinity to her husband's relatives as her husband has by
consanguinity. For example, a wife is related to her husband's grandmother in the
second degree by affinity.
Note: The changes you have made on this form will replace the information on your previous
APPOINTMENT form(Form CTA).
Texas Ethics Commission Page 3 Revised 1/15/2020
Form ACTA—Instruction Guide
PAGE 2
13. CANDIDATE NAME: Enter your name as you did on Page 1, Section 1.
14. MODIFIED REPORTING DECLARATION: Sign this option if you wish to report under
the modified reporting schedule.
The modified reporting option is not available for candidates for the office of state chair of a
political party.
To the left of your signature, enter the year of the election or election cycle to which your
selection of modified reporting applies.
Your selection of modified reporting is valid for an entire election cycle. For example, if you
choose modified reporting before a primary election, your selection remains in effect for any
runoff and for the general election and any related runoff. You must make this selection at least
30 days before the first election to which your selection applies.
An opposed candidate in an election is eligible to report under the modified reporting schedule if
he or she does not intend to accept more than $900 in political contributions or make more than
$900 in political expenditures in connection with an election. The amount of a filing fee paid to
qualify for a place on the ballot does not count against the $900 expenditure limit. An opposed
candidate who reports under the modified schedule is not required to file pre-election reports
(due 30 days and 8 days before an election) or runoff reports (due 8 days before a runoff). (Note:
An unopposed candidate is not required to file pre-election reports in the first place.) The
obligations to file semi-annual reports, special pre-election reports (formerly known as telegram
reports), or special session reports, if applicable, are not affected by selecting the modified
schedule.
The $900 maximums apply to each election within the cycle. In other words, you are limited to
$900 in contributions and expenditures in connection with the primary, an additional $900 in
contributions and expenditures in connection with the general election, and an additional $900 in
contributions and expenditures in connection with a runoff.
Exceeding $900 in contributions or expenditures. If you exceed$900 in contributions or
expenditures in connection with an election, you must file according to the regular schedule. In
other words, you must file pre-election reports and a runoff report, if you are in a runoff.
If you exceed either of the $900 limits after the 30th day before the election, you must file a
sworn report of contributions and expenditures within 48 hours after exceeding the limit. After
that, you must file any pre-election reports or runoff reports that are due under the regular filing
schedule.
Your selection is not valid for other elections or election cycles. Use another amendment form
(ACTA)to renew your option to file under the modified schedule.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 4 Revised 1/15/2020
Form ACTA—Instruction Guide
For more information, see the Commission's campaign finance guide that applies to you.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 5 Revised 1/15/2020
AMENDMENT: APPOINTMENTOFA FORMACTA
CAMPAIGN TREASURER BYA CANDIDATE PG 1
1 CANDIDATE 2 FILERID# 3 Total pages filed:
NAME
See ACTA Instruction Guide for detailed instructions.
Use this form for changes to existing information only. Do not provide information previously disclosed.
4 CANDIDATE NEW MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI
OFFICE USE ONLY
NAME
Date Received
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
5 CANDIDATE NEW ADDRESS /POBOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
MAILING
ADDRESS Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked
Receipt# Amounts
Date Processed
6 CANDIDATE NEW AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
PHONE ( l Date Imaged
7 OFFICE HELD NEw
(if any)
8 OFFICE NEW
SOUGHT
(if known)
9 CAMPAIGN NEW MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
TREASURER
NAME
10 CAMPAIGN NEW STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
TREASURER
STREET
ADDRESS
(residence or business)
11 CAMPAIGN NEW j AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
TREASURER ( l
PHONE ` J
12 CANDIDATE
SIGNATURE I am aware of the Nepotism Law, Chapter 573 of the Texas Government Code.
I am aware of my responsibility to file timely reports as required by title 15 of
the Election Code.
I am aware of the restrictions in title 15 of the Election Code on contributions
from corporations and labor organizations.
Signature of Candidate Date Signed
GO TO PAGE 2
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 1/1/2020
AMENDMENT: FORMACTA
CANDIDATE MODIFIED REPORTING DECLARATION PG 2
13 CANDIDATE
NAME
14 MODIFIED NEW
REPORTING COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU ARE
DECLARATION
CHOOSING MODIFIED REPORTING
•• This declaration must be filed no later than the 30th day before
the first election to which the declaration applies. •-
•• The modified reporting option is valid for one election cycle only. •-
(An election cycle includes a primary election,a general election,and any related runoffs.)
•• Candidates for the office of state chair of a political party
may NOT choose modified reporting. --
I do not intend to accept more than $900 in political contributions
or make more than $900 in political expenditures (excluding filing
fees) in connection with any future election within the election cycle.
I understand that if either one of those limits is exceeded, I will be
required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff
report.
Year of election(s)or election cycle to Signature of Candidate
which declaration applies
This appointment is effective on the date it is filed with the appropriate filing authority.
TEC Filers may send this form to the TEC electronically at treasappoint(o)_ethics.state.tx.us
or mail to
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin,TX 78711-2070
Non-TEC Filers must file this form with the local filing authority
DO NOT SEND TO TEC
For more information about where to file go to:
http://204.65.203.6/filinginfo/QuickFileAReport.php
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 1/1/2020
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
GUIDE TO A LOCAL FILING AUTHORITY'S DUTIES
UNDER THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW
� Y
This guide is intended for campaign finance filing authorities in cities,
school districts, and other political subdivisions other than counties.
Revised October 12,2017
Texas Ethics Commission,P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711-2070
(512)463-5800 FAX(512)463-5777 TDD 1-800-735-2989
Visit us at http✓/Www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Texas Ethics Conunission does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,national origin,sex,religion,age or disability in employment or the provision of services.
GUIDE TO A LOCAL FILING AUTHORITY'S DUTIES
UNDER THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. THE ROLE OF THE FILING AUTHORITY .......................................................... 1
WhatIs Title 15 About?.................................................................................................................. 1
What Are My Responsibilities Under the Campaign Finance Law?.............................................. 1
WhoFiles with Me?........................................................................................................................ 2
What Forms Do I Need to Make Available?................................................................................... 3
Why Is It So Important to Provide the Instructions with the Forms? ............................................. 5
Is There Other Information I Can Make Available to Filers?......................................................... 5
How Do I Know the Filing Deadlines?........................................................................................... 5
Why Should I Date-Stamp Filings and Save Postmarks?............................................................... 6
May Filers Use Computer Programs to Create Reports?................................................................ 6
PARTII. CANDIDATES............................................................................................................ 6
What Makes Someone a Candidate?............................................................................................... 6
How Does a Candidate Appoint a Campaign Treasurer? ............................................................... 6
When Does a Candidate Have to File Reports?.............................................................................. 7
When May a Candidate Stop Filing Title 15 Reports?................................................................... 9
PART III. OFFICEHOLDERS.................................................................................................. 9
What Does Title 15 Have to Do with Officeholders?................................................................... 10
When Does an Officeholder Have to File Reports?...................................................................... 10
PART IV. SPECIFIC-PURPOSE POLITICAL COMMITTEES........................................ 11
What Is a Political Committee? .................................................................................................... 11
What Is a Specific-Purpose Political Committee?........................................................................ 11
What Political Committees File with Political Subdivisions?...................................................... 11
When Must a Political Committee File a Campaign Treasurer Appointment? ............................ 11
What Are the Responsibilities of a Committee's Campaign Treasurer?...................................... 12
How Does a Committee Change a Campaign Treasurer?............................................................. 12
What If a Specific-Purpose Committee Becomes a General-Purpose Committee?...................... 12
When Does the Treasurer of a Specific-Purpose Committee Have to File Reports? ................... 13
PART V. PENALTIES.............................................................................................................. 14
PART VI. FREQUENT QUESTIONS..................................................................................... 14
ENDNOTES ................................................................................................................................ 16
Guide To A Local Filing Authority's Duties Under The Campaign Finance Law
GUIDE TO A LOCAL FILING AUTHORITY'S DUTIES
UNDER THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW
This guide explains the responsibilities of local filing authorities(other than county filing authorities)
under the Texas campaign finance law,which is set out in title 15 of the Election Code. The Texas
Ethics Commission is responsible for interpreting title 15. Under title 15, the campaign finance
filing authority for a political subdivision other than a county is the clerk or secretary of the political
subdivision's governing body. If the political subdivision does not have a clerk or secretary, the
filing authority is the presiding officer of the political subdivision's governing body. You may direct
questions about title 15 to the Ethics Commission at (512) 463-5800. You should direct other
questions about election law to the Secretary of State at(512)463-5650 or(800) 252-8683.
Local filing authorities are not expected to be title 15 experts. The Ethics Commission has prepared
two filing guides for local filing authorities to distribute to filers: a CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR
LOCAL CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS wH0 FILE WITH LOCAL FILING AUTHORITIES and a
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES. For questions not answered in those guides
or in the instructions to forms, filers should call the Ethics Commission. (If you are an elected
officeholder, you need to understand your obligations as a filer in addition to your obligations as a
filing authority.)
PART I. THE ROLE OF THE FILING AUTHORITY
WHAT IS TITLE 15 ABOUT?
The campaign finance law,title 15 of the Election Code,regulates the acceptance of,expenditure of,
and reports regarding money in political campaigns by candidates, officeholders, and political
committees. There are civil and criminal penalties for violations of title 15. Title 15 has nothing to
do with ballot access. A violation of title 15 will not keep a person off the ballot nor will it
invalidate an election.
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW?
Forms: You may print the various forms listed in this guide and the accompanying instructions
from the Ethics Commission's website at http://Www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
You are responsible for copying forms and making them available to filers. You may not charge
filers for forms.
Filings: You are responsible for accepting documents that candidates, officeholders, and political
committees file under title 15. Always remember to date-stamp a filing and to save postmarks and
receipt marks on envelopes.
Code of Fair Campaign Practices: Under chapter 258 of the Election Code,which is known as the
Fair Campaign Practices Act, you must provide the following documents to each candidate or
political committee that files a campaign treasurer appointment with you: (1) a copy of the Fair
Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 10/12/2017
Guide To A Local Filing Authority's Duties Under The Campaign Finance Law
Campaign Practices Act and(2) a form on which the candidate or treasurer of the committee may
subscribe to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices (FORM CFCP). The Ethics Commission makes
these documents available. See"Forms"above. A candidate or committee treasurer may complete
FORM CFCP and file it with you.
No Filing Fees: Section 251.003 of the Election Code states that you may not charge a filing fee for
filings required by title 15.
Notices: You are not required to send filers notices to file.
Penalties: You have no responsibility for making sure that candidates, officeholders, or political
committees file the required documents; nor do you have authority to penalize a filer for failure to
submit a required filing. Filers should be aware, however, that there are penalties for violating
title 15. See "Part V. Penalties" in this guide.
Public Access: Forms filed under title 15 are public records and must be made available for public
inspection during regular business hours.
School Districts with a Student Enrollment of More Than 15,000 and Located Wholly or Partly in
a Municipality with a Population of More Than 500,000. Beginning with campaign finance reports
required to be filed on or after January 1, 2012, a school district that meets this enrollment and
population criteria is required to post on the school district's Internet website the reports filed by
school board trustees, candidates for school board trustee, and specific-purpose committees that
support, oppose, or assist a candidate for or member of the board of trustees in a school district. A
report must be posted on the school district's website not later than the fifth business day after the
date the report is filed. Elec. Code § 254.04011.
Retention: You must keep a campaign treasurer appointment for two years after the campaign
treasurer appointment is terminated. Also, if a candidate or committee treasurer files a form
subscribing to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices,you must keep the form for the same period for
which you keep the candidate's or committee treasurer's campaign treasurer appointment. You must
keep other title 15 records for at least two years after filing. If a criminal investigation or proceeding
is pending in regard to the election to which title 15 records pertain,you must keep the records until
the investigation or proceeding is over. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission can
provide general information about records retention and destruction. You may write the Library and
Archives Commission at P.O.Box 12927,Austin,Texas 78711-2927. You may call the commission
at(512)463-5460.
Questions from Filers: You are not expected to be a title 15 expert. Filers will find answers to
most of their questions either in the instructions to the forms or in the applicable Ethics Commission
campaign finance guide. For further information filers may call the Ethics Commission.
WHO FILES WITH ME?
The following individuals and committees file with the filing authority for a political subdivision:
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1. Candidates for and officeholders of elective offices of the political subdivision;
2. Specific-purpose committees supporting or opposing candidates for and officeholders of elective
offices of the political subdivision; and
3. Specific-purpose committees supporting or opposing a measure to be submitted at an election
ordered by an authority of the political subdivision. See "Part IV. Specific-Purpose Political
Committees" in this guide.
NOTE: A specific-purpose committee that would be required to file with more than one local filing
authority may instead file with the Ethics Commission.
WHAT FORMS DO I NEED TO MAKE AVAILABLE?
For most forms, there is a separate instruction guide. Remember: always make the appropriate
instruction guide available with a form!
1. FORM CTA and FORM CTA Instruction Guide(Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by
a Candidate)
A person who takes action to gain nomination or election to a public office must file FORM CTA
even if the person does not intend to accept campaign contributions or make campaign
expenditures. Additionally, before a candidate may raise or spend money for his or her
candidacy, the candidate must appoint a campaign treasurer by filing FORM CTA with the
appropriate filing authority.For example,a candidate must file a campaign treasurer appointment
before paying a filing fee.
2. FORM ACTA and FORM ACTA Instruction Guide (Amendment: Appointment of a
Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate)
A candidate uses FORM ACTA to show changes in information on a campaign treasurer
appointment.
3. FORM C/OH and FORM C/OH Instruction Guide (Candidate/Officeholder Campaign
Finance Report)
Candidates and officeholders use FoRM C/OH to file periodic reports of contributions and
expenditures. A person who is both a candidate and an officeholder reports all activity on the
same FORM C/OH.
4. FORM C/OH-FR and FORM C/OH Instruction Guide(C/OH Report: Designation of Final
Report)
A candidate uses FORM C/OH-FR to file a final report when he or she does not intend to accept
further campaign contributions or make further campaign expenditures. The Ethics Commission
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makes FORM C/OH-FR available as the last page of FORM C/OH;thus the instructions for FORM
C/OH-FR are included in the FORM C/OH Instruction Guide.
5. FORM C/OH-UC and FORM C/OH-UC Instruction Guide(Candidate/Officeholder Report
of Unexpended Contributions)
Former candidates and officeholders use this form to report the disposition of unexpended
contributions.
6. FORM STA and FORM STA Instruction Guide(Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a
Specific-Purpose Committee)
A specific-purpose political committee uses FORM STA to appoint a campaign treasurer. Before
a political committee may accept more than$500 in political contributions or spend more than
$500 in political expenditures, the committee must appoint a campaign treasurer.
7. FORM ASTA and FORM ASTA Instruction Guide (Amendment: Appointment of a
Campaign Treasurer by a Specific-Purpose Committee)
A specific-purpose political committee uses this form to show changes in information provided
on a campaign treasurer appointment.
8. FORM SPAC and FORM SPAC Instruction Guide(Specific-Purpose Committee Campaign
Finance Report)
The treasurer of a specific-purpose political committee uses this form to file periodic reports of
contributions and expenditures.
9. FORM PAC-DR and FORM SPAC Instruction Guide (Political Committee Affidavit of
Dissolution)
The treasurer of a political committee files FORM PAC-DR,along with a FORM SPAC designated
as a dissolution report,to dissolve the committee. The Ethics Commission makes FORM PAC-
DR available as the last page of FORM SPAC; thus the instructions for FORM PAC-DR are
included in the FORM SPAC Instruction Guide.
10. FORM CFCP and copy of the Fair Campaign Practices Act
You must provide a copy of FORM CFCP and a copy of the Fair Campaign Practices Act
(Election Code chapter 258) to each candidate or political committee that files a campaign
treasurer appointment with you.
11. FORM PFS (Personal Financial Disclosure Statement)
Certain local officials are required to file personal financial disclosure statements with local
filing authorities. See Local Gov't. Code chs. 145, 159,335;Educ. Code§ 11.064;Water Code
ch. 60, subch. O.
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WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE
THE INSTRUCTIONS WITH THE FORMS?
The forms consist mainly of blank spaces. The instructions explain the reporting requirements in
detail.
IS THERE OTHER INFORMATION I CAN MAKE AVAILABLE TO FILERS?
The Ethics Commission makes the following guides available for filing authorities to provide to
filers.
1. Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders Who File With Local Filing
Authorities.
2. Campaign Finance Guide for Political Committees.
3. Campaign Finance Guide for Judicial Candidates and Officeholders.
4. Schedules of Filing Dates.
5. A Guide to Political Advertising: What You Need To Know.
6. A Guide To The Prohibition Against Using Political Subdivision Resources for Political
Advertising.
HOW DO I KNOW THE FILING DEADLINES?
Title 15 of the Election Code prescribes the filing deadlines for candidates, officeholders, and
treasurers of political committees. Filing schedules are also posted on the Ethics Commission's
website at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet. The filing schedules set out the filing
deadlines for semiannual reports and pre-election reports for elections held on uniform election
dates. Some elections ordered by a political subdivision may be held on dates other than uniform
election dates. The Ethics Commission cannot know in advance the dates of all possible elections
called by political subdivisions. If an election arises that is not covered on the schedule,please call
the Ethics Commission for assistance in calculating the due dates for pre-election reports.
Deadline on Weekend or Holiday. If the due date for a report falls on a Saturday, Sunday,or legal
holiday, the report is due on the next regular business day.
5 p.m. Deadline. The deadline for filing a report is 5 p.m. on the due date.
Delivery by Mail or Other Carrier. For most reporting deadlines,a document is filed on time if it
is properly addressed with postage or handling charges prepaid and bears a postmark or receipt mark
of a common or contract carrier indicating a time by the deadline.
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Pre-Election Reports. A report due 30 days before an election and a report due 8 days before an
election must be received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date to be
considered filed on time.
WHY SHOULD I DATE-STAMP FILINGS AND SAVE POSTMARKS?
Reports are due by certain deadlines,and members of the public or a prosecutor may be interested in
knowing whether a particular report was filed on time. A file stamp will show whether a hand-
delivery was on time. For other filings, a postmark or receipt mark will show whether the filings
were timely.
MAY FILERS USE COMPUTER PROGRAMS TO CREATE REPORTS?
The Ethics Commission makes available computer software for candidates and committee treasurers
to use in generating reports required under title 15. Local filers may use the software to generate a
report on paper, but must add the affidavit required to be used on reports filed on paper and must
sign the affidavit. Local filers who have questions about the software should call the Ethics
Commission directly.
PART II. CANDIDATES
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A CANDIDATE?
Any action a person takes to seek nomination or election to public office makes the person a
candidate for title 15 filing purposes. A candidate must file a campaign treasurer appointment
even if the candidate does not intend to accept campaign contributions or make campaign
expenditures. Once a person has filed a campaign treasurer appointment, he or she must file
periodic reports of contributions and expenditures as a candidate. The obligation to file reports as a
candidate lasts until the person files a final report.
Additionally, a person may not accept a campaign contribution or make a campaign expenditure
(even from personal funds)without a campaign treasurer appointment on file.
HOW DOES A CANDIDATE APPOINT A CAMPAIGN TREASURER?
To appoint a campaign treasurer, a candidate files FORM CTA with the appropriate filing authority.
Qualifications of Campaign Treasurer. A candidate may appoint himself, a relative, a friend,or
anyone else as campaign treasurer. Under a law that took effect on September 1, 2003, a person is
ineligible for appointment as a campaign treasurer if the person is the campaign treasurer of a
political committee and has outstanding filing obligations.
Duties of a Candidate's Campaign Treasurer. A candidate's campaign treasurer has no official
duties. The candidate, not the campaign treasurer, is required to sign reports. (The treasurer of a
political committee is required to file reports for the committee.)
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Effective Date of Appointment. If delivered by hand, a campaign treasurer appointment takes
effect on the date of delivery. If delivered by mail or common carrier, a campaign treasurer
appointment takes effect on the date of the postmark or receipt mark.
Transferring a Campaign Treasurer Appointment. A person who has a campaign treasurer
appointment on file with you may wish to begin raising or spending money in connection with a
campaign for an office that requires filing with a different filing authority. In that case,the candidate
transfers his or her campaign treasurer appointment by filing a new FORM CTA with the new filing
authority. The candidate must also attach a certified copy of the old campaign treasurer appointment.
This procedure can affect you in two ways: (1)You may receive a FORM CTA with a certified copy
of an old campaign treasurer appointment attached, or(2)you may be asked to provide a certified
copy of a campaign treasurer appointment on file with you.
Candidate Who Files a Campaign Treasurer Appointment with a New Filing Authority. A
candidate who has been filing with you may file a campaign treasurer appointment with a different
filing authority. The candidate will need to file a certified copy of his or her political subdivision
campaign treasurer appointment with the new filing authority. This ends the person's obligation to
file with you even if he or she continues to hold an office of your political subdivision.
Example: Jane Doe, a city council member with a campaign treasurer appointment on file with the
city secretary, decides to run for the state legislature. She files a campaign treasurer appointment
with the Ethics Commission along with a certified copy of her city campaign treasurer appointment.
She is no longer required to file title 15 reports with the city secretary. Nonetheless,she may wish to
file duplicate copies of reports with the city secretary as long as she holds a city office.
Termination of a Campaign Treasurer Appointment. It is important for you to know the
termination date of a campaign treasurer appointment because you must keep a campaign treasurer
appointment for two years after it is terminated. A campaign treasurer appointment may be
terminated by the candidate in three different ways: (1) the candidate files a final report; (2) the
candidate appoints a new campaign treasurer;or(3)the campaign treasurer or the candidate notifies
you that the appointment is terminated.
An"inactive" campaign treasurer appointment may be terminated by you if the governing body of
your political subdivision adopts a process by ordinance or order allowing such termination. A
candidate is inactive if the candidate: (1)has never filed or has ceased to file any required campaign
finance reports, (2) has not been elected to an office which requires filing a campaign treasurer
appointment with you,and(3)has not filed a final report. Before a campaign treasurer appointment
may be terminated, the governing body of the political subdivision must consider the proposed
termination in a regularly scheduled open meeting.
WHEN DOES A CANDIDATE HAVE TO FILE REPORTS?
Officeholder Who Files a Campaign Treasurer Appointment. An officeholder who files a
campaign treasurer appointment and who did not already have a campaign treasurer appointment on
file must file a report no later than 15 days after filing the campaign treasurer appointment. This
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requirement does not apply when an officeholder simply changes campaign treasurers. After filing a
campaign treasurer appointment and the"15-day"report,the candidate/officeholder files according
to the filing schedule for candidates.
Exception. The"15-day"reporting requirement does not apply if the candidate/officeholder
had no more than $500 in contributions or expenditures during the period covered by the
report.
Semiannual Reports. A candidate is required to file semiannual reports on January 15 and July 15
of each year on FORM C/OH. A person who is both a candidate and an officeholder (that is, an
officeholder who has a campaign treasurer appointment on file)is not required to file two separate
reports. Nor is a person required to distinguish between candidate activity and officeholder activity
on the report.
No Exception. A person who has a campaign treasurer appointment on file must file
semiannual reports, even for reporting periods during which there is no reportable activity
and even if the person chose modified reporting.I
Pre-Election Reports. An opposed candidate in an upcoming election must file pre-election reports.
Pre-election reports are due 30 days and 8 days before an election.2 A pre-election report must be
received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date.
An"opposed candidate" is a candidate who has an opponent whose name is printed on the ballot.
Pre-election reports are not required if a candidate's only opposition is a write-in candidate.3
Modified Reporting. An opposed candidate who selects "modified reporting" is not
required to file pre-election reports (or runoff reports). (The selection of modified
reporting does not affect a candidate's obligation to file semiannual reports.) A
candidate is eligible to select modified reporting if he or she does not intend to exceed$500
in contributions or expenditures in connection with an election. (A candidate has separate
$500 thresholds for a primary,a runoff,and a general election.) A candidate selects modified
reporting by signing the appropriate blank on FORM CTA or FORM ACTA.
A"modified filer"who exceeds one of the$500 thresholds in connection with an election is
subject to the regular filing requirements for opposed candidates. If a modified filer exceeds
one of the thresholds before the due date for the"30-day"pre-election report,the filer is not
required to give special notice;the filer is simply required to file the pre-election reports by
the scheduled due dates. A modified filer who exceeds one of the thresholds after the due
date for the"30-day"pre-election report must file a report within 48 hours of exceeding the
threshold. If the candidate files the"48-hour"report before the due date for the"8-day"pre-
election report,he or she must also file an"8-day"pre-election report by the regular due date
for that report.
Many filers at the local level select modified reporting. To understand the rules that apply to
modified filing, candidates should consult the Ethics Commission's CAMPAIGN FINANCE
GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH LOCAL FILING AUTHORITIES.
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Runoff Reports. A candidate in a runoff must file a runoff report. A runoff report is due no later
than the eighth day before the runoff election and must be received by the appropriate filing authority
no later than the report due date.
Modified Reporting. A candidate who has selected modified reporting and who remains
eligible for modified reporting is not required to file a runoff report. (The selection of
modified reporting does not affect a candidate's obligation to file semiannual reports.)
A candidate who has selected modified reporting has$500 thresholds in connection with the
main election and new $500 thresholds in connection with a runoff.
Annual Reports of Unexpended Contributions. A person who files a final report is no longer a
candidate for title 15 purposes. If the person has surplus funds or assets(and is not an officeholder),
he or she must file annual reports of unexpended contributions.
Annual reports are due not earlier than January 1 and not later than January 15 of each year on FORM
C/OH-UC. The obligation to file annual reports ends when the former candidate files a report of
final disposition of unexpended contributions. Final disposition must be made within six years of
filing a final report or leaving office, whichever is later.
Report of Final Disposition of Unexpended Contributions. After a former candidate disposes of
all surplus funds and assets, he or she must file a report of final disposition of unexpended
contributions,also on FORM C/OH-UC. The former candidate may file this report at any time during
the year.
WHEN MAY A CANDIDATE STOP FILING TITLE 15 REPORTS?
Filing a final report4 ends a person's obligation to file title 15 reports unless(1)the filer has not yet
filed past-due reports, (2) the person is an officeholder, or (3) the person has surplus funds at the
time of filing a final report. An officeholder may be required to file title 15 reports as an
officeholder. See"Part III. Officeholders. When Does An Officeholder Have To File Reports?"in
this guide. A former candidate who is not an officeholder but who has surplus campaign funds must
file annual reports of contributions and expenditures. See"Part II. Candidates. Annual Reports of
Unexpended Contributions" above.
PART III. OFFICEHOLDERS
This section only applies to an officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer appointment on
file. Once an officeholder files a campaign treasurer appointment,he or she becomes a candidate for
purposes of the title 15 filing requirements and must comply with the title 15 requirements applicable
to candidates rather than the requirements applicable to officeholders. Note that only a person who
has a campaign treasurer appointment on file may accept a campaign contribution or make a
campaign expenditure (even from personal funds).'
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WHAT DOES TITLE 15 HAVE TO DO WITH OFFICEHOLDERS?
Although title 15 is commonly referred to as the campaign finance law,it also requires officeholders
who are not candidates(in other words,who do not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file)
to file reports of officeholder contributions and expenditures.
WHEN DOES AN OFFICEHOLDER HAVE TO FILE REPORTS?
Semiannual Reports. An officeholder is required to file semiannual reports of officeholder
contributions and expenditures on January 15 and July 15 of each year. For this report officeholders
use FORM C/OH.
Exception for Certain Local Officeholders. There is an exception to the requirement to
file semiannual reports for a local officeholder (who does not have a campaign treasurer
appointment on file)who did not exceed$500 in either contributions or expenditures during
the reporting period. An officeholder who has a campaign treasurer appointment on file must
file semiannual reports even if there is no reportable activity during the reporting period.
Report Required after Appointment of Campaign Treasurer. An officeholder who files an
appointment of campaign treasurer(and who did not already have a campaign treasurer appointment
on file) must file a report of contributions and expenditures no later than 15 days after filing the
appointment,using FORM C/OH. After filing the campaign treasurer appointment and the"15-day"
report, the officeholder is subject to the filing requirements applicable to candidates.
Exception. The"15-day"reporting requirement does not apply if the candidate/officeholder
had no more than $500 in contributions or expenditures during the period covered by the
report.
Annual Report of Unexpended Contributions. A former officeholder who did not have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file at the time of leaving office may be required to file annual
reports of unexpended contributions. This requirement applies if the former officeholder retained
surplus political funds or assets at the time of filing his or her last required report of contributions
and expenditures. The former officeholder may not retain surplus political funds or assets for more
than 6 years after leaving office.
Annual reports of unexpended contributions are due not earlier than January 1 and not later than
January 15 of each year. The reports, on FORM C/OH-UC, cover the preceding calendar year. A
report is due regardless of whether there is any reportable activity. The obligation to file annual
reports ends when the former officeholder files a report of final disposition of unexpended
contributions.
Report of Final Disposition of Unexpended Contributions. Once a former officeholder disposes
of surplus funds and assets, he or she must file a report of final disposition of unexpended
contributions. A former officeholder may file this report at any time during the year. For this report
former officeholders use FORM C/OH-UC.
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Officeholder Who Files a Campaign Treasurer Appointment with a Different Filing Authority.
An officeholder(who does not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file)may file a campaign
treasurer appointment with a different filing authority. This ends the officeholder's obligation to file
with you even if he or she continues to hold an office of the political subdivision.
PART IV. SPECIFIC-PURPOSE POLITICAL COMMITTEES
WHAT IS A POLITICAL COMMITTEE?
A political committee, commonly referred to as a "PAC," is any group that accepts political
contributions or makes political expenditures. Although the term"PAC"may suggest a powerful
"special interest"group,a political committee may also be a small group such as two people who get
together to raise funds for an old friend who is a candidate for school board.
WHAT IS A SPECIFIC-PURPOSE POLITICAL COMMITTEE?
There are two main types of political committees: general-purpose political committees and
specific-purpose political committees. In essence, a general-purpose political committee exists to
support or promote a particular political point-of-view or the interests of a certain group,whereas a
specific-purpose committee exists to support or oppose specific candidates,officeholders,or ballot
measures. It is the filer's responsibility,not your responsibility,to determine whether a committee is
a general-purpose committee or a specific-purpose committee. The Ethics Commission's Campaign
Finance Guide for Political Committees explains the differences in detail.
WHAT POLITICAL COMMITTEES FILE WITH POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS?
A specific-purpose committee files with the clerk, secretary, or presiding officer of a political
subdivision other than a county if the committee supports or opposes either individual candidates or
officeholders who file with the political subdivision or ballot measures on elections called by the
political subdivision.' All general-purpose political committees file with the Ethics Commission. It
is the filer's responsibility to determine where a political committee files campaign finance reports.
The Ethics Commission's Campaign Finance Guide for Political Committees will help filers make
this determination.
Note for School Districts: Beginning on September 1,2015,a specific-purpose committee created
to support or oppose a measure on the issuance of bonds by a school district must file all of its
campaign finance reports with the Ethics Commission. This does not affect the filing requirements
for the committee's campaign treasurer appointment.
WHEN MUST A POLITICAL COMMITTEE FILE
A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT?
$500 Thresholds. A specific-purpose committee must file a campaign treasurer appointment, on
FORM STA,before it exceeds $500 in either political contributions or political expenditures. Once
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the committee has filed a campaign treasurer appointment,the treasurer must file periodic reports of
contributions and expenditures.
Effective Date. If delivered by hand,a committee's campaign treasurer appointment takes effect on
the day of delivery. If delivered by mail or common carrier,the appointment takes effect on the date
of the postmark or receipt mark.
Termination of a Committee's Campaign Treasurer Appointment. It is important for you to
know the termination date of a committee's campaign treasurer appointment because you must keep
a campaign treasurer appointment for two years after it is terminated. A committee's campaign
treasurer appointment may be terminated by the committee in three different ways: (1) the
committee files a dissolution report;(2)the committee appoints a new campaign treasurer;or(3)you
receive notification from the committee or the campaign treasurer that the appointment is terminated.
An"inactive" campaign treasurer appointment may be terminated by you if the governing body of
your political subdivision adopts a process by ordinance or order allowing such termination. A
political committee is inactive if the committee: (1)has never filed or has ceased to file any required
campaign finance reports, and (2) has not filed a dissolution report. Before a campaign treasurer
appointment may be terminated, the governing body of the political subdivision must consider the
proposed termination in a regularly scheduled open meeting.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A
COMMITTEE'S CAMPAIGN TREASURER?
The treasurer of a political committee is responsible for filing the committee's reports of
contributions and expenditures. (In contrast, a candidate or officeholder, not his or her campaign
treasurer, is responsible for filing candidate and officeholder reports of contributions and
expenditures.)
HOW DOES A COMMITTEE CHANGE A CAMPAIGN TREASURER?
A specific-purpose committee changes treasurers by filing an amended appointment of campaign
treasurer on FORM ASTA. The new appointment terminates the old appointment. The outgoing
treasurer is required to file a termination report on FORM SPAC not later than 10 days after the
termination. (A separate termination report is not required if the termination occurs on the last day
of a reporting period and the proper report for that period is filed.)
WHAT IF A SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE BECOMES
A GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEE?
A change in political activity may mean that a political committee that has been filing with a local
filing authority has become a general-purpose committee. This change will require the committee to
file a new campaign treasurer appointment with the Ethics Commission. In addition to filing a new
campaign treasurer appointment with the Ethics Commission, the committee is required to give
notice to the local filing authority of the change in status. The committee should review the Ethics
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Commission's CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES to become familiar with the
contribution and expenditure limits that arise in connection with the transition.
WHEN DOES THE TREASURER OF A SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE
HAVE TO FILE REPORTS?
Semiannual Reports. The treasurer of a specific-purpose committee is required to file semiannual
reports by January 15 and July 15 of each year. The treasurer must file semiannual reports even if
there is no reportable activity.
Pre-Election Reports. A specific-purpose committee supporting or opposing an opposed candidate
in an upcoming election must file pre-election reports. A specific-purpose committee supporting or
opposing a ballot measure must also file pre-election reports. Filers use FORM SPAC for
pre-election reports, which are due 30 days and 8 days before an election.' (If you are the filing
authority for a school district, see the Note under "What Political Committees File with Political
Subdivisions?" in this guide.) A pre-election report must be received by the appropriate filing
authority no later than the report due date.
For purposes of filing pre-election reports, supporting or opposing a candidate or measure means
accepting political contributions or making political expenditures to support or oppose the candidate
or measure.
Modified Reporting. The treasurer of a specific-purpose committee that selects"modified
reporting" is not required to file pre-election reports (or runoff reports). (The selection of
modified reporting does not affect the treasurer's obligation to file semiannual reports.)
A committee may select modified reporting if the committee does not intend to exceed$500
in contributions or expenditures in connection with an election. (A committee has separate
$500 thresholds for a primary, a runoff, and a general election.) A committee selects
modified reporting by signing the appropriate blank on FORM STA or FORM ASTA.
A committee that has selected modified reporting must file pre-election reports if the
committee exceeds one of the $500 thresholds. If the committee exceeds one of the
thresholds before the due date for a "30-day" pre-election report, the committee is not
required to give special notice of that fact; the treasurer is simply required to file the pre-
election reports by the scheduled due dates. If the committee exceeds one of the thresholds
after the due date for the"30-day"pre-election report,the treasurer must file a report within
48 hours of exceeding the threshold(on FORM SPAC)and then file any pre-election or runoff
reports that come due.
Runoff Reports. A specific-purpose committee that supports or opposes a candidate in a runoff
election must file a runoff report on FORM SPAC. A runoff report is due no later than the 8th day
before the runoff and must be received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due
date.
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Modified Reporting. A specific-purpose committee that has selected modified reporting
and remains eligible for modified reporting is not required to file a runoff report.
A committee that has selected modified reporting has$500 thresholds in connection with
the main election and additional $500 thresholds in connection with a runoff.
Termination Report. After the treasurer of a political committee resigns or is replaced, the
outgoing treasurer is required to file a termination report on FORM SPAC not later than 10 days after
the termination. (A separate termination report is not required if the termination occurs on the last
day of a reporting period and the proper report for that period is filed.)
Dissolution Report. A political committee that expects to receive no further political contributions
or make no further political expenditures may file a dissolution report on FORM SPAC with FORM
PAC-DR attached.
The dissolution report terminates the committee's campaign treasurer appointment and relieves the
campaign treasurer of the duty to file additional reports. (In this case,the dissolution report serves as
the treasurer's termination report.)
PART V. PENALTIES
As a local filing authority, you have no authority to penalize filers in any way for violations of
title 15. Any individual may file a criminal complaint regarding a violation of title 15 with the
appropriate county or district attorney. Also,any Texas resident may file a sworn complaint with the
Ethics Commission alleging a violation of title 15.
PART VI. FREQUENT QUESTIONS
If you have questions about your responsibilities as a filing authority, call the Ethics Commission.
The following list contains questions that local filing authorities frequently ask.
Q. What title 15 documents should I give to a person who says he is interested in running for
an office of my political subdivision?
A. In addition to information you provide about getting on the ballot,you should give the person a
copy of the Ethics Commission's CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND
OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH LOCAL FILING AUTHORITIES,FORM CTA and the FORM CTA
Instruction Guide.
Q. What should I give to a person who files a campaign treasurer appointment?
A. The person,who is now a candidate for purposes of title 15,will need FORM C/OH and the FORM
C/OH Instruction Guide and a Filing Schedule. You are required to give the person a copy of the
1997 Fair Campaign Practices Act, Chapter 258 of the Election Code, and a copy of FORM
CFCP. You should also make sure that the person has a copy of the Ethics Commission's
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Guide To A Local Filing Authority's Duties Under The Campaign Finance Law
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH LOCAL FILING
AUTHORITIES.
Q. What should I give someone who is interested in forming a political committee?
A. A group that intends to accept political contributions or make political expenditures should get a
copy of the Ethics Commission's CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES,FORM
STA and the FORM STA Instruction Guide. The group should read the filing guide to determine
whether it is a specific-purpose or general-purpose committee.
Q. What should I give to someone who files a campaign treasurer appointment for a political
committee?
A. The treasurer of the political committee will need FORM SPAC and the FORM SPAC Instruction
Guide. You are required to give the committee a copy of the 1997 Fair Campaign Practices Act,
Chapter 258 of the Election Code, and a copy of FORM CFCP. The treasurer should also have a
copy of the Ethics Commission's CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES.
Q. What should I tell a write-in candidate who asks about title 15?
A. A person who declares himself or herself to be a write-in candidate must file a campaign
treasurer appointment and reports of contributions and expenditures.
Q. What do I tell a candidate who says he isn't going to file a campaign treasurer appointment
because he is not going to accept campaign contributions?
A. All candidates must file a campaign treasurer appointment even if a candidate does not intend to
accept campaign contributions or make campaign expenditures. Also,the fact that a candidate
doesn't accept campaign contributions does not mean that the candidate will have nothing to
report. The candidate must report campaign expenditures from personal funds.
A candidate who does not plan to spend over $500 or accept more than $500 in total
contributions in connection with an election should take the following steps:
1. The candidate should complete FORM CTA and sign the back for modified filing.
2. If a July 15 or January 15 deadline occurs before the election,the candidate must file a report
of contributions and expenditures on FORM C/OH.
3. After the election, if the candidate does not intend to accept any further campaign
contributions or make any further campaign expenditures (including payment of campaign
debts), the candidate should file a report of contributions and expenditures on FORM C/OH
and mark it as a Final Report in Box 9, page 1. The candidate should also complete FORM
C/OH-FR and submit it along with FORM C/OH. The final report terminates the candidate's
appointment of campaign treasurer and ends the person's obligation to file as a candidate. (If
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Guide To A Local Filing Authority's Duties Under The Campaign Finance Law
the person won the election,he or she will be subject to the filing requirements applicable to
officeholders.)
Q. May a candidate refuse to list the office or seat sought on a campaign treasurer
appointment?
A. Yes. A person may decide to start raising money to run for office before the person decides
which office to run for.
Q. What do I do if someone files a report after the filing deadline?
A. You should accept the filing.
Q. What do I do if someone files a corrected or amended filing?
A. You should accept the filing. A filer may also wish to file an Ethics Commission Affidavit of
Good Faith with the amendment or correction. Filers should call the Ethics Commission if they
have questions about corrected reports.
Q. What should I tell a candidate who asks about disclosures on political advertising?
A. Give the filer a copy of the Ethics Commission's GUIDE TO POLITICAL ADVERTISING: WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW, and A GUIDE TO THE PROHIBITION AGAINST USING POLITICAL SUBDIVISION
RESOURCES FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING.
Q. May I enter into a contract to perform the title 15 functions of another entity?
A. No. An elections services contract may not change the authority with whom title 15 documents
are filed.
Q. If a candidate forms a specific-purpose committee, must the candidate continue to file
reports on FORM C/OH?
A. Yes. The candidate and the committee are subject to separate reporting requirements.
ENDNOTES
1. See also Part III: Officeholders(Certain officeholders who do not have campaign treasurer appointment
on file are excepted from filing semiannual reports).
2. An opposed candidate in a runoff election is only required to file a pre-election report 8 days before a
runoff election;there is no"30-day"pre-election report due before a runoff.
3. A write-in candidate must file a campaign treasurer appointment before accepting campaign contributions
or making campaign expenditures. Furthermore,a person who declares himself or herself to be a write-in
candidate is required to file pre-election reports as long as the write-in candidate has an opponent whose
name appears on the ballot.
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Guide To A Local Filing Authority's Duties Under The Campaign Finance Law
4. A person terminates a campaign treasurer appointment by filing a final report on FORM C/OH with FORM
C/OH-FR attached.
5. Once an officeholder files a campaign treasurer appointment,he or she may use contributions received as
an officeholder to make campaign expenditures.
6. A specific-purpose political committee that supports candidates,officeholders,or measures at the political
subdivision level may file with the Ethics Commission if it also supports candidates, officeholders, or
measures in a jurisdiction other than the political subdivision. For example,a specific-purpose committee
that supports a particular candidate for county commissioner and a particular candidate for the city council
of a city within the county has two choices of where to file campaign finance reports: (1) The committee
may file both with the county election official and with the appropriate city filing authority, or (2) the
committee may file with the Ethics Commission only.
7. Apolitical committee is only required to file a report 8 days before a runoff election;there is no"30-day"
pre-election report required before a runoff.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 17 Revised 10/12/2017
SWORN COMPLAINTS ENFORCEMENT AND INVESTIGATIVE TEXAS
An individual may file a sworn complaint POWERS
with the Ethics Commission alleging a The Ethics Commission is authorized to ETHICS
violation of any of the laws it administers, undertake civil enforcement actions on its
and Sections 334.025 and 335.055, Local own motion or in response to a sworn COMMISSION
Government Code, concerning false and complaint,hold enforcement hearings,issue
misleading campaign material supporting orders,and impose civil penalties.
or opposing the authorization of a sports or
community venue project. The Commission Promoting Public Confidence
doesnot have the authority to enforce the ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ In Government
Penal Code.
This pamphlet presents a brief overview of the
A sworn complaint sets in motion a process Texas Ethics Commission. If you have a question
that may include a preliminary review hear- about your own activities, we urge you to request E O
ing and a formal hearing,and which permits
an opinion from the Commission before engaging F
resolution of the matter at several points in in the activity in question. Requests to the W
the process.The Commission may ultimately Commission for an advisory opinion must be in x
resolve a sworn complaint by dismissal, writing. You may also call the Commission's Legal
referral for criminal prosecution, or impo- Department at(512)463-5800 for informal advice. �'`� •,�•�
sition of a civil penalty. A final decision of
the Commission in a sworn complaint process
may be appealed to a district court for a trial
................................................................................................................................................................................................................
de novo. During most stages of the process,
the Commissioners and Commission staff Texas Ethics Commission
P.0.Box 12070
members are required to keep the complaint In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Austin,Texas 78711-2070
publications of the Texas Ethics Commission are available by
confidential. request in alternative formats. To request an accessible format,
please contact our ADA Compliance Officer by telephone at 512- (512)463-5800
463-5800,or through RELAY Texas at 800-735-2989;or by mail FAX(512)463-5777
in care of the Texas Ethics Commission,P.0.Box 12070,Austin, TDD(800) 735-2989
Texas 78711-2070.
The Texas Ethics Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and does not discriminate in providing services or employment.
Copies of this publication have been distributed in compliance Visit us at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
with the State Depository Law,and are available for public use
through the Texas State Publications Depository Program at the
Texas State Library and other state depository libraries.
Revised January 10,2017
THE LAWS ADMINISTERED BY THE ADVISORY OPINIONS
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION The Commission has the authority to issue
On November 5, 1991, Texas voters Statutory duties of the Ethics Commission an advisory opinion in response to a
approved an amendment that added Article are in Chapter 571 of the Government Code. request from a person subject to any of the
III, Section 24a, to the Texas Constitution. laws it administers, as well as Chapter 36,
The agency is responsible for administering
The constitutional amendment created the these laws: (1) Title 15, Election Code, Penal Code, concerning bribery and corrupt
Texas Ethics Commission. The amendment concerning political contributions and influence, and Chapter 39, Penal Code,
set out the method by which the eight concerning abuse of office. It is a defense to
expenditures, and political advertising; (2)
members of the Commission are to be Chapter 302, Government Code, concerning prosecution or the imposition of a civil
appointed, with four of the Commissioners penalty under any of these laws that a
the election of the Speaker of the Texas
appointed by the Governor, two appointed House of Representatives; (3) Chapter 303 person reasonably relied on an advisory
,
by the Lieutenant Governor, and two opinion of the Commission. The name of a
appointed b the Speaker of the Texas Government Code, concerning the governor
pp y p for a day and speaker's reunion day person requesting an advisory opinion
House of Representatives. No more than ceremonies; (4) Chapter 305, Government must be kept confidential by the
four members may be from the same politi- Code, concerning lobbyist registration, Commission.
cal party. reports, and activities; (5) Chapter 572,
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES Government Code, concerning personal
financial disclosure of state officers and The Ethics Commission serves as a repository
The Texas Constitution provides that the conduct of state officers and employees; (6) of required disclosure statements for state
Ethics Commission may recommend the Chapter 2004, Government Code, officials, candidates, political committees,
salary of members of the Legislature, the concerning representation before state lobbyists, and certain district and county
Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of agencies; (7) Chapter 159, Local judicial officers.
the House of Representatives, subject to Government Code, concerning judges of
approval by the voters at the subsequent statutory county courts or statutory TRAINING
general election for state and county probate courts who elect to file a financial The Ethics Commission provides, in
officers. Also, the Commission must set the statement with the Commission; (8) Gov- cooperation with state agencies, a program
per diem of members of the Legislature and ernment Code, Section 2152.064
of the Lieutenant Governor. The Legislature of ethics training for state employees, and
g (concerning Conflict of Interest in Certain also provides training for members and
is to determine the other powers and duties Transactions involving the Texas Facilities members-elect of the Texas Legislature
of the Commission. Commission); and (9) Government Code,
concerning compliance with laws
Section 2155.003 (concerning Conflict of In- administered by the Commission. The
RULEMAKING terest involving the Office of the Texas
Commission also produces educational
The Ethics Commission has rulemaking Comptroller of Public Accounts). materials and provides training programs
authority with respect to the laws it for other groups affected by laws
administers. Adoption of a rule requires an administered by the Commission.
affirmative vote by six Commissioners.
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES
AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH
LOCAL FILING AUTHORITIES
E
x � �
C� f
This guide is for candidates for and officeholders in the following positions:
• county offices;
• precinct offices;
• single-county district offices;
• city offices; and
• offices of other political subdivisions such as school districts
This guide applies to candidates for and officeholders of justice of the peace. This guide does not apply to
candidates for and judges of statutory county courts, statutory probate courts, or district courts. For those
candidates and officeholders,the Ethics Commission makes available a CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FORJUDICIAL
CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS.
The Ethics Commission also makes available a CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS
WHO FILE WITH THE ETHICS COMMISSION,a CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES,and a
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL PARTIES.
Revised November 15,2017
Texas Ethics Commission,P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711-2070
(512)463-5800 FAX(512)463-5777 TDD 1-800-735-2989
Visit us at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Texas Ethics Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,national origin,sex,religion,age or disability in employment or the provision of services.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES
AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH
LOCAL FILING AUTHORITIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................1
Officeholders............................................................................................................................ 1
Judicial Candidates and Officeholders..................................................................................... 1
FederalOffices......................................................................................................................... 1
FilingAuthorities..................................................................................................................... 1
Political Committees (PACS)..................................................................................................2
Financial Disclosure Statements..............................................................................................2
FederalIncome Tax .................................................................................................................3
TexasEthics Commission........................................................................................................3
APPOINTING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER.........................................................................3
No Campaign Contributions or Expenditures Without Treasurer Appointment on File.........4
Appointing Treasurer Triggers Reporting Duties....................................................................4
Qualifications of Campaign Treasurer.....................................................................................4
Duties of Campaign Treasurer ...............................................................................................4
Effective Date of Appointment................................................................................................4
Code of Fair Campaign Practices ............................................................................................4
Appointmentby Officeholder ................................................................................................5
Filing for a Place on the Ballot................................................................................................5
ChangingTreasurers................................................................................................................5
Transferring to a Different Filing Authority............................................................................5
Terminating a Campaign Treasurer Appointment...................................................................5
DecidingNot to Run................................................................................................................5
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES....................................................6
CampaignContributions..........................................................................................................6
CampaignExpenditures .........................................................................................................7
Officeholder Contributions ....................................................................................................7
Officeholder Expenditures.......................................................................................................7
Campaign Expenditures by Officeholder ................................................................................7
Permissible Use of Political Contributions..............................................................................8
Use of Political Funds to Rent or Purchase Real Property......................................................8
AcceptingContributions..........................................................................................................8
Reimbursement for Political Expenditures From Personal Funds...........................................9
SeparateAccount Required......................................................................................................9
INFORMATION REQUIRED ON REPORTS ........................................................................9
Contributions............................................................................................................................9
Pledges.....................................................................................................................................9
Loans...................................................................................................................................... 10
Contributions of Personal Services........................................................................................ 10
Contributions of Personal Travel........................................................................................... 10
Contributions From Out-of-State Political Committees ........................................................ 10
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
Expenditures .......................................................................................................................... 11
Unpaid Incurred Obligations.................................................................................................. 11
Expenditures Made by Credit Card........................................................................................ 11
Campaign Expenditures From Personal Funds ..................................................................... 12
Officeholder Expenditures From Personal Funds.................................................................. 12
DirectExpenditures ............................................................................................................... 13
Supporting Political Committees........................................................................................... 13
Payments to a Business of the Candidate or Officeholder..................................................... 13
Interest Earned and Other Credits/Gains/Refunds................................................................. 13
Purchase of Investments ........................................................................................................ 14
Total Political Contributions Maintained............................................................................... 14
Time of Accepting Contribution............................................................................................ 14
Time of Making Expenditure................................................................................................. 14
PREPARING REPORTS..........................................................................................................15
Forms ..................................................................................................................................... 15
SignatureRequired................................................................................................................. 15
FilingDeadlines..................................................................................................................... 15
PeriodsCovered by Reports................................................................................................... 15
Deadline on Weekend or Holiday.......................................................................................... 15
5 P.M. Deadline ..................................................................................................................... 15
Delivery by Mail or Other Carrier......................................................................................... 16
Retention of Records Used for Reports ................................................................................. 16
REPORTS...................................................................................................................................16
SemiannualReports............................................................................................................... 16
Reports Due 30 Days and 8 Days Before an Election........................................................... 16
Report Due 8 Days Before a Runoff Election ....................................................................... 17
ModifiedReporting................................................................................................................ 17
"15th Day After Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by an Officeholder" Report ............ 17
FinalReport ........................................................................................................................... 18
Annual Report of Unexpended Contributions ....................................................................... 18
Final Disposition of Unexpended Contributions Report ....................................................... 18
ENDING FILING OBLIGATIONS.........................................................................................18
FinalReport ........................................................................................................................... 18
Annual Report of Unexpended Contributions ....................................................................... 19
Report of Final Disposition of Unexpended Contributions................................................... 19
PENALTIES FOR REPORTING VIOLATIONS..................................................................20
CAMPAIGN FINANCE RESTRICTIONS.............................................................................21
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
INTRODUCTION
This guide is a summary of reporting requirements and other regulations set out in title 15 of the
Texas Election Code(chs.251-258)and in the rules adopted by the Texas Ethics Commission. This
guide applies to candidates for and officeholders in most local offices in Texas.
This guide does not apply to candidates for or officeholders of statewide elective offices,the State
Legislature,seats on the State Board of Education,or multi-county district offices. Nor does it apply
to candidates for or judges of statutory county courts, statutory probate courts, or district courts.
OFFICEHOLDERS
Officeholders as well as candidates are subject to regulation under title 15. An officeholder who has
a campaign treasurer appointment on file with a filing authority is a"candidate"for purposes of title
15 and is subject to all the regulations applicable to candidates. An officeholder who does not have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file is subject only to the regulations applicable to officeholders.
Most of the requirements discussed in this guide apply to both candidates (individuals who have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file)and to officeholders who do not have a campaign treasurer
appointment on file. The guide will indicate whether a particular requirement applies to individuals
who have campaign treasurer appointments on file, to officeholders who do not have campaign
treasurer appointments on file, or to both.
JUDICIAL CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS
Candidates for and officeholders in most judicial offices are subject to various restrictions that do not
apply to other candidates and officeholders. Those candidates and officeholders should review the
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS and the POLITICAL
ADVERTISING GUIDE which are available on the commission's website.
Nonjudicial Officeholder Seeking Judicial Office. Pursuant to Ethics Advisory Opinion No.465
(2005),a nonjudicial officeholder who becomes a judicial candidate is required to file two campaign
finance reports, one reporting nonjudicial activity and the other reporting judicial activity.
Alternatively,a nonjudicial officeholder who becomes a judicial candidate may select to file a single
report that includes both candidate and officeholder activity if the activity is clearly and properly
reported. See the CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS for
more information.
FEDERAL OFFICES
This guide does not apply to candidates for federal offices. Candidates for federal offices should
contact the Federal Elections Commission. The FEC's toll-free number is (800) 424-9530.
FILING AUTHORITIES
Title 15 requires candidates and officeholders to file various documents and reports with the
appropriate filing authority.
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
The filing authority for a local candidate or officeholder depends on the nature of the office sought
or held.
County Clerk. The county clerk(or the county elections administrator if the county has an
elections administrator, or tax assessor-collector if the county's commissioners court has
transferred the filing authority function to the tax assessor-collector and the county clerk and
tax assessor-collector have agreed to the transfer) is the appropriate filing authority for a
candidate for:
• a county office;
• a precinct office;
• a district office (except for multi-county district offices); and
• an office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision is
within the boundaries of a single county and if the governing body of the political
subdivision has not been formed.
Other local filing authority. If a candidate is seeking an office of a political subdivision
other than a county,the appropriate filing authority is the clerk or secretary of the governing
body of the political subdivision. If the political subdivision has no clerk or secretary, the
appropriate filing authority is the governing body's presiding officer.
Texas Ethics Commission. The Texas Ethics Commission is the appropriate filing authority
for candidates for:
• Multi-county district offices. (Reminder: This guide does not apply to multi-county
district offices.)
• An office of a political subdivision other than a county if the political subdivision
includes areas in more than one county and if the governing body of the political
subdivision has not been formed.
POLITICAL COMMITTEES (PACS)
Often a candidate or officeholder chooses to establish a specific-purpose political committee. A
political committee is subject to separate filing requirements. Establishing a specific-purpose
political committee does not relieve a candidate or officeholder of the obligation to file as an
individual. For more information about political committees, see the Ethics Commission's
CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES.
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS
Some local candidates and officeholders are required to file an annual personal financial statement in
accordance with Government Code chapter 572 or Local Government Code chapter 159. This
statement is not a campaign finance document, and is not addressed in this guide.
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
FEDERAL INCOME TAX
This pamphlet does not address the federal tax implications of campaign finance. Questions
regarding federal tax law should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service.
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
If you have a question about how title 15 applies to you, you may call the Ethics Commission for
assistance or you may request a written advisory opinion.
The Ethics Commission has authority to impose fines for violations of title 15. If you have evidence
that a person has violated title 15, you may file a sworn complaint with the Ethics Commission.
The Ethics Commission's mailing address is P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711. The phone
number is(512)463-5800. The Ethics Commission maintains a website at www.ethics.state.tx.us on
the Internet.
APPOINTING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER
If you plan to run for a public office in Texas (except for a federal office), you must file an
APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE (FORM CTA) with the proper filing
authority when you become a candidate even if you do not intend to accept campaign contributions
or make campaign expenditures. A "candidate" is a person who knowingly and willingly takes
affirmative action for the purpose of gaining nomination or election to public office or for the
purpose of satisfying financial obligations incurred by the person in connection with the campaign
for nomination or election. Examples of affirmative action include:
(A) the filing of a campaign treasurer appointment,except that the filing does not constitute
candidacy or an announcement of candidacy for purposes of the automatic resignation
provisions of Article XVI, Section 65, or Article XI, Section 11, of the Texas
Constitution;
(B) the filing of an application for a place on the ballot;
(C) the filing of an application for nomination by convention;
(D) the filing of a declaration of intent to become an independent candidate or a declaration
of write-in candidacy;
(E) the making of a public announcement of a definite intent to run for public office in a
particular election, regardless of whether the specific office is mentioned in the
announcement;
(F) before a public announcement of intent,the making of a statement of definite intent to
run for public office and the soliciting of support by letter or other mode of
communication;
(G) the soliciting or accepting of a campaign contribution or the making of a campaign
expenditure; and
(H) the seeking of the nomination of an executive committee of a political party to fill a
vacancy.
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
NO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS OR EXPENDITURES WITHOUT TREASURER
APPOINTMENT ON FILE
Additionally, the law provides that you must file a campaign treasurer appointment form with the
proper filing authority before you may accept a campaign contribution or make or authorize a
campaign expenditure, including an expenditure from your personal funds. A filing fee paid to a
filing authority to qualify for a place on a ballot is a campaign expenditure that may not be made
before filing a campaign treasurer appointment form with the proper filing authority.
APPOINTING TREASURER TRIGGERS REPORTING DUTIES
After a candidate has filed a form appointing a campaign treasurer,the candidate is responsible for
filing periodic reports of contributions and expenditures. Filing reports is the responsibility of the
candidate,not the campaign treasurer. Even if a candidate loses an election,he or she must continue
filing reports until he or she files a final report. See"Ending Filing Obligations"in this guide. (An
officeholder who files a final report, and thereby terminates his or her campaign treasurer
appointment,may still be required to file semiannual reports of contributions and expenditures as an
officeholder.)
QUALIFICATIONS OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER
A person is ineligible for appointment as a campaign treasurer if the person is the campaign treasurer
of a political committee that has outstanding filing obligations (including outstanding penalties).
This prohibition does not apply if the committee in connection with which the ineligibility arose has
not accepted more than $5,000 in political contributions or made more than $5,000 in political
expenditures in any semiannual reporting period.A person who violates this prohibition is liable for
a civil penalty not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions accepted or political
expenditures made in violation of this provision.
DUTIES OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER
A candidate's campaign treasurer has no legal duties. (Note: The campaign treasurer of apolitical
committee is legally responsible for filing reports.)
EFFECTIVE DATE OF APPOINTMENT
A campaign treasurer appointment is effective when filed. A hand-delivered appointment takes
effect on the date of delivery. A mailed appointment takes effect on the date of the postmark.
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
A filing authority should provide to each individual who files a campaign treasurer appointment a
form containing a Code of Fair Campaign Practices. A candidate may pledge to conduct his or her
campaign in accordance with the principles and practices set out in the Code by signing the form and
filing it with the appropriate filing authority.
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
APPOINTMENT BY OFFICEHOLDER
If an officeholder files an appointment of campaign treasurer after a period in which he or she did
not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file, the officeholder may have to file a report of
contributions and expenditures no later than 15 days after filing the appointment of campaign
treasurer. See"15th Day After Appointment of Campaign Treasurer by Officeholder"in this guide.
An officeholder who changes a campaign treasurer is not required to file this report.
Note: An officeholder who has a campaign treasurer appointment on file is a candidate for purposes
of title 15.
FILING FOR A PLACE ON THE BALLOT
Filing a campaign treasurer appointment and filing for a place on the ballot are two completely
separate actions. The Secretary of State can provide information about filing for a place on the
ballot. Call the Secretary of State at(512)463-5650 or toll-free at (800) 252-8683.
CHANGING TREASURERS
A candidate may change campaign treasurers at any time by filing an amended appointment of
campaign treasurer (FoRm ACTA). Filing an appointment of a new treasurer automatically
terminates the appointment of the old treasurer.
TRANSFERRING TO A DIFFERENT FILING AUTHORITY
If a candidate has a campaign treasurer appointment on file with one filing authority and wishes to
accept campaign contributions or make campaign expenditures in connection with a candidacy for an
office that would require reporting to a different filing authority, the candidate must file a new
campaign treasurer appointment and a copy of the old campaign treasurer appointment(certified by
original authority)with the second filing authority. The candidate should also provide written notice
to the original filing authority that future reports will be filed with another authority. In general,
funds accepted in connection with one office may be used in connection with a campaign for a
different office, as long as neither of the offices is a judicial office.
TERMINATING A CAMPAIGN TREASURER APPOINTMENT
A candidate may terminate a campaign treasurer appointment by filing an amended appointment of
campaign treasurer or by filing a final report.
A campaign treasurer may terminate his or her own appointment by notifying both the candidate and
the filing authority in writing. The termination is effective on the date the candidate receives the
notice or on the date the filing authority receives the notice, whichever is later.
DECIDING NOT TO RUN
A campaign treasurer appointment does not simply expire. An individual who has a campaign
treasurer appointment on file must file reports of contributions and expenditures until he or she files
a final report with the filing authority. See"Ending Filing Obligations" in this guide.
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Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
Things to Remember
• If you plan to run for a public office in Texas(except for a federal office),you must file an
APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE(FORM CTA)with the proper
filing authority when you become a candidate even if you do not intend to accept campaign
contributions or make campaign expenditures.
• A person may not accept a campaign contribution or make a campaign expenditure unless
the person has a campaign treasurer appointment on file with the proper filing authority.
• Once a person files a form appointing a campaign treasurer, the person is a candidate for
disclosure filing purposes and is responsible for filing periodic reports of contributions and
expenditures with the proper filing authority until the person files a"final report."
• The candidate, not the campaign treasurer, is responsible for filing periodic reports of
contributions and expenditures.
• Filing a campaign treasurer appointment does not automatically"sign you up"for a place
on the ballot. The Secretary of State can provide information about getting on the ballot.
Call (512) 463-5650 or(800) 252-8683.
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Title 15 regulates political contributions and political expenditures. There are two types of political
contributions: campaign contributions and officeholder contributions. Similarly,there are two kinds
of political expenditures: campaign expenditures and officeholder expenditures.
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
A person makes a campaign contribution to a candidate if the person provides or promises something
of value with the intent that it be used in connection with a campaign. A contribution of goods or
services is an"in-kind"campaign contribution. A loan is considered to be a contribution unless it is
from an incorporated financial institution that has been in business for more than a year. Candidates
must report all loans made for campaign purposes, including loans that are not"contributions."
• Donations to a candidate at a fund-raiser are campaign contributions.
• The provision of office space to a candidate is an "in-kind" campaign contribution.
• A promise to give a candidate money is a campaign contribution.
• An item donated to be auctioned at a fund-raiser is an "in-kind" campaign contribution.
The purchase of the item at the auction is also a contribution.
• A campaign volunteer is making a contribution in the form of personal services.
(Contributions of personal services are sometimes not required to be reported. See
"Contributions of Personal Services" in this guide.)
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Note: An individual may not accept a campaign contribution without an appointment of campaign
treasurer on file with the proper filing authority.
CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES
A campaign expenditure is a payment or an agreement to make a payment in connection with a
campaign for an elective office.
• Paying a filing fee in connection with an application for a place on a ballot is a campaign
expenditure.
• Purchasing stationery for fund-raising letters is a campaign expenditure.
• Renting a field to hold a campaign rally is a campaign expenditure.
• Paying people to put up yard signs in connection with an election is a campaign
expenditure.
Note: An individual may not make a campaign expenditure unless he or she has a campaign
treasurer appointment on file with the proper filing authority.
OFFICEHOLDER CONTRIBUTIONS
The provision of or a promise to provide goods or services to an officeholder that is intended to
defray expenses in connection with an officeholder's duties or activities is an officeholder
contribution if the expenses are not reimbursable with public money. A contribution of goods or
services is an "in-kind" officeholder contribution.
A loan from an incorporated financial institution that has been in business for more than a year is not
considered a contribution, but an officeholder must report any such loans made for officeholder
purposes.
An officeholder is not required to have a campaign treasurer appointment on file to accept
officeholder contributions. An officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer on file may not
accept campaign contributions.
OFFICEHOLDER EXPENDITURES
A payment or agreement to pay certain expenses in connection with an officeholder's duties or
activities is an officeholder expenditure if the expenses are not reimbursable with public money.
An officeholder is not required to have a campaign treasurer appointment on file to make
officeholder expenditures. An officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer on file may not
make campaign expenditures.
CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES BY OFFICEHOLDER
An officeholder who has a campaign treasurer appointment on file may accept both campaign
contributions and officeholder contributions and make both campaign expenditures and officeholder
expenditures. On a report, there is no need for an officeholder who is a candidate to distinguish
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between campaign contributions and officeholder contributions or between campaign expenditures
and officeholder expenditures. Both campaign contributions and officeholder contributions are
reported as"political contributions"and both campaign expenditures and officeholder expenditures
are reported as "political expenditures."
An officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer on file may accept officeholder
contributions and make officeholder expenditures but may not accept campaign contributions or
make campaign expenditures.
PERMISSIBLE USE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
An officeholder may use officeholder contributions for campaign purposes if the officeholder has an
appointment of campaign treasurer on file. Candidates and officeholders may not convert political
contributions to personal use. See"Campaign Finance Restrictions"in this guide.
USE OF POLITICAL FUNDS TO RENT OR PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY
A candidate or officeholder is prohibited from using political funds to purchase real property or to
pay the interest on or principal of a note for the purchase of real property.
A candidate or officeholder may not knowingly make or authorize a payment from political funds for
the rental or purchase of real property from: (1) a person related to the candidate or officeholder
within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity as determined under Chapter 573,Government
Code;or(2)a business in which the candidate or officeholder(or a person related to the candidate or
officeholder within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity) has a participating interest of
more than 10 percent, holds a position on the governing body, or serves as an officer. Elec. Code
§ 253.038 (a-1). This restriction applies to a payment made from political funds on or after
September 1, 2007, without regard to whether the payment was made under a lease or other
agreement entered into before that date.
ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTIONS
A candidate or officeholder must report contributions that he or she has accepted. Receipt is
different from acceptance. A decision to accept a contribution must be made by the end of the
reporting period during which the contribution is received.
Failure to make a determination about acceptance or refusal. If a candidate or officeholder fails
to make a timely determination to accept or refuse a contribution by the deadline,the contribution is
considered to have been accepted.
Returning refused contributions. If a candidate or officeholder receives a political contribution
but does not accept it,he or she must return the contribution not later than the 30th day after the end
of the reporting period in which the contribution was received. Otherwise, the contribution is
considered to have been accepted.
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REIMBURSEMENT FOR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES FROM PERSONAL FUNDS
If a candidate or officeholder makes political expenditures from personal funds, he or she may use
political contributions to reimburse himself or herself if the expenditures are properly reported either
on the reporting schedule for loans or on the reporting schedule for political expenditures from
personal funds. In order for a candidate or officeholder to use political contributions to reimburse
his or her personal funds,the political expenditure from personal funds must be properly reported on
the report covering the period in which the expenditures are made. A filed report may not be later
corrected to indicate an intention to reimburse personal funds from political contributions.
If a candidate or officeholder deposits personal funds in an account in which political contributions
are held as permitted by section 253.0351(c) of the Election Code, the deposited amount must be
reported as a loan and reimbursements to the candidate or officeholder may not exceed the amount
reported as a loan. See"Campaign Expenditures from Personal Funds"in this guide for additional
information.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT REQUIRED
A candidate or officeholder must keep political contributions in one or more accounts that are
separate from any other account maintained by the candidate or officeholder. (There is no
requirement to keep campaign contributions in a separate account from officeholder contributions.)
INFORMATION REQUIRED ON REPORTS
CONTRIBUTIONS
A report must disclose the amount of each contribution or the value and nature of any in-kind
contribution, as well as the name and address of the individual or political committee making the
contribution, and the date of the contribution. (Detailed information about a contributor is not
required to be reported if the contributor contributed $50 or less during the reporting period.)
PLEDGES
Promises to transfer money, goods, services, or other things of value are contributions. If a filer
accepts such a promise, he or she must report it (along with the information required for other
contributions) on the reporting schedule for "pledges." Once a pledge has been received, it is
reported on the appropriate receipts schedule for the reporting period in which the pledge is received.
A pledge that is actually received in the same reporting period in which the pledge was accepted
shall be reported only on the appropriate receipts schedule.
Note: A pledge is not a contribution unless it has been accepted.
Example 1: In June a supporter promises that he will give Juan Garcia $1,000 in the last week
before the November election. Juan accepts his promise. Juan must report the pledge on his July 15
report.Juan must also report a political contribution when the pledge is actually received. (Note: If
Juan receives the pledge during the July semiannual reporting period then he does not report the
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pledge and only reports a political contribution. Also, if he never receives the $1,000, he does not
amend his report to delete the entry for the pledge.)
Example 2: At a party, an acquaintance says to Juan, "I'd like to give you some money; call me at
my office." Juan agrees to call. At this point,Juan has accepted nothing and has nothing to report.
Juan has not agreed to accept money; he has merely agreed to call.
LOANS
Loans made for campaign or officeholder purposes are reportable. A filer must report the amount of
a loan, the date the loan is made, the interest rate, the maturity date, the type of collateral, and the
name and address of the lender. The filer must also report the name, address,principal occupation,
and employer of any guarantor and the amount guaranteed by the guarantor. (Detailed information
is not required if a particular lender lent $50 or less during a reporting period.) If a candidate or
officeholder deposits personal funds in an account in which political contributions are held as
permitted by section 253.0351(c)of the Election Code,the deposited amount must be reported as a
loan. See"Campaign Expenditures from Personal Funds"in this guide for additional information.
Note: A loan from an incorporated financial institution that has been in business for more than one
year is not a contribution. Other loans are considered to be contributions. This distinction is
important because of the prohibition on contributions from banks and certain other financial
institutions. See"Campaign Finance Restrictions"in this guide. All loans are reported on the same
schedule,regardless of whether they are contributions. Additionally,the forgiveness of a loan is a
reportable in-kind contribution. See Ethics Commission Rules § 20.64.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF PERSONAL SERVICES
A political contribution consisting of an individual's personal services is not required to be reported
if the individual receives no compensation from any source for the services.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF PERSONAL TRAVEL
A political contribution consisting of personal travel expense incurred by an individual is not
required to be reported if the individual receives no reimbursement for the expense.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OUT-OF-STATE POLITICAL COMMITTEES
There are restrictions on contributions from out-of-state political committees. The fact that a
political committee has a mailing address outside of Texas does not mean that the committee is an
out-of-state political committee for purposes of these restrictions. A political committee that has a
campaign treasurer appointment on file in Texas is not an out-of-state political committee for
purposes of these restrictions.
Contributions over$500 in a reporting period. Before accepting more than$500 in a reporting
period from an out-of-state committee, a candidate or officeholder must obtain either(1) a written
statement, certified by an officer of the out-of-state political committee, listing the full name and
address of each person who contributed more than $100 to the out-of-state political committee
during the 12 months immediately preceding the contribution, or (2) a copy of the out-of-state
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political committee's statement of organization filed as required by law with the Federal Election
Commission and certified by an officer of the out-of-state committee.
This documentation must be included with the report of contributions and expenditures for the
period in which the contribution was received.
Contributions of$500 or less in a reporting period. For a contribution of$500 or less from an
out-of-state committee in a reporting period,there is no requirement to obtain documentation before
accepting the contribution. But there is a requirement to include certain documentation with the
report of the contribution. The report must include either (1) a copy of the out-of-state political
committee's statement of organization filed as required by law with the Federal Election
Commission and certified by an officer of the out-of-state committee,or(2)the committee's name,
address,and phone number;the name of the person appointing the committee's campaign treasurer;
and the name, address, and phone number of the committee's campaign treasurer.
EXPENDITURES
A filer must report any campaign expenditure (regardless of whether it is made from political
contributions or from personal funds)and any political expenditure(campaign or officeholder)from
political contributions(regardless of whether the expenditure is a political expenditure). A filer must
also report unpaid incurred obligations. See"Unpaid Incurred Obligations"in this guide. If the total
expenditures to a particular payee do not exceed$100 during the reporting period,a filer may report
those expenditures as part of a lump sum. Otherwise,a filer must report the date of an expenditure,
the name and address of the person to whom the expenditure is made, and the purpose of the
expenditure.
UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS
An expenditure that is not paid during the reporting period in which the obligation to pay the
expenditure is incurred shall be reported on the Unpaid Incurred Obligations Schedule for the
reporting period in which the obligation to pay is incurred.
The use of political contributions to pay an expenditure previously disclosed on an Unpaid Incurred
Obligations Schedule shall be reported on the appropriate disbursements schedule for the reporting
period in which the payment is made.
The use of personal funds to pay an expenditure previously disclosed on an Unpaid Incurred
Obligations Schedule shall be reported on the Political Expenditure Made from Personal Funds
Schedule for the reporting period in which the payment is made.
EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD
An expenditure made by a credit card must be reported on the Expenditures Made to Credit Card
Schedule for the reporting period in which the expenditure is made. The report must identify the
vendor who receives the payment from the credit card company.
The use of political contributions to make a payment to a credit card company must be reported on
the appropriate disbursements schedule for the reporting period in which the payment is made and
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identify the credit card company receiving the payment.
The use of personal funds to make a payment to a credit card company must be reported on the
Political Expenditure Made from Personal Funds Schedule for the reporting period in which the
payment is made and identify the credit card company receiving the payment.
CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES FROM PERSONAL FUNDS
A candidate must report all campaign expenditures, whether made from political contributions or
from personal funds. In order to use political contributions to reimburse himself or herself for
campaign expenditures from personal funds, the candidate must properly report the expenditures
either on the reporting schedule for loans or on the reporting schedule for political expenditures from
personal funds. If the candidate does not indicate the intention to seek reimbursement on that report,
he or she may not later correct the report to permit reimbursement.
If a candidate or officeholder deposits personal funds in an account in which political contributions
are held as permitted by section 253.0351(c) of the Election Code, the deposited amount must be
reported as a loan on Schedule E. Political expenditures made from that loan, and any subsequent
expenditures to reimburse the candidate or officeholder, must be reported on Schedule F 1. The
reimbursement may not exceed the amount reported as a loan. Any unexpended funds from such a
loan are required to be included in the total amount of political contributions maintained as of the
last day of the reporting period. Note: Personal funds deposited in an account in which political
contributions are held are subject to the personal use restrictions.
OFFICEHOLDER EXPENDITURES FROM PERSONAL FUNDS
An officeholder is not required to report officeholder expenditures made from personal funds unless
he or she intends to be reimbursed from political contributions. This rule applies regardless of
whether an officeholder has an appointment of campaign treasurer on file.
In order for an officeholder to use political contributions to reimburse an officeholder expenditure
from personal funds,the officeholder must properly report the expenditures either on the reporting
schedule for loans or on the reporting schedule for political expenditures from personal funds. If the
officeholder does not indicate the intention to seek reimbursement, he or she may not later correct
the report to permit reimbursement.
If a candidate or officeholder deposits personal funds in an account in which political contributions
are held as permitted by section 253.0351(c) of the Election Code, the deposited amount must be
reported as a loan on Schedule E. Political expenditures made from that loan, and any subsequent
expenditures to reimburse the candidate or officeholder, must be reported on Schedule F I. The
reimbursement may not exceed the amount reported as a loan. Any unexpended funds from such a
loan are required to be included in the total amount of political contributions maintained as of the
last day of the reporting period. Note: Personal funds deposited in an account in which political
contributions are held are subject to the personal use restrictions.
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DIRECT EXPENDITURES
A direct campaign expenditure is "a campaign expenditure that does not constitute a campaign
contribution by the person making the expenditure." As a practical matter, a direct campaign
expenditure is an expenditure to support a candidate incurred without the candidate's prior consent
or approval.
If a candidate or officeholder makes a direct campaign expenditure to support another candidate or
officeholder,the expenditure must be included on the reporting schedule for political expenditures,
and the report must indicate that the expenditure was a direct campaign expenditure.
SUPPORTING POLITICAL COMMITTEES
A political committee that accepts political contributions or makes political contributions on behalf
of a candidate or officeholder is required to give the candidate or officeholder notice of that fact.
The candidate or officeholder must report the receipt of such a notice on the report covering the
period in which he or she receives the notice.
PAYMENTS TO A BUSINESS OF THE CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER
A candidate or officeholder is required to report payments from political funds to a business in
which the candidate or officeholder has a participating interest of more than 10 percent;a position on
the governing body of the business; or a position as an officer of a business.
A candidate or officeholder may not make a payment to such a business if the payment is for
personal services rendered by the candidate or officeholder or by the spouse or dependent child of
the candidate or officeholder. (Nor may a candidate or officeholder use political contributions to pay
directly for such personal services.) Other payments to such a business are permissible only if the
payment does not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the business for actual expenditures
made by the business. See generally Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 35 (1992).
A candidate or officeholder may not make or authorize a payment from political funds for the rental
or purchase of real property from such a business. See"Use of Political Funds to Rent or Purchase
Real Property"in this guide.
INTEREST EARNED AND OTHER CREDITS/GAINS/REFUNDS
For reports due on or after September 28, 2011, a candidate or officeholder is required to disclose
information regarding the following types of activity from political contributions:
• any credit, interest, rebate, refund, reimbursement, or return of a deposit fee
resulting from the use of a political contribution or an asset purchased with a
political contribution, the amount of which exceeds $100;
• any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with a political contribution, the
amount of which exceeds $100; and
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• any other gain from apolitical contribution,the amount of which exceeds$100.
A candidate or officeholder must use Schedule K to report such information. Although you are not
required to do so,you may also report any credit/gain/ref ind or interest that does not exceed$100 in
the period on this schedule. (Previously, this was an optional schedule because a candidate or
officeholder was not required to report this information.)A candidate or officeholder may not use
interest and other income from political contributions for personal purposes.Political expenditures
made from such income must be reported on the expenditures schedule.
PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS
A candidate or officeholder must report any investment purchased with a political contribution,the
amount of which exceeds$100. This information must be disclosed on Schedule F3 of the campaign
finance report.
TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAINTAINED
The law requires you to disclose the total amount of political contributions accepted, including
interest or other income on those contributions, maintained in one or more accounts in which
political contributions are deposited as of the last day of the reporting period. The"total amount of
political contributions maintained"includes:the total amount of political contributions maintained in
one or more accounts, including the balance on deposit in banks, savings and loan institutions and
other depository institutions; the present value of any investments that can be readily converted to
cash, such as certificates of deposit,money market accounts, stocks,bonds,treasury bills, etc.; and
the balance of political contributions accepted and held in any online fundraising account over which
the filer can exercise control by making a withdrawal, expenditure, or transfer. 1 T.A.C. § 20.50.
The total amount of political contributions maintained does NOT include personal funds that the filer
intends to use for political expenditures, unless the personal funds have been disclosed as a loan to
your campaign and deposited into an account in which political contributions are held as permitted
by section 253.0351(c)of the Election Code. Any unexpended funds from such a loan are required
to be included in the total amount of political contributions maintained as of the last day of the
reporting period. Note: Personal funds deposited in an account in which political contributions are
held are subject to the personal use restrictions.
TIME OF ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTION
A filer must report the date he or she accepts a political contribution. The date of receipt may be
different from the date of acceptance. See "Accepting Contributions" in this guide.
TIME OF MAKING EXPENDITURE
For reporting purposes, an expenditure is made when the amount of the expenditure is readily
determinable. An expenditure that is not paid during the reporting period in which the obligation to
pay is incurred must be reported on the reporting schedule for"Unpaid Incurred Obligations,"and
then reported again on the appropriate expenditure schedule when payment is actually made. If a
filer cannot determine the amount of an expenditure until a periodic bill,the date of the expenditure
is the date the bill is received.
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Credit Card Expenditures. For purposes of 30 day and 8 day pre-election reports,the date of an
expenditure made by a credit card is the date of the purchase,not the date of the credit card bill. For
purposes of other reports, the date of an expenditure made by a credit card is the date of receipt of
the credit card statement that includes the expenditure. For additional information regarding how to
report expenditures made by credit card,see "Expenditures Made by Credit Card" in this guide.
PREPARING REPORTS
FORMS
Reporting forms are available at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet. An individual who is
both a candidate and an officeholder files one report for each reporting period and is not required to
distinguish between campaign activity and officeholder activity.
SIGNATURE REQUIRED
The candidate or officeholder, not the campaign treasurer, must sign reports.
FILING DEADLINES
The next section of this guide explains the types of reports candidates and officeholders are required
to file. Annual filing schedules are available at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
Note: Deadlines for filing reports for special elections or runoff elections will not be listed on the
filing schedule. Call the Ethics Commission for specific information in these cases.
PERIODS COVERED BY REPORTS
Each report covers activity during a specific time period. Generally, a report begins where the last
report ended. For a candidate's first report, the beginning date will be the date the campaign
treasurer appointment was filed.For an officeholder who is appointed to an elective office and who
did not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file at the time of the appointment,the beginning
date for the first report will be the date the officeholder took office. Generally,there should not be
gaps between the periods covered or overlapping time periods. See"Reports"below for information
about filing deadlines and periods covered by reports.
DEADLINE ON WEEKEND OR HOLIDAY
If the due date for a report falls on a Saturday, Sunday,or legal holiday,the report is due on the next
regular business day.
5 P.M. DEADLINE
The deadline for filing a report is 5 p.m. on the due date.
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DELIVERY BY MAIL OR OTHER CARRIER
For most reporting deadlines, a document is considered timely filed if it is properly addressed with
postage or handling charges prepaid and bears a postmark or receipt mark of a common or contract
carrier indicating a time on or before the deadline.
Pre-Election Reports. A report due 30 days before an election and a report due 8 days before an
election must be received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date to be
considered filed on time.
RETENTION OF RECORDS USED FOR REPORTS
A filer must keep records of all information used to prepare a report of contributions and
expenditures,including,for example,receipts or ledgers of contributions and expenditures. A filer
must maintain the records for two years after the deadline for the report.
REPORTS
SEMIANNUAL REPORTS
Generally,candidates and officeholders are required to file reports of contributions and expenditures
by January 15 and July 15 of each year. The reports filed on these dates are known as semiannual
reports. These reports must be filed even if there is no activity to report for the period covered.
However, there is an exception to this requirement for officeholders who file with a local filing
authority,do not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file,and do not accept more than$500 in
officeholder contributions or make more than $500 in officeholder expenditures during the period
covered by the report.
REPORTS DUE 30 DAYS AND 8 DAYS BEFORE AN ELECTION
An opposed candidate in an upcoming election must file reports of contributions and expenditures 30
days and 8 days before the election. Each of these pre-election reports must be received by the
appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date. (A person who has elected modified
reporting and who remains eligible for modified reporting is not required to file these reports. See
"Modified Reporting" in this guide.)
An opposed candidate is a candidate who has an opponent whose name is printed on the ballot. If a
candidate's only opposition is a write-in candidate,that candidate is considered unopposed for filing
purposes. (Note: A write-in candidate who accepts political contributions or makes political
expenditures is subject to the reporting requirements discussed in this guide.)
The report that is due 30 days before the election covers the period that begins on the first day after
the period covered by the last required report and ends the 40th day before the election. If this is a
filer's first required report, the period covered by the report begins on the day the filer filed a
campaign treasurer appointment.
The report that is due 8 days before the election covers the period that begins on the first day after
the period covered by the last required report and ends on the 1 Oth day before the election.
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REPORT DUE 8 DAYS BEFORE A RUNOFF ELECTION
A candidate in a runoff must file a report 8 days before the runoff election. A runoff report must be
received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date. (A candidate who has
elected modified reporting and who remains eligible for modified reporting is not required to file this
report. See "Modified Reporting"below.)
This report covers a period that begins either the first day after the period covered by the last
required report or the day the filer filed a campaign treasurer appointment(if this is the filer's first
report of contributions and expenditures). The period covered by the runoff report ends the 1 Oth day
before the runoff election.
MODIFIED REPORTING
On the campaign treasurer appointment form,there is an option to choose modified reporting for the
next election cycle. Modified reporting excuses an opposed candidate from filing reports 30 days
and 8 days before an election and 8 days before a runoff. An opposed candidate is eligible for
modified reporting only if the candidate does not intend to exceed either $500 in contributions or
$500 in expenditures (excluding filing fees) in connection with an election.
If an opposed candidate selects modified reporting but exceeds a threshold before the 30th day
before the election, the candidate must file reports 30 days and 8 days before the election.
If an opposed candidate selects modified reporting but exceeds the$500 threshold for contributions
or expenditures after the 30th day before the election,the filer must file a report within 48 hours of
exceeding the threshold. (The filer must meet this deadline even if it falls on a weekend or a
holiday.) At that point,the filer is no longer eligible for modified reporting and must file according
to the regular filing schedule.
A selection to file on the modified reporting schedule lasts for an entire election cycle. In other
words, the selection is valid for a primary, a primary runoff, and a general election(as long as the
candidate does not exceed one of the $500 thresholds). A candidate must submit an amended
campaign treasurer appointment(FORM ACTA)to select modified reporting for a different election
cycle.
"15TH DAY AFTER APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY AN
OFFICEHOLDER" REPORT
An officeholder must file a report after filing a campaign treasurer appointment. (A report is not
required after a change in campaign treasurers.) This report of contributions and expenditures is due
no later than 15 days after the campaign treasurer appointment was filed. The report must cover the
period that begins the day after the period covered by the last required report. The period ends on
the day before the campaign treasurer appointment was filed. (Note: A person who is appointed to
elective office may not have filed any previous reports. In that case, the beginning date for the
report due 15 days after the campaign treasurer appointment is the date the officeholder took office.)
The report is not required if the officeholder did not accept more than$500 in contributions or make
more than $500 in expenditures by the end of the reporting period.
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FINAL REPORT
See "Ending Filing Obligations"below.
ANNUAL REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
See "Ending Filing Obligations"below.
FINAL DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS REPORT
See "Ending Filing Obligations"below.
Things to Remember
• An officeholder must file semiannual reports for any period during which he or she is an
officeholder. (There is an exception to this rule for officeholders who do not have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file and who do not accept more than$500 in political
contributions or make more than$500 in political expenditures during the period covered
by the report.)
• An opposed candidate in an election must file reports of contributions and expenditures 30
days and 8 days before the election,unless the candidate has selected(and remains eligible
for)modified reporting. An opposed candidate who has not selected modified reporting
must also file a report 8 days before a runoff election. A report due 30 days before an
election and a report due 8 days before an election must be received by the appropriate
filing authority no later than the report due date.
• An unopposed candidate is not required to file reports 30 days before an election or 8 days
before an election but is required to file semiannual reports.
• A candidate who selects modified reporting must file semiannual reports.
• A filer who selects modified reporting for one election cycle will be required to file on the
regular reporting schedule for the next election cycle unless the filer submits an amended
campaign treasurer appointment selecting modified reporting for the next election cycle.
ENDING FILING OBLIGATIONS
FINAL REPORT
If a filer expects to accept no further political contributions and to make no further political
expenditures and if the filer expects to take no further action to get elected to a public office,the filer
may file a final report. Filing a final report terminates a filer's campaign treasurer appointment and
relieves the filer from any additional filing obligations as a candidate. (Note: A candidate who does
not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file may still be required to file a personal financial
statement in accordance with chapter 572 of the Government Code or chapter 159 of the Local
Texas Ethics Commission Page 18 Revised 11/15/2017
Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
Government Code.) If the filer is an officeholder, the filer will still be subject to the filing
requirements applicable to officeholders. A filer who is not an officeholder at the time of filing a
final report and who has surplus political funds or assets will be required to file annual reports of
unexpended contributions and a report of final disposition of unexpended contributions. See
"Annual Report of Unexpended Contributions" and "Report of Final Disposition of Unexpended
Contributions"below.
A filer who intends to continue accepting contributions to pay campaign debts should not terminate
his or her campaign treasurer appointment. An individual must have a campaign treasurer
appointment on file to accept contributions to offset campaign debts or to pay campaign debts.
Terminating a campaign treasurer appointment does not relieve a filer of responsibility for any
delinquent reports or outstanding civil penalties.
ANNUAL REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
The following individuals must file annual reports of unexpended contributions:
• a former officeholder who did not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file at the
time of leaving office and who retained any of the following after filing his or her last
report: political contributions, interest or other income from political contributions, or
assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political
contributions.
• a former candidate(a person who previously had a campaign treasurer appointment on file)
who was not an officeholder at the time of filing a final report and who retained any of the
following at the time of filing a final report: political contributions, interest or other
income from political contributions, or assets purchased with political contributions.
Annual reports are due not earlier than January 1 and not later than January 15 of each year. An
annual report (FORM C/OH-UC) must contain the following information: (1) information about
expenditures from or disposition of surplus funds or assets; (2) the amount of interest or other
income earned on surplus funds during the previous year; and(3) the total amount of surplus funds
and assets at the end of the previous year.
The obligation to file annual reports ends when the former candidate or officeholder files a report of
final disposition of unexpended contributions.
REPORT OF FINAL DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
A former candidate or former officeholder who has disposed of all surplus funds and assets must file
a report of final disposition of unexpended contributions. This report may be filed as soon as all
funds have been disposed of.
A former candidate or former officeholder has six years from the date of filing a final report or
leaving office(whichever is later)to dispose of surplus funds and assets. The latest possible date for
filing a report of unexpended contributions is 30 days after the end of that six-year period.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 19 Revised 11/15/2017
Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
At the end of the six-year period,a former candidate or officeholder must dispose of surplus assets or
funds in one of the following ways:
• The former candidate or officeholder may give them to the political party with which he or
she was affiliated when last on the ballot;
• The former candidate or officeholder may contribute them to a candidate or a political
committee. (This triggers a requirement to file a report of the contribution.);
• The former candidate or officeholder may give them to the comptroller for deposit in the
state treasury to be used to finance primary elections;
• The former candidate or officeholder may give them to one or more contributors,but the
total returned to any person may not exceed the aggregate amount accepted from that
person during the last two years during which the former candidate or officeholder
accepted political contributions;
• The former candidate or officeholder may give them to certain charitable organizations;or
• The former candidate or officeholder may give them to a public or private post-secondary
educational institution or an institution of higher education as defined by section
61.003(8),Education Code,for the purpose of assisting or creating a scholarship program.
Things to Remember
• Anyone who has an appointment of campaign treasurer on file must file periodic reports of
campaign contributions and expenditures.
• An individual who expects no further reportable activity in connection with his or her
candidacy, files a final report and thereby terminates his or her campaign treasurer
appointment. (Note: A candidate who does not have a campaign treasurer appointment on
file may still be required to file a personal financial statement in accordance with chapter
572 of the Government Code or chapter 159 of the Local Government Code.)
• An officeholder may be required to file semiannual reports even if he or she does not have
a campaign treasurer appointment on file. A local officeholder who has not accepted more
than$500 in contributions or made more than$500 in expenditures in a semiannual period
since terminating his or her campaign treasurer appointment is not required to file a
semiannual report for that period.
PENALTIES FOR REPORTING VIOLATIONS
Any citizen may file a criminal complaint with the district attorney,a civil complaint with the Ethics
Commission, or a civil action against a candidate or officeholder for violations of title 15. Any
penalty stemming from such complaints would be assessed against the candidate or officeholder,not
the campaign treasurer.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 20 Revised 11/15/2017
Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
CAMPAIGN FINANCE RESTRICTIONS
Chapter 253 of the Election Code contains a number of restrictions regarding the acceptance and use
of political contributions, including the following:
1. An individual may not accept a campaign contribution or make a campaign expenditure
(including a campaign expenditure from personal funds) without a campaign treasurer
appointment on file. Elec. Code § 253.031. An officeholder may accept officeholder
contributions and make officeholder expenditures regardless of whether he or she has a
campaign treasurer appointment on file.
2. Political contributions from labor organizations and from most corporations are prohibited.
Elec. Code § 253.091, et seq. Partnerships that include one or more corporate partners are
subject to the prohibition.
3. Certain documentation must be obtained in order to accept contributions from an out-of-
state political committee. Elec. Code § 253.032. See "Contributions From Out-of-State
Political Committees" in this guide.
4. Cash contributions of more than$100 in the aggregate from one contributor in a reporting
period are prohibited. (Here "cash" means coins and currency, not checks.) Elec. Code
§ 253.033.
5. The use of political contributions to purchase real property is prohibited. There is also a
restriction on the use of political funds to rent or purchase real property from a person
related to the candidate or officeholder within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity
or from a business in which the candidate or officeholder or such a relative has a
participating interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the governing body, or
serves as an officer. Elec. Code § 253.038.
6. Texas law does not allow anonymous contributions. Also,reports must disclose the actual
source of a contribution, not an intermediary. Elec. Code § 253.001.
7. Personal use of political contributions is prohibited. Elec. Code § 253.035.
8. A candidate or officeholder may not use political contributions to pay for personal services
rendered by the candidate or officeholder or by the spouse, or dependent children of the
candidate or officeholder. There are also restrictions of a candidate's or officeholder's use
of political contributions to make payments to a business in which the candidate or
officeholder holds a participating interest of more than 10 percent, a position on the
governing body of the business, or a position as an officer of the business. See Ethics
Advisory Opinion No. 35 (1992)(regarding the combined effect of this prohibition and the
prohibition on corporate contributions). Elec. Code § 253.041.
There are restrictions on the use of political contributions to reimburse political
expenditures from personal funds. See "Reimbursement for Political Expenditures from
Personal Funds," in this guide.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 21 Revised 11/15/2017
Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders
Who File with Local Filing Authorities
9. A candidate, officeholder, or political committee may not accept political contributions in
the Capitol or in the Capitol Extension. Effective September 1, 2009, a candidate,
officeholder, or political committee also may not accept political contributions in a
courthouse. "Courthouse" means any building owned by the state, a county, or a
municipality,or an office or part of a building leased to the state,a county,or a municipality,
in which a justice or judge sits to conduct court proceedings. Elec. Code § 253.039.
10. Federal law generally prohibits the acceptance of contributions from foreign sources.
Contact the Federal Election Commission for more detailed information.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 22 Revised 11/15/2017
2020 UNIFORM ELECTION DATES
p•�E' F
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
W
x 9 2020 FILING SCHEDULE FOR REPORTS DUE IN CONNECTION WITH
ELECTIONS HELD ON UNIFORM ELECTION DATES
This is a filing schedule for reports to be filed in connection with elections held on uniform election dates in May and
November. Examples of elections held on uniform election dates are elections for school board positions and city offices.
The uniform election dates in 2020 are May 2 and November 3.
Candidates and officeholders must file semiannual reports(due on January 15,2020, and July 15,2020). In addition,a
candidate who has an opponent on the ballot in an election held on a uniform election date must file two pre-election
reports (unless the candidate has elected modified reporting).
The campaign treasurer of a political committee that is involved in an election held on a uniform election date must also
file pre-election reports (unless the committee is a general-purpose political committee that files monthly or a specific-
purpose political committee that files on the modified reporting schedule). This schedule sets out the due dates for pre-
election reports in connection with elections on uniform election dates. Please consult the 2020 REGULAR FILING
SCHEDULE FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE POLITICAL COMMITTEES (GPAC), COUNTY EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEES (CEC), AND SPECIFIC-PURPOSE POLITICAL COMMITTEES (SPAC) for a complete listing of
political committee deadlines.
Candidates for and officeholders in local offices regularly filled at the general election for state and county officers(the
November election in even-numbered years) should use the 2020 FILING SCHEDULE FOR CANDIDATES AND
OFFICEHOLDERS FILING WITH THE COUNTY CLERK OR ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
EXPLANATION OF THE FILING SCHEDULE CHART
COLUMN I: REPORT DUE DATE-This is the date by which the report must be filed. If the due date for a report falls
on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the report is due on the next regular business day. This schedule shows the
extended deadline where applicable. A report transmitted to the Texas Ethics Commission over the Internet is considered
timely filed if it is transmitted by midnight, Central Time Zone, on the night of the filing deadline. For most filing
deadlines, a report filed on paper is considered timely filed if it is deposited with the U.S. Post Office or a common or
contract carrier properly addressed with postage and handling charges prepaid,or hand-delivered to the filing authority by
the filing deadline. Pre-Election Reports: A report due 30 days before an election and a report due 8 days before an
election must be received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date to be considered timely filed.
COLUMN II:TYPE OF REPORT(WHO FILES)-This column gives the report type and explains which reporting form
to use and which filers are required to file the report.
COLUMN III:BEGINNING DATE OF PERIOD COVERED-This column sets out the beginning date of the time period
covered by the report. Use the latest one of the applicable dates. The "date of campaign treasurer appointment" is the
beginning date only for the first report filed after filing a campaign treasurer appointment. For officeholders recently
appointed to an elective office,the beginning date for the first report will be the date the officeholder took office,provided
that he or she was not already filing as an officeholder or candidate at the time of the appointment. (NOTE: If you are
ever confused about the beginning date for a required report,remember this rule: There should never be gaps between
reporting periods and, generally,there should not be overlaps.)
COLUMN IV: ENDING DATE OF PERIOD COVERED - This column sets out the ending date of the time period
covered by the report. The report must include reportable activity occurring on the ending date.
Please consult the CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS WHO FILE WITH
LOCAL FILING AUTHORITIES or the CAMPAIGN FINANCE GUIDE FOR POLITICAL COMMITTEES for further
information.
2020 UNIFORM ELECTION DATES 1 October 2019
COLUMN I COLUMN II COLUMN III COLUMN IV
DUE DATE TYPE OF REPORT BEGINNING DATE OF ENDING DATE
(WHO FILES) PERIOD COVERED OF PERIOD
COVERED
Wednesday, January semiannual July 1, 2019, or December 31, 2019
January 15, 2020 [FORM C/OH] (all local
the date of campaign
candidates and officeholders,
except for officeholders who do treasurer appointment, or
not have a campaign treasurer the day after the date the last
appointment on file and who do report ended.
not exceed$500 in contributions
or expenditures for the reporting
period)
[FORM GPAC] (all GPACs)
[FORM SPAC] (all SPACs)
Wednesday, Annual report of unexpended January 1, 2019, or December 31, 2019
January 15, 2020 contributions
[FORM C/OH-UC] the day after the date the
(former candidates and former
final report was filed.
officeholders who have filed a
final report and who retained
unexpended contributions or assets
purchased with contributions)
REPORTS DUE BEFORE THE MAY 2, 2020, UNIFORM ELECTION
Thursday, 30th day before the May 2,2020, January 1, 2020,or March 23, 2020
April 2,2020 uniform election
the date of campaign treasurer
NOTE: This report [FORM C/OH] (all local candidates appointment,or
must be received by who have an opponent on the ballot
the appropriate filing in the May 2 election and who do the day after the date the last
authority no later not file on the modified reporting report ended.
than April 2,2020. schedule)
[FORM GPAC] (all GPACs that
are involved in the May 2 election)
[FORM SPAC] (all SPACs that do
not file on the modified reporting
schedule and that supported or
opposed an opposed candidate or a
measure in the May 2 election)
NOTE: A political committee must file pre-election reports if the committee is involved in the election during each pre-election
reporting period. A political committee must file an 8-day pre-election report if the committee filed a 30-day pre-election
report,even if there is no activity to report during the 8-day reporting period.The campaign treasurer of a political committee
may be required to file 30-day and 8-day pre-election reports in connection with elections not listed on this schedule.
2020 UNIFORM ELECTION DATES 2 October 2019
COLUMN I COLUMN II COLUMN III COLUMN IV
DUE DATE TYPE OF REPORT BEGINNING DATE OF ENDING DATE
(WHO FILES) PERIOD COVERED OF PERIOD
COVERED
Friday, 8th day before May 2, 2020, March 24, 2020, or April 22, 2020
April 24,2020 uniform election
the date of campaign NOTE: Daily pre-
NOTE: This report [FORM C/OH] (all local treasurer appointment, or election reports of
must be received by candidates who have an opponent contributions
the appropriate on the ballot in the May 2 election the day after the date the last accepted and direct
filing authority no and who do not file on the report ended. campaign
later than April 24, modified reporting schedule) expenditures made
2020. after April 22, 2020,
[FORM GPAC] (all GPACs that may be required.
filed a"30th Day Before Election Please consult the
Report"or that are involved in the Campaign Finance
May 2 election) Guide for further
information.
[FORM SPAC] (all SPACs that
do not file on the modified
reporting schedule and that filed a
"30th Day Before Election Report"
or that supported or opposed an
opposed candidate or a measure in
the May 2 election)
Wednesday, July semiannual January 1, 2020, or June 30, 2020
July 15, 2020
[FORM C/OH] (all local the date of campaign
candidates and officeholders, treasurer appointment, or
except for officeholders who do
not have a campaign treasurer the day after the date the last
appointment on file and who do report ended.
not exceed$900 in contributions
or expenditures for the reporting
period)
[FORM GPAC] (all GPACs)
[FORM SPAC] (all SPACs)
NOTE: A political committee must file pre-election reports if the committee is involved in the election during each pre-
election reporting period. A political committee must file an 8-day pre-election report if the committee filed a 30-day
pre-election report,even if there is no activity to report during the 8-day reporting period.The campaign treasurer of a
political committee may be required to file 30-day and 8-day pre-election reports in connection with elections not listed on this
schedule.
2020 UNIFORM ELECTION DATES 3 October 2019
COLUMN I COLUMN II COLUMN III COLUMN IV
DUE DATE TYPE OF REPORT BEGINNING DATE OF ENDING DATE
(WHO FILES) PERIOD COVERED OF PERIOD
COVERED
REPORTS DUE BEFORE THE NOVEMBER 3, 2020, UNIFORM ELECTION
Monday, 30th day before the November 3, July 1, 2020, or September 24, 2020
October 5, 2020 2020,uniform election
[FORM C/OH] (all local the date of campaign
Deadline is extended treasurer appointment, or
because of weekend. candidates who have an opponent
on the ballot in the November 3 the day after the date the last
NOTE: This report election and who do not file on the report ended.
must be received by modified reporting schedule)
the appropriate [FORM GPAC] (all GPACs that
filing authority no are involved in the November 3
later than October 5, election)
2020. [FORM SPAC] (all SPACs that
do not file on the modified
reporting schedule and that
supported or opposed an opposed
candidate or a measure in the
November 3 election)
Monday, 8th day before the November 3, September 25, 2020, or October 24, 2020
October 26, 2020 2020, uniform election
[FORM C/OH] (all local the date of campaign NOTE: Daily pre-
NOTE: This report candidates who have an opponent treasurer appointment, or election reports of
must be received by contributions
election and who do not file on the
the appropriate e the ballot in the November 3 the day after the date the last accepted and direct
filing authority no el report ended. campaign
later than October modified reporting schedule) expenditures made
26,2020. [FORM GPAC] (all GPACs that after October 24,
filed a"30th Day Before Election 2020, may be
Report" or that are involved in the required. Please
November 3 election) consult the
[FORM SPAC] (all SPACs that Campaign Finance
do not file on the modified Guide for further
reporting schedule and that filed a information.
"30th Day Before Election Report"
or that supported or opposed an
opposed candidate or a measure in
the November 3 election)
NOTE: A political committee must file pre-election reports if the committee is involved in the election during each pre-
election reporting period. A political committee must file an 8-day pre-election report if the committee filed a 30-day
pre-election report,even if there is no activity to report during the 8-day reporting period.The campaign treasurer of a
political committee may be required to file 30-day and 8-day pre-election reports in connection with elections not listed on this
schedule.
2020 UNIFORM ELECTION DATES 4 October 2019
COLUMN I COLUMN II COLUMN III COLUMN IV
DUE DATE TYPE OF REPORT BEGINNING DATE OF ENDING DATE
(WHO FILES) PERIOD COVERED OF PERIOD
COVERED
Friday, January semiannual July 1, 2020, or December 31, 2020
January 15,2021
[FORM C/OH] (all local the date of campaign
candidates and officeholders, treasurer appointment, or
except for officeholders who do
not have a campaign treasurer the day after the date the last
appointment on file and who do report ended.
not exceed$900 in contributions
or expenditures for the reporting
period)
[FORM GPAC] (all GPACs)
[FORM SPAC] (all SPACs)
Friday, Annual report of unexpended January 1, 2020, or December 31, 2020
January 15,2021 contributions
the day after the date the
[FORM C/OH-UC] final report was filed.
(former candidates and former
officeholders who have filed a
final report and who retained
unexpended contributions or assets
purchased with contributions)
N:\2020\Schedu1es\uniform.docx
2020 UNIFORM ELECTION DATES 5 October 2019
12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 251.GENERAL PROVISIONS
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 15 . REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 251 . GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec . 251 . 001 . DEFINITIONS . In this title:
(1) "Candidate" means a person who knowingly and willingly takes
affirmative action for the purpose of gaining nomination or election to
public office or for the purpose of satisfying financial obligations
incurred by the person in connection with the campaign for nomination or
election. Examples of affirmative action include:
(A) the filing of a campaign treasurer appointment, except
that the filing does not constitute candidacy or an announcement of
candidacy for purposes of the automatic resignation provisions of Article
XVI, Section 65, or Article XI, Section 11, of the Texas Constitution;
(B) the filing of an application for a place on a ballot;
(C) the filing of an application for nomination by
convention;
(D) the filing of a declaration of intent to become an
independent candidate or a declaration of write-in candidacy;
(E) the making of a public announcement of a definite intent
to run for public office in a particular election, regardless of whether
the specific office is mentioned in the announcement;
(F) before a public announcement of intent, the making of a
statement of definite intent to run for public office and the soliciting of
support by letter or other mode of communication;
(G) the soliciting or accepting of a campaign contribution or
the making of a campaign expenditure; and
(H) the seeking of the nomination of an executive committee
of a political party to fill a vacancy.
(2) "Contribution" means a direct or indirect transfer of money,
goods, services, or any other thing of value and includes an agreement made
or other obligation incurred, whether legally enforceable or not, to make a
transfer. The term includes a loan or extension of credit, other than those
expressly excluded by this subdivision, and a guarantee of a loan or
extension of credit, including a loan described by this subdivision. The
term does not include:
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 251.GENERAL PROVISIONS
(A) a loan made in the due course of business by a
corporation that is legally engaged in the business of lending money and
that has conducted the business continuously for more than one year before
the loan is made; or
(B) an expenditure required to be reported under Section
305 . 006 (b) , Government Code.
(3) "Campaign contribution" means a contribution to a candidate
or political committee that is offered or given with the intent that it be
used in connection with a campaign for elective office or on a measure.
Whether a contribution is made before, during, or after an election does
not affect its status as a campaign contribution.
(4) "Officeholder contribution" means a contribution to an
officeholder or political committee that is offered or given with the
intent that it be used to defray expenses that:
(A) are incurred by the officeholder in performing a duty or
engaging in an activity in connection with the office; and
(B) are not reimbursable with public money.
(5) "Political contribution" means a campaign contribution or an
officeholder contribution.
(6) "Expenditure" means a payment of money or any other thing of
value and includes an agreement made or other obligation incurred, whether
legally enforceable or not, to make a payment .
(7) "Campaign expenditure" means an expenditure made by any
person in connection with a campaign for an elective office or on a
measure. Whether an expenditure is made before, during, or after an
election does not affect its status as a campaign expenditure.
(8) "Direct campaign expenditure" means a campaign expenditure
that does not constitute a campaign contribution by the person making the
expenditure. A campaign expenditure does not constitute a contribution by
the person making the expenditure to a candidate or officeholder if the
expenditure is made without the prior consent or approval of the candidate
or officeholder on whose behalf the expenditure is made . A campaign
expenditure made in connection with a measure does not constitute a
contribution by the person making the expenditure if it is not made as a
political contribution to a political committee supporting or opposing the
measure.
(9) "Officeholder expenditure" means an expenditure made by any
person to defray expenses that:
(A) are incurred by an officeholder in performing a duty or
engaging in an activity in connection with the office; and
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(B) are not reimbursable with public money.
(10) "Political expenditure" means a campaign expenditure or an
officeholder expenditure.
(11) "Reportable activity" means a political contribution,
political expenditure, or other activity required to be reported under this
title.
(12) "Political committee" means two or more persons acting in
concert with a principal purpose of accepting political contributions or
making political expenditures . The term does not include a group composed
exclusively of two or more individual filers or political committees
required to file reports under this title who make reportable expenditures
for a joint activity.
(13) "Specific-purpose committee" means a political committee
that does not have among its principal purposes those of a general-purpose
committee but does have among its principal purposes :
(A) supporting or opposing one or more:
(i) candidates, all of whom are identified and are
seeking offices that are known; or
(ii) measures, all of which are identified;
(B) assisting one or more officeholders, all of whom are
identified; or
(C) supporting or opposing only one candidate who is
unidentified or who is seeking an office that is unknown.
(14) "General-purpose committee" means a political committee that
has among its principal purposes :
(A) supporting or opposing:
(i) two or more candidates who are unidentified or are
seeking offices that are unknown; or
(ii) one or more measures that are unidentified; or
(B) assisting two or more officeholders who are unidentified.
(15) "Out-of-state political committee" means a political
committee that:
(A) makes political expenditures outside this state; and
(B) in the 12 months immediately preceding the making of a
political expenditure by the committee inside this state (other than an
expenditure made in connection with a campaign for a federal office or made
for a federal officeholder) , makes 80 percent or more of the committee ' s
total political expenditures in any combination of elections outside this
state and federal offices not voted on in this state.
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(16) "Political advertising" means a communication supporting or
opposing a candidate for nomination or election to a public office or
office of a political party, a political party, a public officer, or a
measure that:
(A) in return for consideration, is published in a newspaper,
magazine, or other periodical or is broadcast by radio or television; or
(B) appears :
(i) in a pamphlet, circular, flier, billboard or other
sign, bumper sticker, or similar form of written communication; or
(ii) on an Internet website .
(17) "Campaign communication" means a written or oral
communication relating to a campaign for nomination or election to public
office or office of a political party or to a campaign on a measure.
(18) "Labor organization" means an agency, committee, or any
other organization in which employees participate that exists for the
purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning
grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or
conditions of work.
(19) "Measure" means a question or proposal submitted in an
election for an expression of the voters ' will and includes the circulation
and submission of a petition to determine whether a question or proposal is
required to be submitted in an election for an expression of the voters '
will .
(20) "Commission" means the Texas Ethics Commission.
(21) "In-kind contribution" means a contribution of goods,
services, or any other thing of value that is not money, and includes an
agreement made or other obligation incurred, whether legally enforceable or
not, to make the contribution. The term does not include a direct campaign
expenditure.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 01, eff. Jan . 1, 1992; Acts 2003, 78th
Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 01, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 251 . 0015 . COMMUNICATION WITH CANDIDATE. For purposes of
Section 251 . 001 (8) , communication between a person and a candidate,
officeholder, or candidate ' s or officeholder' s agent is not evidence that
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 251.GENERAL PROVISIONS
the person obtained the candidate ' s or officeholder' s consent or approval
for a campaign expenditure made after the communication by the person on
behalf of the candidate or officeholder unless the communication
establishes that:
(1) the expenditure is incurred at the request or suggestion of
the candidate, officeholder, or candidate ' s or officeholder' s agent;
(2) the candidate, officeholder, or candidate ' s or officeholder' s
agent is materially involved in decisions regarding the creation,
production, or distribution of a campaign communication related to the
expenditure; or
(3) the candidate, officeholder, or candidate ' s or officeholder' s
agent shares information about the candidate ' s or officeholder' s plans or
needs that is :
(A) material to the creation, production, or distribution of
a campaign communication related to the expenditure; and
(B) not available to the public.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec. 2, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 251 . 0016 . COMMON VENDOR. A person using the same vendor as a
candidate, officeholder, or political committee established or controlled
by a candidate or officeholder is not acting in concert with the candidate,
officeholder, or committee to make a campaign expenditure unless the person
makes the expenditure using information from the vendor about the campaign
plans or needs of the candidate, officeholder, or committee that is :
(1) material to the expenditure; and
(2) not available to the public.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec. 2, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 251 . 002 . OFFICEHOLDERS COVERED. (a) The provisions of this
title applicable to an officeholder apply only to a person who holds an
elective public office and to the secretary of state.
(b) For purposes of this title, a state officer-elect or a member-
elect of the legislature is considered an officeholder beginning on the day
after the date of the general or special election at which the officer-
elect or member-elect was elected. This subsection does not relieve a
state officer-elect or member-elect of the legislature of any reporting
requirements the person may have as a candidate under this title.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec . 251 . 003 . PROHIBITION OF DOCUMENT FILING FEE . A charge may not
be made for filing a document required to be filed under this title .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 251 . 004 . VENUE. (a) Venue for a criminal offense prescribed by
this title is in the county of residence of the defendant, unless the
defendant is not a Texas resident, in which case venue is in Travis County.
(b) Venue for the recovery of delinquent civil penalties imposed by
the commission under this title is in Travis County.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1134, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 251 . 005 . OUT-OF-STATE COMMITTEES EXCLUDED. (a) An out-of-state
political committee is not subject to Chapter 252 or 254, except as
provided by Subsection (b) , (c) , or (d) .
(b) If an out-of-state committee decides to file a campaign treasurer
appointment under Chapter 252, at the time the appointment is filed the
committee becomes subject to this title to the same extent as a political
committee that is not an out-of-state committee.
(c) If an out-of-state committee performs an activity that removes
the committee from out-of-state status as defined by Section 251 . 001 (15) ,
the committee becomes subject to this title to the same extent as a
political committee that is not an out-of-state committee .
(d) An out-of-state political committee that does not file a campaign
treasurer appointment shall comply with Section 254 . 1581 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 02, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec. 251 . 006 . FEDERAL OFFICE EXCLUDED. (a) Except as provided by
Subsection (b) , this title does not apply to a candidate for an office of
the federal government.
(b) A candidate for an elective office of the federal government
shall file with the commission a copy of each document relating to the
candidacy that is required to be filed under federal law. The document
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shall be filed within the same period in which it is required to be filed
under the federal law.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 01, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 236, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Sec. 251 . 007 . TIMELINESS OF ACTION BY MAIL. When this title requires
a notice, report, or other document or paper to be delivered, submitted, or
filed within a specified period or before a specified deadline, a delivery,
submission, or filing by first-class United States mail or common or
contract carrier is timely, except as otherwise provided by this title, if:
(1) it is properly addressed with postage or handling charges
prepaid; and
(2) it bears a post office cancellation mark or a receipt mark of
a common or contract carrier indicating a time within the period or before
the deadline, or if the person required to take the action furnishes
satisfactory proof that it was deposited in the mail or with a common or
contract carrier within the period or before the deadline.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 251 . 008 . CERTAIN POLITICAL CLUB MEETINGS EXCLUDED. (a) An
expense incurred in connection with the conduct of a meeting of an
organization or club affiliated with a political party at which a candidate
for an office regularly filled at the general election for state and county
officers, or a person holding that office, appears before the members of
the organization or club is not considered to be a political contribution
or political expenditure if no political contributions are made to or
solicited for the candidate or officeholder at the meeting.
(b) In this section, an organization or club is affiliated with a
political party if it:
(1) supports the nominees of that political party but does not
support any candidate seeking the party' s nomination for an office over any
other candidate seeking that nomination; and
(2) is recognized by the political party as an auxiliary of the
party.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 422, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989 .
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 752, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995 .
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Sec. 251 . 009 . LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE NOT
CONSIDERED TO BE OFFICEHOLDER CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE . A contribution
to or expenditure by a legislative caucus, as defined by Section 253 . 0341,
is not considered to be an officeholder contribution or officeholder
expenditure for purposes of this title.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 43, Sec . 4, eff. Aug. 28, 1995 .
SUBCHAPTER B. DUTIES OF COMMISSION
Sec. 251 . 032 . FORMS . In addition to furnishing samples of the
appropriate forms to the authorities having administrative duties under
this title, the commission shall furnish the forms to each political
party' s state executive committee and county chair of each county executive
committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 03, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 237, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 251 . 033 . NOTIFICATION OF DEADLINE FOR FILING REPORTS . (a) The
commission shall notify each person responsible for filing a report with
the commission under Subchapters C through F, Chapter 254, of the deadline
for filing a report, except that notice of the deadline is not required for
a political committee involved in an election other than a primary election
or the general election for state and county officers . Notification under
this subsection may be sent by electronic mail .
(b) If the commission is unable to notify a person of a deadline
after two attempts, the commission is not required to make any further
attempts to notify the person of that deadline or any future deadlines
until the person has notified the commission of the person' s current
address or electronic mail address .
(c) Chapter 552, Government Code, does not apply to a notification
under this section sent by electronic mail .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 04, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 996 (H.B. 3922) , Sec . 1, eff. June 19,
2009 .
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ELECTION CODE
TITLE 15 . REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 253 . RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL RESTRICTIONS
Sec. 253 . 001 . CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE IN ANOTHER' S NAME
PROHIBITED. (a) A person may not knowingly make or authorize a political
contribution in the name of or on behalf of another unless the person
discloses in writing to the recipient the name and address of the person
actually making the contribution in order for the recipient to make the
proper disclosure.
(b) A person may not knowingly make or authorize a political
expenditure in the name of or on behalf of another unless the person
discloses in writing to the person on whose behalf the expenditure is made
the name and address of the person actually making the expenditure in order
for the person on whose behalf the expenditure is made to make the proper
disclosure .
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense . An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1134, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec . 253 . 003 . UNLAWFULLY MAKING OR ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTION. (a) A
person may not knowingly make a political contribution in violation of this
chapter.
(b) A person may not knowingly accept a political contribution the
person knows to have been made in violation of this chapter.
(c) This section does not apply to a political contribution made or
accepted in violation of Subchapter F.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (e) , a person who violates this
section commits an offense . An offense under this section is a Class A
misdemeanor.
(e) A violation of Subsection (a) or (b) is a felony of the third
degree if the contribution is made in violation of Subchapter D.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 1995 .
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Sec. 253 . 004 . UNLAWFULLY MAKING EXPENDITURE . (a) A person may not
knowingly make or authorize a political expenditure in violation of this
chapter.
(b) This section does not apply to a political expenditure made or
authorized in violation of Subchapter F.
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense . An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 2, eff . June 16, 1995 .
Sec. 253 . 005 . EXPENDITURE FROM UNLAWFUL CONTRIBUTION. (a) A person
may not knowingly make or authorize a political expenditure wholly or
partly from a political contribution the person knows to have been made in
violation of this chapter.
(b) This section does not apply to a political expenditure that is :
(1) prohibited by Section 253 . 101; or
(2) made from a political contribution made in violation of
Subchapter F.
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Sec. 253 . 006 . CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES BY LOBBYISTS
RESTRICTED. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person required
to register under Chapter 305, Government Code, may not knowingly make or
authorize a political contribution or political expenditure that is a
political contribution to another candidate, officeholder, or political
committee, or direct campaign expenditure, from political contributions
accepted by:
(1) the person as a candidate or officeholder;
(2) a specific-purpose committee for the purpose of supporting
the person as a candidate or assisting the person as an officeholder; or
(3) a political committee that accepted a political contribution
from a source described by Subdivision (1) or (2) during the two-year
period immediately before the date the political contribution or
expenditure was made.
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Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 839 (H.B. 2677) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 27, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 007 . PROHIBITION ON LOBBYING BY PERSON MAKING OR AUTHORIZING
CERTAIN POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES . (a) In
this section, "administrative action, " "communicates directly with, "
"legislation, " "member of the executive branch, " and "member of the
legislative branch" have the meanings assigned by Section 305 . 002,
Government Code.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided
by Subsection (c) , a person who knowingly makes or authorizes a political
contribution or political expenditure that is a political contribution to
another candidate, officeholder, or political committee, or direct campaign
expenditure, from political contributions accepted by the person as a
candidate or officeholder may not engage in any activities that require the
person to register under Chapter 305, Government Code, during the two-year
period after the date the person makes or authorizes the political
contribution or direct campaign expenditure.
(c) Subsection (b) does not apply to a person who:
(1) communicates directly with a member of the legislative or
executive branch only to influence legislation or administrative action on
behalf of:
(A) a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income
taxation under Section 501 (a) , Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as an
organization described by Section 501 (c) (3) of that code;
(B) a group of low-income individuals; or
(C) a group of individuals with disabilities; and
(2) does not receive compensation other than reimbursement for
actual expenses for engaging in communication described by Subdivision (1) .
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 839 (H.B. 2677) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 27, 2019 .
SUBCHAPTER B. CANDIDATES, OFFICEHOLDERS, AND POLITICAL COMMITTEES
Sec. 253 . 031 . CONTRIBUTION AND EXPENDITURE WITHOUT CAMPAIGN TREASURER
PROHIBITED. (a) A candidate may not knowingly accept a campaign
contribution or make or authorize a campaign expenditure at a time when a
campaign treasurer appointment for the candidate is not in effect.
(b) A political committee may not knowingly accept political
contributions totaling more than $500 or make or authorize political
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expenditures totaling more than $500 at a time when a campaign treasurer
appointment for the committee is not in effect.
(c) A political committee may not knowingly make or authorize a
campaign contribution or campaign expenditure supporting or opposing a
candidate for an office specified by Section 252 . 005 (1) in a primary or
general election unless the committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment has
been filed not later than the 30th day before the appropriate election day.
(d) This section does not apply to a political party' s county
executive committee that accepts political contributions or makes political
expenditures, except that:
(1) a county executive committee that accepts political
contributions or makes political expenditures shall maintain the records
required by Section 254 . 001; and
(2) a county executive committee that accepts political
contributions or makes political expenditures that, in the aggregate,
exceed $25, 000 in a calendar year shall file:
(A) a campaign treasurer appointment as required by Section
252 . 001 not later than the 15th day after the date that amount is exceeded;
and
(B) the reports required by Subchapter F, Chapter 254,
including in the political committee ' s first report all political
contributions accepted and all political expenditures made before the
effective date of the campaign treasurer appointment.
(e) This section does not apply to an out-of-state political
committee unless the committee is subject to Chapter 252 under Section
251 . 005 .
(f) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 04, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg. , ch. 531, Sec. 2, eff. Sept . 1, 1993 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 1079 (H.B. 1647) , Sec. 1, eff. June 18,
2005 .
Sec. 253 . 032 . LIMITATION ON CONTRIBUTION BY OUT-OF-STATE COMMITTEE.
(a) In a reporting period, a candidate, officeholder, or political
committee may not knowingly accept political contributions totaling more
than $500 from an out-of-state political committee unless, before accepting
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a contribution that would cause the total to exceed $500, the candidate,
officeholder, or political committee, as applicable, receives from the out-
of-state committee:
(1) a written statement, certified by an officer of the out-of-
state committee, listing the full name and address of each person who
contributed more than $100 to the out-of-state committee during the 12
months immediately preceding the date of the contribution; or
(2) a copy of the out-of-state committee ' s statement of
organization filed as required by law with the Federal Election Commission
and certified by an officer of the out-of-state committee.
(b) This section does not apply to a contribution from an out-of-
state political committee if the committee appointed a campaign treasurer
under Chapter 252 before the contribution was made and is subject to the
reporting requirements of Chapter 254 .
(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee shall include
the statement or copy required by Subsection (a) as a part of the report
filed under Chapter 254 that covers the reporting period to which
Subsection (a) applies .
(e) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that accepts
political contributions totaling $500 or less from an out-of-state
political committee shall include as part of the report filed under Chapter
254 that covers the reporting period in which the contribution is accepted:
(1) the same information for the out-of-state political committee
required for general-purpose committees by Sections 252 . 002 and 252 . 003;
or
(2) a copy of the out-of-state committee ' s statement of
organization filed as required by law with the Federal Election Commission
and certified by an officer of the out-of-state committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 996, Sec. 7, eff. Sept . 1, 1995 .
Sec. 253 . 033 . CASH CONTRIBUTIONS EXCEEDING $100 PROHIBITED. (a) A
candidate, officeholder, or specific-purpose committee may not knowingly
accept from a contributor in a reporting period political contributions in
cash that in the aggregate exceed $100 .
(b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 034 . RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS DURING AND FOLLOWING
REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a) During the period beginning on the 30th
day before the date a regular legislative session convenes and continuing
through the 20th day after the date of final adjournment, a person may not
knowingly make a political contribution to:
(1) a statewide officeholder;
(2) a member of the legislature; or
(3) a specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or
assisting a statewide officeholder or member of the legislature.
(b) A statewide officeholder, a member of the legislature, or a
specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting a
statewide officeholder or member of the legislature may not knowingly
accept a political contribution, and shall refuse a political contribution
that is received, during the period prescribed by Subsection (a) . A
political contribution that is received and refused during that period
shall be returned to the contributor not later than the 30th day after the
date of receipt. A contribution made by United States mail or by common or
contract carrier is not considered received during that period if it was
properly addressed and placed with postage or carrier charges prepaid or
prearranged in the mail or delivered to the contract carrier before the
beginning of the period. The date indicated by the post office
cancellation mark or the common or contract carrier documents is considered
to be the date the contribution was placed in the mail or delivered to the
common or contract carrier unless proven otherwise.
(c) This section does not apply to a political contribution that was
made and accepted with the intent that it be used:
(1) in an election held or ordered during the period prescribed
by Subsection (a) in which the person accepting the contribution is a
candidate if the contribution was made after the person appointed a
campaign treasurer with the appropriate authority and before the person was
sworn in for that office;
(2) to defray expenses incurred in connection with an election
contest; or
(3) by a person who holds a state office or a member of the
legislature if the person or member was defeated at the general election
held immediately before the session is convened or by a specific-purpose
political committee that supports or assists only that person or member.
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(d) This section does not apply to a political contribution made to
or accepted by a holder of an office to which Subchapter F applies .
(e) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 05, eff . Jan . 1, 1992; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 1134, Sec . 4, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249,
Sec. 2 . 05, 2 . 06, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 426 (H.B. 2065) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 253 . 0341 . RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGISLATIVE CAUCUSES
DURING AND FOLLOWING REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a) During the period
beginning on the 30th day before the date a regular legislative session
convenes and continuing through the 20th day after the date of final
adjournment, a person not a member of the caucus may not knowingly make a
contribution to a legislative caucus .
(b) A legislative caucus may not knowingly accept from a nonmember a
contribution, and shall refuse a contribution from a nonmember that is
received, during the period prescribed by Subsection (a) . A contribution
that is received and refused during that period shall be returned to the
contributor not later than the 30th day after the date of receipt. A
contribution made by United States mail or by common or contract carrier is
not considered received during that period if it was properly addressed and
placed with postage or carrier charges prepaid or prearranged in the mail
or delivered to the contract carrier before the beginning of the period.
The date indicated by the post office cancellation mark or the common or
contract carrier documents is considered to be the date the contribution
was placed in the mail or delivered to the common or contract carrier
unless proven otherwise.
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) A person who knowingly makes or accepts a contribution in
violation of this section is liable for damages to the state in the amount
of triple the value of the unlawful contribution.
(e) In this section, "legislative caucus" means an organization that
is composed exclusively of members of the legislature, that elects or
appoints officers and recognizes identified legislators as members of the
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organization, and that exists for research and other support of policy
development and interests that the membership hold in common. The term
includes an entity established by or for a legislative caucus to conduct
research, education, or any other caucus activity. An organization whose
only nonlegislator members are the lieutenant governor or the governor
remains a "legislative caucus" for purposes of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 43, Sec . 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995 . Amended
by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1134, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 2003,
78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec . 2 . 07, 2 . 08, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 426 (H.B. 2065) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 253 . 035 . RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL USE OF CONTRIBUTIONS . (a) A
person who accepts a political contribution as a candidate or officeholder
may not convert the contribution to personal use.
(b) A specific-purpose committee that accepts a political
contribution may not convert the contribution to the personal use of a
candidate, officeholder, or former candidate or officeholder.
(c) The prohibitions prescribed by Subsections (a) and (b) include
the personal use of an asset purchased with the contribution and the
personal use of any interest and other income earned on the contribution.
(d) In this section, "personal use" means a use that primarily
furthers individual or family purposes not connected with the performance
of duties or activities as a candidate for or holder of a public office.
The term does not include:
(1) payments made to defray ordinary and necessary expenses
incurred in connection with activities as a candidate or in connection with
the performance of duties or activities as a public officeholder, including
payment of rent, utility, and other reasonable housing or household
expenses incurred in maintaining a residence in Travis County by members of
the legislature who do not ordinarily reside in Travis County, but
excluding payments prohibited under Section 253 . 038; or
(2) payments of federal income taxes due on interest and other
income earned on political contributions .
(e) Subsection (a) applies only to political contributions accepted
on or after September 1, 1983 . Subsection (b) applies only to political
contributions accepted on or after September 1, 1987 .
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(f) A person who converts a political contribution to the person' s
personal use in violation of this section is civilly liable to the state
for an amount equal to the amount of the converted contribution plus
reasonable court costs .
(g) A specific-purpose committee that converts a political
contribution to the personal use of a candidate, officeholder, or former
candidate or officeholder in violation of this section is civilly liable to
the state for an amount equal to the amount of the converted contribution
plus reasonable court costs .
(h) Except as provided by Section 253 . 0351 or 253 . 042, a candidate or
officeholder who makes political expenditures from the candidate ' s or
officeholder' s personal funds may reimburse those personal funds from
political contributions in the amount of those expenditures only if:
(1) the expenditures from personal funds were fully reported as
political expenditures, including the payees, dates, purposes, and amounts
of the expenditures, in the report required to be filed under this title
that covers the period in which the expenditures from personal funds were
made; and
(2) the report on which the expenditures from personal funds are
disclosed clearly designates those expenditures as having been made from
the person ' s personal funds and that the expenditures are subject to
reimbursement .
(i) "Personal use" does not include the use of contributions for:
(1) defending a criminal action or prosecuting or defending a
civil action brought by or against the person in the person' s status as a
candidate or officeholder; or
(2) participating in an election contest or participating in a
civil action to determine a person' s eligibility to be a candidate for, or
elected or appointed to, a public office in this state.
(j ) , (k) Repealed by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 20, eff.
Jan. 1, 1992 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 06, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1995, 74th
Leg. , ch. 996, Sec . 9, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864,
Sec . 240, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Sec. 253 . 0351 . LOANS FROM PERSONAL FUNDS . (a) A candidate or
officeholder who makes political expenditures from the candidate ' s or
officeholder' s personal funds may report the amount expended as a loan and
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may reimburse those personal funds from political contributions in the
amount of the reported loan.
(b) Section 253 . 035 (h) applies if the person does not report an
amount as a loan as authorized by Subsection (a) .
(c) A candidate or officeholder who deposits personal funds in an
account in which political contributions are held shall report the amount
of personal funds deposited as a loan and may reimburse the amount
deposited as a loan from political contributions or unexpended personal
funds deposited in the account. The reimbursement may not exceed the
amount reported as a loan. Personal funds deposited in an account in which
political contributions are held are subject to Section 253 . 035 and must be
included in the reports of the total amount of political contributions
maintained required by Sections 254 . 031 (a) (8) and 254 . 0611 (a) .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 996, Sec . 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1995 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 241, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , 1st C . S . , Ch. 4 (S .B. 1) , Sec . 76 . 01, eff.
September 28, 2011 .
Sec. 253 . 036 . OFFICEHOLDER CONTRIBUTIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH
CAMPAIGN. An officeholder who lawfully accepts officeholder contributions
may use those contributions in connection with the officeholder' s campaign
for elective office after appointing a campaign treasurer.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 253 . 037 . RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE BY GENERAL-
PURPOSE COMMITTEE.
(a) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 209 (H.B. 3580) , Sec.
5 (1) , eff. September 1, 2019 .
(b) A general-purpose committee may not knowingly make a political
contribution to another general-purpose committee unless the other
committee is listed in the campaign treasurer appointment of the
contributor committee.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 209 (H.B. 3580) , Sec.
5 (1) , eff. September 1, 2019 .
(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 531, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 209 (H.B. 3580) , Sec . 5 (1) , eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec . 253 . 038 . PAYMENTS MADE TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY OR TO RENT
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY PROHIBITED. (a) A candidate or officeholder or a
specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting the
candidate or officeholder may not knowingly make or authorize a payment
from a political contribution to purchase real property or to pay the
interest on or principal of a note for the purchase of real property.
(a-1) A candidate or officeholder or a specific-purpose committee for
supporting, opposing, or assisting the candidate or officeholder may not
knowingly make or authorize a payment from a political contribution for the
rental or purchase of real property from:
(1) a person related within the second degree by consanguinity or
affinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code, to the
candidate or officeholder; or
(2) a business in which the candidate or officeholder or a person
described by Subdivision (1) has a participating interest of more than 10
percent, holds a position on the governing body, or serves as an officer.
(b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) This section does not apply to a payment made in connection with
real property that was purchased before January 1, 1992 .
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 07, eff. Jan . 1, 1992 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1087 (H.B. 3066) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1087 (H.B. 3066) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Sec . 253 . 039 . CONTRIBUTIONS IN CERTAIN PUBLIC BUILDINGS PROHIBITED.
(a) A person may not knowingly make or authorize a political contribution
while in the Capitol or a courthouse to :
(1) a candidate or officeholder;
(2) a political committee; or
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(3) a person acting on behalf of a candidate, officeholder, or
political committee .
(b) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee or a person
acting on behalf of a candidate, officeholder, or political committee may
not knowingly accept a political contribution, and shall refuse a political
contribution that is received, in the Capitol or a courthouse.
(c) This section does not prohibit contributions made in the Capitol
or a courthouse through the United States postal service or a common or
contract carrier.
(d) A person who violates this section commits an offense . An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(h) In this section, "courthouse" means any building owned by the
state, a county, or a municipality, or an office or part of a building
leased to the state, a county, or a municipality, in which a justice or
judge sits to conduct court proceedings .
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 07, eff . Jan. 1, 1992 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1219 (S .B . 1152) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 253 . 040 . SEPARATE ACCOUNTS . (a) Except as provided by Section
253 . 0351 (c) , each candidate or officeholder shall keep the person' s
campaign and officeholder contributions in one or more accounts that are
separate from any other account maintained by the person.
(b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 09, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , 1st C . S . , Ch. 4 (S .B. 1) , Sec . 76 . 02, eff.
September 28, 2011 .
Sec. 253 . 041 . RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN PAYMENTS . (a) A candidate or
officeholder or a specific-purpose committee for supporting, opposing, or
assisting the candidate or officeholder may not knowingly make or authorize
a payment from a political contribution if the payment is made for personal
services rendered by the candidate or officeholder or by the spouse or
dependent child of the candidate or officeholder to:
(1) a business in which the candidate or officeholder has a
participating interest of more than 10 percent, holds a position on the
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governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of the business;
or
(2) the candidate or officeholder or the spouse or dependent
child of the candidate or officeholder.
(b) A payment that is made from a political contribution to a
business described by Subsection (a) and that is not prohibited by that
subsection may not exceed the amount necessary to reimburse the business
for actual expenditures made by the business .
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense . An
offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor .
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 07, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
Sec. 253 . 042 . RESTRICTIONS ON REIMBURSEMENT OF PERSONAL FUNDS AND
PAYMENTS ON CERTAIN LOANS . (a) A candidate or officeholder who makes
political expenditures from the candidate ' s or officeholder' s personal
funds may not reimburse those personal funds from political contributions
in amounts that in the aggregate exceed the following amounts for each
election in which the person' s name appears on the ballot:
(1) for a statewide office other than governor, $250, 000; and
(2) for governor, $500, 000 .
(b) A candidate or officeholder who accepts one or more political
contributions in the form of loans, including an extension of credit or a
guarantee of a loan or extension of credit, from one or more persons
related to the candidate or officeholder within the second degree by
affinity or consanguinity may not use political contributions to repay the
loans in amounts that in the aggregate exceed the amount prescribed by
Subsection (a) .
(c) The total amount of both reimbursements and repayments made by a
candidate or officeholder under this section may not exceed the amount
prescribed by Subsection (a) .
(d) A person who is both a candidate and an officeholder covered by
Subsection (a) may reimburse the person' s personal funds or repay loans
from political contributions only in one capacity.
(e) This section does not prohibit the payment of interest on loans
covered by this section at a commercially reasonable rate, except that
interest on loans from a candidate ' s or officeholder' s personal funds or on
loans from the personal funds of any person related to the candidate or
officeholder within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity is
included in the amount prescribed by Subsection (a) , (b) , or (c) .
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(f) A person who violates this section commits an offense . An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(g) The commission shall study possible restrictions on amounts of
reimbursements under Subsection (a) in connection with the offices of state
senator and state representative and shall make appropriate recommendations
to the legislature on those matters .
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 07, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 242, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Sec. 253 . 043 . POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH
APPOINTIVE OFFICE. A former candidate or former officeholder who lawfully
accepts political contributions may use those contributions to make an
expenditure to defray expenses incurred by the person in performing a duty
or engaging in an activity in connection with an appointive office of a
state board or commission.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec . 2 . 09, eff . Sept . 1, 2003 .
SUBCHAPTER D. CORPORATIONS AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
Sec. 253 . 091 . CORPORATIONS COVERED. This subchapter applies only to
corporations that are organized under the Texas Business Corporation Act,
the Texas For-Profit Corporation Law, the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act,
the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Law, federal law, or law of another state
or nation.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 481 (H.B. 2492) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Sec. 253 . 092 . TREATMENT OF INCORPORATED POLITICAL COMMITTEE. If a
political committee the only principal purpose of which is accepting
political contributions and making political expenditures incorporates for
liability purposes only, the committee is not considered to be a
corporation for purposes of this subchapter.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
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Sec. 253 . 093 . CERTAIN ASSOCIATIONS COVERED. (a) For purposes of
this subchapter, the following associations, whether incorporated or not,
are considered to be corporations covered by this subchapter : banks, trust
companies, savings and loan associations or companies, insurance companies,
reciprocal or interinsurance exchanges, railroad companies, cemetery
companies, government-regulated cooperatives, stock companies, and abstract
and title insurance companies .
(b) For purposes of this subchapter, the members of the associations
specified by Subsection (a) are considered to be stockholders .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 094 . CONTRIBUTIONS PROHIBITED. (a) A corporation or labor
organization may not make a political contribution that is not authorized
by this subchapter.
(b) A corporation or labor organization may not make a political
contribution in connection with a recall election, including the
circulation and submission of a petition to call an election.
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec . 1, eff. June
17, 2011 .
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec . 2, eff. June
17, 2011 .
Sec . 253 . 095 . PUNISHMENT OF AGENT. An officer, director, or other
agent of a corporation or labor organization who commits an offense under
this subchapter is punishable for the grade of offense applicable to the
corporation or labor organization.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 096 . CONTRIBUTION ON MEASURE . A corporation or labor
organization may make campaign contributions from its own property in
connection with an election on a measure only to a political committee for
supporting or opposing measures exclusively.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
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Sec. 253 . 097 . CONTRIBUTION FROM CORPORATION OR LABOR ORGANIZATION. A
corporation or labor organization may make campaign contributions from its
own property to a political committee that has filed an affidavit with the
committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment in accordance with Section
252 . 003 (a) (4) or 252 . 0031 (a) (2) .
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec. 5, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 098 . COMMUNICATION WITH STOCKHOLDERS OR MEMBERS . (a) A
corporation or labor organization may make one or more direct campaign
expenditures from its own property for the purpose of communicating
directly with its stockholders or members, as applicable, or with the
families of its stockholders or members .
(b) An expenditure under this section is not reportable under Chapter
254 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 099 . NONPARTISAN VOTER REGISTRATION AND GET-OUT-THE-VOTE
CAMPAIGNS . (a) A corporation or labor organization may make one or more
expenditures to finance nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote
campaigns aimed at its stockholders or members, as applicable, or at the
families of its stockholders or members .
(b) An expenditure under this section is not reportable under Chapter
254 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 100 . EXPENDITURES FOR GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEE. (a) A
corporation, acting alone or with one or more other corporations, may make
one or more political expenditures to finance the establishment or
administration of a general-purpose committee. In addition to any other
expenditure that is considered permissible under this section, a
corporation may make an expenditure for the maintenance and operation of a
general-purpose committee, including an expenditure for:
(1) office space maintenance and repairs;
(2) telephone and Internet services;
(3) office equipment;
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(4) utilities;
(5) general office and meeting supplies;
(6) salaries for routine clerical, data entry, and administrative
assistance necessary for the proper administrative operation of the
committee;
(7) legal and accounting fees for the committee ' s compliance with
this title;
(8) routine administrative expenses incurred in establishing and
administering a general-purpose political committee;
(9) management and supervision of the committee, including
expenses incurred in holding meetings of the committee ' s governing body to
interview candidates and make endorsements relating to the committee ' s
support;
(10) the recording of committee decisions;
(11) expenses incurred in hosting candidate forums in which all
candidates for a particular office in an election are invited to
participate on the same terms;
(12) expenses incurred in preparing and delivering committee
contributions; or
(13) creation and maintenance of the committee ' s public Internet
web pages that do not contain political advertising.
(b) A corporation may make political expenditures, including fully or
partially matching contributions to an organization that is exempt from
federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) , Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
to finance the solicitation of political contributions to a general-purpose
committee assisted under Subsection (a) from the stockholders, employees,
or families of stockholders or employees of one or more corporations .
(c) A labor organization may engage in activity authorized for a
corporation by this section. For purposes of this section, the members of
a labor organization are considered to be corporate stockholders .
(d) A corporation or labor organization may not make expenditures
under this section for:
(1) political consulting to support or oppose a candidate;
(2) telephoning or telephone banks to communicate with the
public;
(3) brochures and direct mail supporting or opposing a candidate;
(4) partisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives;
(5) political fund-raising other than from its stockholders or
members, as applicable, or the families of its stockholders or members;
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(6) voter identification efforts, voter lists, or voter databases
that include persons other than its stockholders or members, as applicable,
or the families of its stockholders or members;
(7) polling designed to support or oppose a candidate other than
of its stockholders or members, as applicable, or the families of its
stockholders or members; or
(8) recruiting candidates .
(e) Subsection (d) does not apply to a corporation or labor
organization making a campaign contribution to a political committee under
Section 253 . 097 or an expenditure to communicate with its stockholders or
members, as applicable, or with the families of its stockholders or members
as provided by Section 253 . 098 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 26, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1306 (H.B. 2525) , Sec . 1, eff. June
19, 2009 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec . 6, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1239 (H.B. 3044) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 101 . UNLAWFUL CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE BY COMMITTEE. (a)
A political committee assisted by a corporation or labor organization under
Section 253 . 100 may not make a political contribution or political
expenditure in whole or part from money that is known by a member or
officer of the political committee to be dues, fees, or other money
required as a condition of employment or condition of membership in a labor
organization.
(a-1) Subsection (a) does not prohibit a political committee from
making a political contribution or political expenditure wholly or partly
from a campaign contribution made by a corporation or labor organization to
the political committee under Section 253 . 096 or 253 . 097 .
(b) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec. 7, eff .
September 1, 2019 .
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Sec. 253 . 102 . COERCION PROHIBITED. (a) A corporation or labor
organization or a political committee assisted by a corporation or labor
organization under Section 253 . 100 commits an offense if it uses or
threatens to use physical force, job discrimination, or financial reprisal
to obtain money or any other thing of value to be used to influence the
result of an election or to assist an officeholder.
(b) A political committee assisted by a corporation or labor
organization under Section 253 . 100 commits an offense if it accepts or uses
money or any other thing of value that is known by a member or officer of
the political committee to have been obtained in violation of Subsection
(a) .
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 103 . CORPORATE LOANS . (a) A corporation may not make a
loan to a candidate, officeholder, or political committee for campaign or
officeholder purposes unless :
(1) the corporation has been legally and continuously engaged in
the business of lending money for at least one year before the loan is
made; and
(2) the loan is made in the due course of business .
(b) This section does not apply to a loan covered by Section 253 . 096 .
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 104 . CONTRIBUTION TO POLITICAL PARTY. (a) A corporation or
labor organization may make a contribution from its own property to a
political party to be used as provided by Chapter 257 .
(b) A corporation or labor organization may not knowingly make a
contribution authorized by Subsection (a) during a period beginning on the
60th day before the date of a general election for state and county
officers and continuing through the day of the election.
(c) A corporation or labor organization that knowingly makes a
contribution in violation of this section commits an offense. An offense
under this section is a felony of the third degree.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 08, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
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Sec. 253 . 105 . CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIRECT EXPENDITURE ONLY COMMITTEES .
(a) A corporation or labor organization may make a political contribution
from its own property to a political committee that:
(1) is not established or controlled by a candidate or an
officeholder;
(2) makes or intends to make direct campaign expenditures;
(3) does not make or intend to make political contributions to :
(A) a candidate;
(B) an officeholder;
(C) a specific-purpose committee established or controlled by
a candidate or an officeholder; or
(D) a political committee that makes or intends to make
political contributions to a candidate, an officeholder, or a specific-
purpose committee established or controlled by a candidate or an
officeholder; and
(4) has filed an affidavit with the commission stating the
committee ' s intention to operate as described by Subdivisions (2) and (3) .
(b) A political contribution made by a corporation or labor
organization under this section does not constitute a violation of Section
253 . 094 (a) and the acceptance of the political contribution does not
constitute a violation of Section 253 . 003 (b) .
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 209 (H.B. 3580) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
SUBCHAPTER E . CIVIL LIABILITY
Sec. 253 . 131 . LIABILITY TO CANDIDATES . (a) A person who knowingly
makes or accepts a campaign contribution or makes a campaign expenditure in
violation of this chapter is liable for damages as provided by this
section.
(b) If the contribution or expenditure is in support of a candidate,
each opposing candidate whose name appears on the ballot is entitled to
recover damages under this section.
(c) If the contribution or expenditure is in opposition to a
candidate, the candidate is entitled to recover damages under this section.
(d) In this section, "damages" means :
(1) twice the value of the unlawful contribution or expenditure;
and
(2) reasonable attorney' s fees incurred in the suit.
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(e) Reasonable attorney' s fees incurred in the suit may be awarded to
the defendant if judgment is rendered in the defendant ' s favor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 132 . LIABILITY TO POLITICAL COMMITTEES . (a) A corporation
or labor organization that knowingly makes a campaign contribution to a
political committee or a direct campaign expenditure in violation of
Subchapter D is liable for damages as provided by this section to each
political committee of opposing interest in the election in connection with
which the contribution or expenditure is made .
(b) In this section, "damages" means :
(1) twice the value of the unlawful contribution or expenditure;
and
(2) reasonable attorney' s fees incurred in the suit.
(c) Reasonable attorney' s fees incurred in the suit may be awarded to
the defendant if judgment is rendered in the defendant ' s favor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 253 . 133 . LIABILITY TO STATE . A person who knowingly makes or
accepts a political contribution or makes a political expenditure in
violation of this chapter is liable for damages to the state in the amount
of triple the value of the unlawful contribution or expenditure .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 253 . 134 . CIVIL PENALTIES IMPOSED BY COMMISSION. This title does
not prohibit the imposition of civil penalties by the commission in
addition to criminal penalties or other sanctions imposed by law.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 09, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
SUBCHAPTER F. JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT
Sec. 253 . 151 . APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter applies
only to a political contribution or political expenditure in connection
with the office of:
(1) chief justice or justice, supreme court;
(2) presiding judge or judge, court of criminal appeals;
(3) chief justice or justice, court of appeals;
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(4) district judge;
(5) judge, statutory county court; or
(6) judge, statutory probate court.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 1, eff . June 16, 1995 .
Sec. 253 . 152 . DEFINITIONS . In this subchapter:
(1) "Child" means a person under 18 years of age who is not and
has not been married or who has not had the disabilities of minority
removed for general purposes .
(2) "In connection with an election" means :
(A) with regard to a contribution that is designated in
writing for a particular election, the election designated; or
(B) with regard to a contribution that is not designated in
writing for a particular election, the next election for that office
occurring after the contribution is made .
(3) "Judicial district" means the territory from which a judicial
candidate is elected or appointed.
(4) "Law firm" means a partnership, limited liability
partnership, limited liability company, professional corporation, or other
entity organized for the practice of law.
(5) "Law firm group" means :
(A) a law firm;
(B) a general-purpose committee established or controlled by
the law firm or a member of the law firm;
(C) a member of the law firm; and
(D) the spouse of a member of the law firm.
(6) "Member of a law firm" means :
(A) a person designated "of counsel" or "of the firm";
(B) a partner of the law firm, whether an individual or an
entity;
(C) an associate of the law firm;
(D) a shareholder of the law firm, whether an individual or
an entity; or
(E) an employee of the law firm.
(7) "Statewide judicial office" means the office of chief justice
or justice, supreme court, or presiding judge or judge, court of criminal
appeals .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 479, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
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Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 1, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 153 . CONTRIBUTION PROHIBITED EXCEPT DURING ELECTION PERIOD.
(a) A judicial candidate or officeholder, a specific-purpose committee for
supporting or opposing a judicial candidate, or a specific-purpose
committee for assisting a judicial officeholder may not knowingly accept a
political contribution except during the period:
(1) beginning on:
(A) the 210th day before the date an application for a place
on the ballot or for nomination by convention for the office is required to
be filed, if the election is for a full term; or
(B) the later of the 210th day before the date an application
for a place on the ballot or for nomination by convention for the office is
required to be filed or the date a vacancy in the office occurs, if the
election is for an unexpired term; and
(2) ending on the 120th day after the date of the election in
which the candidate or officeholder last appeared on the ballot, regardless
of whether the candidate or officeholder has an opponent in that election.
(b) Subsection (a) (2) does not apply to a political contribution that
was made and accepted with the intent that it be used to defray expenses
incurred in connection with an election, including the repayment of any
debt that is :
(1) incurred directly by the making of a campaign expenditure
during the period beginning on the date the application for a place on the
ballot or for nomination by convention was required to be filed for the
election in which the candidate last appeared on the ballot and ending on
the date of that election; and
(2) subject to the restrictions prescribed by Sections 253 . 162
and 253 . 1621 .
(c) Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1329, Sec . 2, eff .
September 1, 2009 .
(d) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions
accepted in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 479, Sec . 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
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Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1329 (H.B. 4060) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1329 (H.B. 4060) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 253 . 154 . WRITE-IN CANDIDACY. (a) A write-in candidate for
judicial office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting a write-in
candidate for judicial office may not knowingly accept a political
contribution before the candidate files a declaration of write-in
candidacy.
(b) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions
accepted in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Sec. 253 . 1541 . ACCEPTANCE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY PERSON
APPOINTED TO FILL VACANCY. (a) This section applies only to a person
appointed to fill a vacancy in an office covered by this subchapter who, at
the time of appointment, does not hold another office covered by this
subchapter.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 253 . 153, a person to whom this section
applies may accept political contributions beginning on the date the person
assumes the duties of office and ending on the 60th day after that date.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 552, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 2, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 3, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 155 . CONTRIBUTION LIMITS . (a) A judicial candidate or
officeholder may not knowingly accept political contributions from a person
that, in the aggregate, exceed the contribution limits prescribed by
Subsection (b) in connection with each election in which the judicial
candidate ' s name appears on the ballot.
(b) The contribution limits under this section are :
(1) for a statewide judicial office, $5, 000; or
(2) for any other judicial office :
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(A) $1, 000, if the population of the judicial district is
less than 250, 000;
(B) $2, 500, if the population of the judicial district is
250, 000 to one million; or
(C) $5, 000, if the population of the judicial district is
more than one million.
(c) This section does not apply to a political contribution made by a
general-purpose committee.
(d) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) ,
Sec . 17 (1) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
(d-1) In addition to the contribution limits imposed on each
contributor under this section, a judicial candidate or officeholder may
not accept a political contribution in excess of $50 from a person if:
(1) the person is part of a law firm group; and
(2) the contribution, when aggregated with all political
contributions accepted by the candidate or officeholder from the same law
firm group in connection with the election, would exceed six times the
applicable contribution limit under this section.
(e) A person who receives a political contribution that violates this
section shall return the contribution to the contributor not later than the
later of:
(1) the last day of the reporting period in which the
contribution is received; or
(2) the fifth day after the date the contribution is received.
(f) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions
accepted in violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 479, Sec . 3, eff . Sept . 1, 1997; Acts
2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 1096, Sec . 2, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 4, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 17 (l) , eff. June
2, 2019 .
Sec . 253 . 157 . LIMIT ON CONTRIBUTION BY GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEES .
(a) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec .
17 (2) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
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(a-1) A judicial candidate or officeholder may not knowingly accept
political contributions from a general-purpose committee that, in the
aggregate, exceed the contribution limits prescribed by this subsection in
connection with an election in which the judicial candidate ' s name appears
on the ballot. The contribution limits under this subsection are :
(1) for a statewide judicial office, $25, 000; or
(2) for any other judicial office, $5, 000 .
(a-2) In addition to the contribution limits imposed on each
contribution in Subsection (a-1) , a judicial candidate or officeholder may
not accept a political contribution in excess of $50 from a general-purpose
committee if the contribution, when aggregated with all political
contributions from all general-purpose committees in connection with an
election, would exceed:
(1) for a statewide judicial office, $300, 000;
(2) for the office of chief justice or justice, court of appeals :
(A) $75, 000, if the population of the judicial district is
more than one million; or
(B) $52, 500, if the population of the judicial district is
one million or less; or
(3) for an office other than an office included under Subdivision
(1) or (2) :
(A) $52, 500, if the population of the judicial district is
more than one million;
(B) $30, 000, if the population of the judicial district is
250, 000 to one million; or
(C) $15, 000, if the population of the judicial district is
less than 250, 000 .
(b) A person who receives a political contribution that violates this
section shall return the contribution to the contributor not later than the
later of:
(1) the last day of the reporting period in which the
contribution is received; or
(2) the fifth day after the date the contribution is received.
(c) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of the political contributions
accepted in violation of this section.
(d) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B . 3233) , Sec .
17 (2) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
(e) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B . 3233) , Sec .
17 (2) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
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Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 479, Sec. 5, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 552, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th
Leg. , ch. 62, Sec. 5 . 16, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch.
1096, Sec . 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 5, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 6, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B . 3233) , Sec . 17 (2) , eff. June
2, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 158 . CONTRIBUTION BY SPOUSE OR CHILD. (a) For purposes of
this subchapter, a contribution by the spouse of an individual is not
considered to be a contribution by the individual .
(b) For purposes of this subchapter, a contribution by a child of an
individual is considered to be a contribution by the individual .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 7, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 159 . EXCEPTION TO CONTRIBUTION LIMITS . Section 253 . 155 does
not apply to an individual who is related to the candidate or officeholder
within the second degree by consanguinity, as determined under Subchapter
B, Chapter 573, Government Code .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 7, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 1601 . CONTRIBUTION TO CERTAIN COMMITTEES CONSIDERED
CONTRIBUTION TO CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER. For purposes of Sections
253 . 155 and 253 . 157, a contribution to a specific-purpose committee for the
purpose of supporting a judicial candidate, opposing the candidate ' s
opponent, or assisting a judicial officeholder is considered to be a
contribution to the candidate or officeholder.
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Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Renumbered from Election Code Sec. 253 . 156 and amended by Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 479, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 7, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 161 . USE OF CONTRIBUTION FROM NONJUDICIAL OR JUDICIAL OFFICE
PROHIBITED. (a) A judicial candidate or officeholder, a specific-purpose
committee for supporting or opposing a judicial candidate, or a specific-
purpose committee for assisting a judicial officeholder may not use a
political contribution to make a campaign expenditure for judicial office
or to make an officeholder expenditure in connection with a judicial office
if the contribution was accepted while the candidate or officeholder:
(1) was a candidate for an office other than a judicial office;
or
(2) held an office other than a judicial office, unless the
person had become a candidate for judicial office and the contribution was
made in connection with an election for judicial office.
(b) A candidate, officeholder, or specific-purpose committee for
supporting, opposing, or assisting the candidate or officeholder may not
use a political contribution to make a campaign expenditure for an office
other than a judicial office or to make an officeholder expenditure in
connection with an office other than a judicial office if the contribution
was accepted while the candidate or officeholder:
(1) was a candidate for a judicial office; or
(2) held a judicial office, unless the person had become a
candidate for another office and the contribution was made in connection
with an election for nonjudicial office.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec.
17 (4) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
(d) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions used in
violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 8, eff. June 2,
2019 .
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Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 17 (4) , eff. June
2, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 1611 . CERTAIN CONTRIBUTIONS BY JUDICIAL CANDIDATES,
OFFICEHOLDERS, AND COMMITTEES RESTRICTED. (a) A judicial candidate or
officeholder or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a
judicial candidate or assisting a judicial officeholder may not use a
political contribution to knowingly make political contributions that in
the aggregate exceed $100 in a calendar year to a candidate or
officeholder.
(b) A judicial candidate or a specific-purpose committee for
supporting or opposing a judicial candidate may not use a political
contribution to knowingly make political contributions to a political
committee in connection with a primary election.
(c) A judicial candidate or a specific-purpose committee for
supporting or opposing a judicial candidate may not use a political
contribution to knowingly make a political contribution to a political
committee that, when aggregated with each other political contribution to a
political committee in connection with a general election, exceeds $500 .
(d) A judicial officeholder or a specific-purpose committee for
assisting a judicial officeholder may not, in any calendar year in which
the office held is not on the ballot, use a political contribution to
knowingly make a political contribution to a political committee that, when
aggregated with each other political contribution to a political committee
in that calendar year, exceeds $250 .
(e) This section does not apply to a political contribution made to
the principal political committee of the state executive committee or a
county executive committee of a political party that provides goods or
services, including political advertising or a campaign communication, to
or for the benefit of judicial candidates .
(e-1) This subsection applies only to a political party required to
nominate candidates by primary election. This section does not apply to a
political contribution made, for the purpose of sponsoring or attending an
event, to a political committee affiliated with:
(1) an organization that has been designated as an auxiliary,
coalition, or county chair association of a political party as provided by
political party rule or state executive committee bylaw; or
(2) a local chapter of an organization described by Subdivision
(1) .
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(f) Repealed by Acts 2017, 85th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 905 (H.B. 3903) , Sec.
2, eff. June 15, 2017 .
(g) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount of political contributions used in
violation of this section.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 479, Sec . 7, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg. , ch. 937, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 2001 .
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 905 (H.B. 3903) , Sec. 1, eff. June 15,
2017 .
Acts 2017, 85th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 905 (H.B. 3903) , Sec . 2, eff. June 15,
2017 .
Sec. 253 . 1612 . CERTAIN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES AUTHORIZED. The Code of
Judicial Conduct may not prohibit, and a judicial candidate may not be
penalized for, a joint campaign activity conducted by two or more judicial
candidates .
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 9, eff. June
2, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 162 . RESTRICTIONS ON REIMBURSEMENT OF PERSONAL FUNDS AND
PAYMENTS ON CERTAIN LOANS . (a) A judicial candidate or officeholder who
makes political expenditures from the person' s personal funds or who
accepts one or more political contributions in the form of a loan,
including an extension of credit or guarantee of a loan or extension of
credit, from one or more persons related to the candidate or officeholder
within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity, as determined under
Subchapter B, Chapter 573, Government Code, may not reimburse those
personal funds or repay those loans from political contributions in amounts
that in the aggregate exceed, for each election in which the person' s name
appears on the ballot:
(1) for a statewide judicial office, $100, 000; or
(2) for an office other than a statewide judicial office, five
times the applicable contribution limit under Section 253 . 155 .
(b) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec.
17 (5) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
(c) A person who is both a candidate and an officeholder may
reimburse the person' s personal funds in only one capacity.
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(d) A person who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty
not to exceed three times the amount by which the reimbursement made in
violation of this section exceeds the applicable limit prescribed by
Subsection (a) .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 1, eff . June 16, 1995 .
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 1096, Sec . 5, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 10, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 17 (5) , eff. June
2, 2019 .
Sec. 253 . 1621 . APPLICATION OF CONTRIBUTION AND REIMBURSEMENT LIMITS
TO CERTAIN CANDIDATES . (a) For purposes of the contribution limits
prescribed by Section 253 . 155 or 253 . 157 and the limit on reimbursement of
personal funds and repayment of certain loans prescribed by Section
253 . 162, the general and primary elections are considered separate
elections for a candidate whose name appears on the ballot.
(b) For purposes of the contribution limits prescribed by Sections
253 . 155 and 253 . 157 and the limits on reimbursement of personal funds and
repayment of certain loans prescribed by Section 253 . 162, a runoff election
in which the candidate ' s name is on the ballot is considered a separate
election.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 1096, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 11, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 167 . CERTIFICATION OF POPULATION; NOTICE OF CONTRIBUTION
LIMITS . (a) For purposes of this subchapter only, not later than June 1
of each odd-numbered year, the commission shall :
(1) make a written certification of the population of each
judicial district for which a candidate for judge or justice must file a
campaign treasurer appointment with the commission; and
(2) deliver to the county clerk of each county a written
certification of the county' s population, if the county:
(A) comprises an entire judicial district under Chapter 26,
Government Code; or
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(B) has a statutory county court or statutory probate court,
other than a multicounty statutory county court created under Subchapter D,
Chapter 25, Government Code.
(b) Following certification of population under Subsection (a) , the
commission or county clerk, as appropriate, shall make available to each
candidate for an office covered by this subchapter written notice of the
contribution limits applicable to the office the candidate seeks .
(c) The commission shall post the written certification required by
this section on the commission' s Internet website.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 1, eff . June 16, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817) , Sec . 40, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 12, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 13, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 253 . 171 . CONTRIBUTION FROM OR DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE BY
POLITICAL PARTY. A political expenditure that is made by the principal
political committee of the state executive committee or a county executive
committee of a political party for a generic get-out-the-vote campaign or
to create and distribute a written list of two or more candidates is not
considered a contribution to a judicial candidate who benefits from the
get-out-the-vote campaign or is included in the written list and is not
subject to the limits of Section 253 . 155 or 253 . 157 if the get-out-the-vote
campaign or written list:
(1) identifies the party' s candidates by name and office sought,
office held, or photograph;
(2) does not include any reference to the judicial philosophy or
positions on issues of the party' s judicial candidates; and
(3) is not broadcast, cablecast, published in a newspaper or
magazine, or placed on a billboard.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 1, eff. June 16, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 14, eff. June 2,
2019 .
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Sec. 253 . 176 . CIVIL PENALTY. (a) The commission may impose a civil
penalty against a person as provided by this subchapter only after a formal
hearing as provided by Subchapter E, Chapter 571, Government Code .
(b) The commission shall base the amount of the penalty on:
(1) the seriousness of the violation;
(2) the history of previous violations;
(3) the amount necessary to deter future violations; and
(4) any other matter that justice may require.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec.
17 (7) , eff. June 2, 2019 .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff . June 16, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec . 15, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B. 3233) , Sec. 17 (7) , eff. June
2, 2019 .
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ELECTION CODE
TITLE 15 . REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 254 . POLITICAL REPORTING
SUBCHAPTER A. RECORDKEEPING
Sec . 254 . 001 . RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED. (a) Each candidate and each
officeholder shall maintain a record of all reportable activity.
(b) Each campaign treasurer of a political committee shall maintain a
record of all reportable activity.
(c) The record must contain the information that is necessary for
filing the reports required by this chapter.
(d) A person required to maintain a record under this section shall
preserve the record for at least two years beginning on the filing deadline
for the report containing the information in the record.
(e) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
SUBCHAPTER B. POLITICAL REPORTING GENERALLY
Sec. 254 . 031 . GENERAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS . (a) Except as otherwise
provided by this chapter, each report filed under this chapter must
include:
(1) the amount of political contributions, other than political
contributions described by Subdivision (1-a) , from each person that in the
aggregate exceed $50 and that are accepted during the reporting period by
the person or committee required to file a report under this chapter, the
full name and address of the person making the contributions, and the dates
of the contributions;
(1-a) the amount of political contributions from each person that
are made electronically and that are accepted during the reporting period
by the person or committee required to file a report under this chapter,
the full name and address of the person making the contributions, and the
dates of the contributions;
(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting period
for campaign or officeholder purposes to the person or committee required
to file the report and that in the aggregate exceed $50, the dates the
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loans are made, the interest rate, the maturity date, the type of
collateral for the loans, if any, the full name and address of the person
or financial institution making the loans, the full name and address,
principal occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the
loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and the
aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of
the reporting period;
(3) the amount of political expenditures that in the aggregate
exceed $100 and that are made during the reporting period, the full name
and address of the persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the dates
and purposes of the expenditures;
(4) the amount of each payment made during the reporting period
from a political contribution if the payment is not a political
expenditure, the full name and address of the person to whom the payment is
made, and the date and purpose of the payment;
(5) the total amount or a specific listing of the political
contributions of $50 or less accepted and the total amount or a specific
listing of the political expenditures of $100 or less made during the
reporting period;
(6) the total amount of all political contributions accepted and
the total amount of all political expenditures made during the reporting
period;
(7) the name of each candidate or officeholder who benefits from
a direct campaign expenditure made during the reporting period by the
person or committee required to file the report, and the office sought or
held, excluding a direct campaign expenditure that is made by the principal
political committee of a political party on behalf of a slate of two or
more nominees of that party;
(8) as of the last day of a reporting period for which the person
is required to file a report, the total amount of political contributions
accepted, including interest or other income on those contributions,
maintained in one or more accounts in which political contributions are
deposited as of the last day of the reporting period;
(9) any credit, interest, rebate, refund, reimbursement, or
return of a deposit fee resulting from the use of a political contribution
or an asset purchased with a political contribution that is received during
the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $100;
(10) any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with a
political contribution that is received during the reporting period and the
amount of which exceeds $100;
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(11) any investment purchased with a political contribution that
is received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds
$100;
(12) any other gain from a political contribution that is
received during the reporting period and the amount of which exceeds $100;
and
(13) the full name and address of each person from whom an amount
described by Subdivision (9) , (10) , (11) , or (12) is received, the date the
amount is received, and the purpose for which the amount is received.
(a-1) A de minimis error in calculating or reporting a cash balance
under Subsection (a) (8) is not a violation of this section.
(b) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period, the
person required to file a report shall indicate that fact in the report.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 10, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2003, 78th
Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 091, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , 1st C . S . , Ch. 4 (S .B. 1) , Sec. 76 . 03, eff.
September 28, 2011 .
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1127 (H.B. 2586) , Sec . 8, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 254 . 0311 . REPORT BY LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS . (a) A legislative
caucus shall file a report of contributions and expenditures as required by
this section.
(b) A report filed under this section must include:
(1) the amount of contributions from each person, other than a
caucus member, that in the aggregate exceed $50 and that are accepted
during the reporting period by the legislative caucus, the full name and
address of the person making the contributions, and the dates of the
contributions;
(2) the amount of loans that are made during the reporting period
to the legislative caucus and that in the aggregate exceed $50, the dates
the loans are made, the interest rate, the maturity date, the type of
collateral for the loans, if any, the full name and address of the person
or financial institution making the loans, the full name and address,
principal occupation, and name of the employer of each guarantor of the
loans, the amount of the loans guaranteed by each guarantor, and the
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aggregate principal amount of all outstanding loans as of the last day of
the reporting period;
(3) the amount of expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $50
and that are made during the reporting period, the full name and address of
the persons to whom the expenditures are made, and the dates and purposes
of the expenditures;
(4) the total amount or a specific listing of contributions of
$50 or less accepted from persons other than caucus members and the total
amount or a specific listing of expenditures of $50 or less made during the
reporting period; and
(5) the total amount of all contributions accepted, including
total contributions from caucus members, and the total amount of all
expenditures made during the reporting period.
(c) If no reportable activity occurs during a reporting period, the
legislative caucus shall indicate that fact in the report.
(d) A legislative caucus shall file with the commission two reports
for each year.
(e) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15 . The
report covers the period beginning January 1 or the day the legislative
caucus is organized, as applicable, and continuing through June 30 .
(f) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15 . The
report covers the period beginning July 1 or the day the legislative caucus
is organized, as applicable, and continuing through December 31 .
(g) A legislative caucus shall maintain a record of all reportable
activity under this section and shall preserve the record for at least two
years beginning on the filing deadline for the report containing the
information in the record.
(h) In this section, "legislative caucus" has the meaning assigned by
Section 253 . 0341 .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 43, Sec . 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995 .
Sec. 254 . 0312 . BEST EFFORTS . (a) A person required to file a report
under this chapter is considered to be in compliance with Section 254 . 0612,
254 . 0912, or 254 . 1212 only if the person or the person' s campaign treasurer
shows that the person has used best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report
the information required by those sections . A person is considered to have
used best efforts to obtain, maintain, and report that information if the
person or the person' s campaign treasurer complies with this section.
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(b) Each written solicitation for political contributions from an
individual must include :
(1) a clear request for the individual ' s full name and address,
the individual ' s principal occupation or job title, and the full name of
the individual ' s employer; and
(2) an accurate statement of state law regarding the collection
and reporting of individual contributor information, such as :
(A) "State law requires (certain candidates, officeholders,
or political committees, as applicable) to use best efforts to collect and
report the full name and address, principal occupation or job title, and
full name of employer of individuals whose contributions equal or exceed
$500 in a reporting period. "; or
(B) "To comply with state law, (certain candidates,
officeholders, or political committees, as applicable) must use best
efforts to obtain, maintain, and report the full name and address,
principal occupation or job title, and full name of employer of individuals
whose contributions equal or exceed $500 in a reporting period. " .
(c) For each political contribution received from an individual that,
when aggregated with all other political contributions received from the
individual during the reporting period, equals or exceeds $500 and for
which the information required by Section 254 . 0612, 254 . 0912, or 254 . 1212
is not provided, the person must make at least one oral or written request
for the missing information. A request under this subsection:
(1) must be made not later than the 30th day after the date the
contribution is received;
(2) must include a clear and conspicuous statement that complies
with Subsection (b) ;
(3) if made orally, must be documented in writing; and
(4) may not be made in conjunction with a solicitation for an
additional political contribution.
(d) A person must report any information required by Section
254 . 0612, 254 . 0912, or 254 . 1212 that is not provided by the individual
making the political contribution and that the person has in the person' s
records of political contributions or previous reports under this chapter.
(e) A person who receives information required by Section 254 . 0612,
254 . 0912, or 254 . 1212 after the filing deadline for the report on which the
contribution is reported must include the missing information on the next
report the person is required to file under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 10, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
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Sec . 254 . 0313 . OMISSION OF ADDRESS FOR JUDGE AND SPOUSE. (a) In
this section, "federal judge" and "state judge" have the meanings assigned
by Section 13 . 0021 .
(b) On receiving notice from the Office of Court Administration of
the Texas Judicial System of a judge ' s qualification for office or on
receipt of a written request from a federal judge, state judge, or spouse
of a federal or state judge, the commission shall remove or redact the
residence address of a federal judge, a state judge, or the spouse of a
federal or state judge from any report filed by the judge in the judge ' s
capacity or made available on the Internet under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 518 (S .B. 489) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 254 . 032 . NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL TRAVEL EXPENSE. A political
contribution consisting of personal travel expense incurred by an
individual is not required to be reported under this chapter if the
individual receives no reimbursement for the expense.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 033 . NONREPORTABLE PERSONAL SERVICE. A political
contribution consisting of an individual ' s personal service is not required
to be reported under this chapter if the individual receives no
compensation for the service.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 034 . TIME OF ACCEPTING CONTRIBUTION. (a) A determination
to accept or refuse a political contribution that is received by a
candidate, officeholder, or political committee shall be made not later
than the end of the reporting period during which the contribution is
received.
(b) If the determination to accept or refuse a political contribution
is not made before the time required by Subsection (a) , for purposes of
this chapter, the contribution is considered to have been accepted on the
last day of that reporting period.
(c) A political contribution that is received but not accepted shall
be returned to the contributor not later than the 30th day after the
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deadline for filing a report for the reporting period during which the
contribution is received. A contribution not returned within that time is
considered to be accepted.
(d) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee commits an
offense if the person knowingly fails to return a political contribution as
required by Subsection (c) .
(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 2, Sec. 7 . 16, eff. Aug. 28, 1989 .
Sec. 254 . 035 . TIME OF MAKING EXPENDITURE. (a) For purposes of
reporting under this chapter, a political expenditure is not considered to
have been made until the amount is readily determinable by the person
making the expenditure, except as provided by Subsection (b) .
(b) If the character of an expenditure is such that under normal
business practice the amount is not disclosed until receipt of a periodic
bill, the expenditure is not considered made until the date the bill is
received.
(c) The amount of a political expenditure made by credit card is
readily determinable by the person making the expenditure on the date the
person receives the credit card statement that includes the expenditure.
(d) Subsection (c) does not apply to a political expenditure made by
credit card during the period covered by a report required to be filed
under Section 254 . 064 (b) or (c) , 254 . 124 (b) or (c) , or 254 . 154 (b) or (c) .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 11, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Sec. 254 . 036 . FORM OF REPORT; AFFIDAVIT; MAILING OF FORMS . (a)
Each report filed under this chapter with an authority other than the
commission must be in a format prescribed by the commission. A report
filed with the commission that is not required to be filed by computer
diskette, modem, or other means of electronic transfer must be on a form
prescribed by the commission and written in black ink or typed with black
typewriter ribbon or, if the report is a computer printout, the printout
must conform to the same format and paper size as the form prescribed by
the commission.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) or (e) , each report filed
under this chapter with the commission must be filed by computer diskette,
modem, or other means of electronic transfer, using computer software
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provided by the commission or computer software that meets commission
specifications for a standard file format.
(c) A candidate, officeholder, or political committee that is
required to file reports with the commission may file reports that comply
with Subsection (a) if:
(1) the candidate, officeholder, or campaign treasurer of the
committee files with the commission an affidavit stating that the
candidate, officeholder, or committee, an agent of the candidate,
officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom the candidate,
officeholder, or committee contracts does not use computer equipment to
keep the current records of political contributions, political
expenditures, or persons making political contributions to the candidate,
officeholder, or committee; and
(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee does not, in a
calendar year, accept political contributions that in the aggregate exceed
$20, 000 or make political expenditures that in the aggregate exceed
$20, 000 .
(c-1) An affidavit under Subsection (c) must be filed with each
report filed under Subsection (a) . The affidavit must include a statement
that the candidate, officeholder, or political committee understands that
the candidate, officeholder, or committee shall file reports as required by
Subsection (b) if:
(1) the candidate, officeholder, or committee, a consultant of
the candidate, officeholder, or committee, or a person with whom the
candidate, officeholder, or committee contracts uses computer equipment for
a purpose described by Subsection (c) ; or
(2) the candidate, officeholder, or committee exceeds $20, 000 in
political contributions or political expenditures in a calendar year.
(d) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 26 .
(e) A candidate for an office described by Section 252 . 005 (5) or a
specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing only candidates for
an office described by Section 252 . 005 (5) or a measure described by Section
252 . 007 (5) may file reports that comply with Subsection (a) .
(f) In prescribing the format of a report filed under this chapter
with an authority other than the commission, the commission shall ensure
that:
(1) a report may be filed:
(A) by first class United States mail or common or contract
carrier;
(B) by personal delivery; or
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(C) by electronic filing, if the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed has adopted rules and procedures to provide
for the electronic filing of the report and the report is filed in
accordance with those rules and procedures; and
(2) an authority with whom a report is electronically filed
issues an electronic receipt for the report to the person filing the
report.
(g) Repealed by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 26 .
(h) Each report filed under this chapter that is not filed by
electronic transfer must be accompanied by an affidavit executed by the
person required to file the report. The affidavit must contain the
statement: "I swear, or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the
accompanying report is true and correct and includes all information
required to be reported by me under Title 15, Election Code. " Each report
filed under this chapter by electronic transfer must be under oath by the
person required to file the report and must contain, in compliance with
commission specifications, the digitized signature of the person required
to file the report. A report filed under this chapter is considered to be
under oath by the person required to file the report, and the person is
subject to prosecution under Chapter 37, Penal Code, regardless of the
absence of or a defect in the affidavit.
(i) Each person required to file reports with the commission that
comply with Subsection (b) shall file with the commission a written
statement providing the manner of electronic transfer that the person will
use to file the report. A statement under this subsection must be filed
not later than the 30th day before the filing deadline for the first report
a person is required to file under Subsection (b) . A person who intends to
change the manner of filing described by the person' s most recent statement
shall notify the commission of the change not later than the 30th day
before the filing deadline for the report to which the change applies . If
a person does not file a statement under this subsection, the commission
may accept as authentic a report filed in any manner that complies with
Subsection (b) . If the commission receives a report that is not filed in
the manner described by the person' s most recent statement under this
subsection, the commission shall promptly notify the person in writing that
the commission has received a report filed in a different manner than
expected.
(j ) As part of the notification required by Section 251 . 033, the
commission shall mail the appropriate forms to each person required to file
a report with the commission during that reporting period.
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(k) The commission shall prescribe forms for purposes of legislative
caucus reports under Section 254 . 0311 that are separate and distinct from
forms for other reports under this chapter.
(1) This section applies to a report that is filed electronically or
otherwise.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1995, 74th
Leg. , ch. 43, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1134,
Sec. 6, 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 1434, Sec. 1,
eff. Sept . 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 12, 2 . 26, eff.
Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 1225 (H.B. 1071) , Sec . 1, eff. September 1,
2005 .
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec . 3, eff. June
17, 2011 .
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec . 6 (3) , eff. June
17, 2011 .
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 894 (H.B. 1035) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2013 .
Sec. 254 . 0362 . USE OF PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE COMPUTER TERMINAL FOR
PREPARATION OF REPORTS . (a) Except as provided by Subsection (d) , a
person who is required to file reports under this chapter may use a
publicly accessible computer terminal that has Internet access and web
browser software to prepare the reports .
(b) A public entity may prescribe reasonable restrictions on the use
of a publicly accessible computer terminal for preparation of reports under
this chapter, except that a public entity may not prohibit a person from
using a computer terminal for preparation of reports during the public
entity' s regular business hours if the person requests to use the computer
terminal less than 48 hours before a reporting deadline to which the person
is subject.
(c) This section does not require a public entity to provide a person
with consumable materials, including paper and computer diskettes, in
conjunction with the use of a publicly accessible computer terminal .
(d) An officeholder may not use a computer issued to the officeholder
for official use to prepare a report under this title.
(e) In this section:
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(1) "Public entity" means a state agency, city, county, or
independent school district.
(2) "Publicly accessible computer terminal" means a computer
terminal that is normally available for use by members of the public and
that is owned by a state agency, an independent school district, or a
public library operated by a city or county.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 1434, Sec . 2, eff . Sept . 1, 1999 .
Sec. 254 . 037 . FILING DEADLINE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection
(b) , the deadline for filing a report required by this chapter is 5 p.m. on
the last day permitted under this chapter for filing the report.
(b) The deadline for filing a report electronically with the
commission as required by this chapter is midnight on the last day for
filing the report.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 472 (H.B . 2195) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Sec . 254 . 038 . SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN CANDIDATES AND
POLITICAL COMMITTEES . (a) In addition to other reports required by this
chapter, the following persons shall file additional reports during the
period beginning the ninth day before election day and ending at 12 noon on
the day before election day:
(1) a candidate for an office specified by Section 252 . 005 (1) who
accepts political contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed
$1, 000 during that reporting period; and
(2) a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a
candidate described by Subdivision (1) and that accepts political
contributions from a person that in the aggregate exceed $1, 000 during that
reporting period.
(b) Each report required by this section must include the amount of
the contributions specified by Subsection (a) , the full name and address of
the person making the contributions, and the dates of the contributions .
(c) A report under this section shall be filed electronically, by
telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the form required
by Section 254 . 036 . The commission must receive a report under this
section filed by telegram, telephonic facsimile machine, or hand not later
than 5 p.m. of the first business day after the date the contribution is
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accepted. The commission must receive a report under this section filed
electronically not later than midnight of the first business day after the
date the contribution is accepted. A report under this section is not
required to be accompanied by the affidavit required under Section
254 . 036 (h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the commission. A
report under this section that complies with Section 254 . 036 (a) must be
accompanied by an affidavit under Section 254 . 036 (c) (1) unless the
candidate or committee has submitted an affidavit under Section 254 . 036 (c)
(1) with another report filed in connection with the election for which a
report is required under this section.
(d) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section
254 . 036, this section controls .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 994, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 14, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 2001, 77th Leg. , ch.
1428, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec.
2 . 13, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 174 (H.B. 350) , Sec . 1, eff. October 1,
2005 .
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 174 (H.B. 350) , Sec . 2, eff. October 1,
2005 .
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 472 (H.B. 2195) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Sec. 254 . 039 . SPECIAL REPORT NEAR ELECTION BY CERTAIN GENERAL-PURPOSE
COMMITTEES . (a) In addition to other reports required by this chapter, a
general-purpose committee shall file additional reports during the period
beginning the ninth day before election day and ending at 12 noon on the
day before election day if the committee:
(1) accepts political contributions from a person that in the
aggregate exceed $5, 000 during that reporting period; or
(2) makes direct campaign expenditures supporting or opposing
either a single candidate that in the aggregate exceed $1, 000 or a group of
candidates that in the aggregate exceed $15, 000 during that reporting
period.
(a-1) A report under this section shall be filed electronically, by
telegram or telephonic facsimile machine, or by hand, in the form required
by Section 254 . 036 . The commission must receive a report under this
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section not later than 5 p.m. of the first business day after the date the
contribution is accepted or the expenditure is made. A report under this
section is not required to be accompanied by the affidavit required under
Section 254 . 036 (h) or to be submitted on a form prescribed by the
commission. A report under this section that complies with Section
254 . 036 (a) must be accompanied by an affidavit under Section 254 . 036 (c) (1)
unless the committee has submitted an affidavit under Section 254 . 036 (c) (1)
with another report filed in connection with the election for which a
report is required under this section.
(a-2) Each report required by Subsection (a) (1) must include the
amount of the contributions specified by that subsection, the full name and
address of the person making the contributions, and the dates of the
contributions .
(b) Each report required by Subsection (a) (2) must include the amount
of the expenditures, the full name and address of the persons to whom the
expenditures are made, and the dates and purposes of the expenditures .
(c) To the extent of a conflict between this section and Section
254 . 036, this section controls .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 994, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 15, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 174 (H.B . 350) , Sec . 3, eff. October 1,
2005 .
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 174 (H.B. 350) , Sec . 4, eff. October 1,
2005 .
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1294 (S .B. 64) , Sec . 1, eff. September
1, 2007 .
Sec. 254 . 0391 . REPORT DURING SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION. (a) A
statewide officeholder, a member of the legislature, or a specific-purpose
committee for supporting, opposing, or assisting a statewide officeholder
or member of the legislature, or a candidate for statewide office or the
legislature or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing the
candidate, that accepts a political contribution during the period
beginning on the date the governor signs the proclamation calling a special
legislative session and continuing through the date of final adjournment
shall report the contribution to the commission not later than the 30th day
after the date of final adjournment.
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(b) A determination to accept or refuse the political contribution
shall be made not later than the third day after the date the contribution
is received.
(c) Each report required by this section must include the amount of
the political contribution, the full name and address of the person making
the contribution, and the date of the contribution.
(d) A report is not required under this section if a person covered
by Subsection (a) is required to file another report under this chapter not
later than the 10th day after the date a report required under this section
would be due.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
Sec. 254 . 040 . PRESERVATION OF REPORTS; RECORD OF INSPECTION. (a)
Each report filed under this chapter shall be preserved by the authority
with whom it is filed for at least two years after the date it is filed.
(b) Each time a person requests to inspect a report, the commission
shall place in the file a statement of the person' s name and address, whom
the person represents, and the date of the request. The commission shall
retain that statement in the file for one year after the date the requested
report is filed. This subsection does not apply to a request to inspect a
report by:
(1) a member or employee of the commission acting on official
business; or
(2) an individual acting on the individual ' s own behalf.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1134, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 254 . 0401 . AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS ON INTERNET. (a) The
commission shall make each report filed with the commission under Section
254 . 036 (b) available to the public on the Internet not later than the
second business day after the date the report is filed.
(a-1) The county clerk of a county with a population of 800, 000 or
more shall make a report filed with the clerk by a candidate, officeholder,
or specific-purpose committee under this subchapter in connection with a
county office or the office of county commissioner available to the public
on the county' s Internet website not later than the fifth business day
after the date the report is received.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 847, Sec . 3 (a) , eff.
September 1, 2013 .
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(c) The clerk of a municipality with a population of 500, 000 or more
shall make a report filed with the clerk by a candidate, officeholder, or
specific-purpose committee under this subchapter in connection with the
office of mayor or member of the municipality' s governing body available to
the public on the municipality' s Internet website not later than the fifth
business day after the date the report is received.
(d) The access allowed by this section to reports is in addition to
the public ' s access to the information through other electronic or print
distribution of the information.
(e) Before making a report filed under Section 254 . 036 (b) available
on the Internet, the commission shall remove each portion, other than city,
state, and zip code, of the address of a person listed as having made a
political contribution to the person filing the report. The address
information removed must remain available on the report maintained in the
commission' s office but may not be available electronically at that office .
(f) The commission shall clearly state on the Internet website on
which reports are provided that reports filed by an independent candidate,
a third-party candidate, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or
opposing an independent or third-party candidate will not be available if
the candidate or committee has not yet filed a report .
(g) Electronic report data saved in a temporary storage location of
the authority with whom the report is filed for later retrieval and editing
before the report is filed is confidential and may not be disclosed. After
the report is filed with the authority, the information disclosed in the
filed report is public information to the extent provided by this title.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 1434, Sec . 3, eff. Sept . 1, 1999 .
Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec . 2 . 14, 2 . 26, eff. Sept. 1,
2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 567, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 847 (H.B . 195) , Sec . 1, eff. September
1, 2013 .
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 847 (H.B. 195) , Sec . 2, eff. September
1, 2013 .
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 847 (H.B. 195) , Sec . 3 (a) , eff.
September 1, 2013 .
Acts 2017, 85th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 249 (H.B. 998) , Sec . 1, eff. September
1, 2017 .
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Sec. 254 . 04011 . AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES ON
INTERNET. (a) This section applies only to a school district:
(1) located wholly or partly in a municipality with a population
of more than 500, 000; and
(2) with a student enrollment of more than 15, 000 .
(b) A report filed under this chapter by a member of the board of
trustees of a school district, a candidate for membership on the board of
trustees of a school district, or a specific-purpose committee for
supporting, opposing, or assisting a candidate or member of a board of
trustees of a school district must be posted on the Internet website of the
school district.
(c) A report to which Subsection (b) applies must be available to the
public on the Internet website not later than the fifth business day after
the date the report is filed with the school district .
(d) The access allowed by this section to reports is in addition to
the public ' s access to the information through other electronic or print
distribution of the information.
(e) Before making a report available on the Internet under this
section, the school district may remove each portion, other than city,
state, and zip code, of the address of a person listed as having made a
political contribution to the person filing the report. If the address
information is removed as permitted by this subsection, the information
must remain available on the report maintained in the school district ' s
office.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1272 (H.B. 336) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Sec. 254 . 0402 . PUBLIC INSPECTION OF REPORTS . (a) Notwithstanding
Section 552 .222 (a) , Government Code, the authority with whom a report is
filed under this chapter may not require a person examining the report to
provide any information or identification.
(b) The commission shall make information from reports filed with the
commission under Section 254 . 036 (b) available by electronic means,
including:
(1) providing access to computer terminals at the commission' s
office;
(2) providing information on computer diskette for purchase at a
reasonable cost; and
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(3) providing modem or other electronic access to the
information.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 1434, Sec. 3, eff. Sept . 1, 1999 .
Sec. 254 . 0405 . AMENDMENT OF FILED REPORT. (a) A person who files a
semiannual report under this chapter may amend the report.
(b) A semiannual report that is amended before the eighth day after
the date the original report was filed is considered to have been filed on
the date on which the original report was filed.
(c) A semiannual report that is amended on or after the eighth day
after the original report was filed is considered to have been filed on the
date on which the original report was filed if:
(1) the amendment is made before any complaint is filed with
regard to the subject of the amendment; and
(2) the original report was made in good faith and without an
intent to mislead or to misrepresent the information contained in the
report.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 561 (H.B. 3093) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Sec . 254 . 041 . CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR UNTIMELY OR INCOMPLETE REPORT.
(a) A person who is required by this chapter to file a report commits an
offense if the person knowingly fails :
(1) to file the report on time;
(2) to file a report by computer diskette, modem, or other means
of electronic transfer, if the person is required to file reports that
comply with Section 254 . 036 (b) ; or
(3) to include in the report information that is required by this
title to be included.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) , an offense under this
section is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c) A violation of Subsection (a) (3) by a candidate or officeholder
is a Class A misdemeanor if the report fails to include information
required by Section 254 . 061 (3) or Section 254 . 091 (2) , as applicable .
(d) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a) (3) that:
(1) the information was required to be included in a semiannual
report; and
(2) the person amended the report within the time prescribed by
Section 254 . 0405 (b) or under the circumstances described by Section
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254 . 0405 (c) .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 1434, Sec . 4, eff. Sept . 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th
Leg. , ch. 1420, Sec . 4A. 001, eff. Sept . 1, 2001 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 561 (H.B. 3093) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Sec . 254 . 042 . CIVIL PENALTY FOR LATE REPORT . (a) The commission
shall determine from any available evidence whether a report required to be
filed with the commission under this chapter is late . On making that
determination, the commission shall immediately mail a notice of the
determination to the person required to file the report .
(b) If a report other than a report under Section 254 . 064 (c) ,
254 . 124 (c) , or 254 . 154 (c) or the first report under Section 254 . 063 or
254 . 123 that is required to be filed following the primary or general
election is determined to be late, the person required to file the report
is liable to the state for a civil penalty of $500 . If a report under
Section 254 . 064 (c) , 254 . 124 (c) , or 254 . 154 (c) or the first report under
Section 254 . 063 or 254 . 153 that is required to be filed following the
primary or general election is determined to be late, the person required
to file the report is liable to the state for a civil penalty of $500 for
the first day the report is late and $100 for each day thereafter that the
report is late . If a report is more than 30 days late, the commission
shall issue a warning of liability by registered mail to the person
required to file the report . If the penalty is not paid before the 10th
day after the date on which the warning is received, the person is liable
for a civil penalty in an amount determined by commission rule, but not to
exceed $10, 000 .
(c) A penalty paid voluntarily under this section shall be deposited
in the State Treasury to the credit of the General Revenue Fund.
(d) Repealed by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 20, eff . Jan .
1, 1992 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 13, eff . Jan . 1, 1992; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 16, eff . Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch.
249, Sec . 2 . 15, eff . Sept . 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
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Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1294 (S .B. 64) , Sec. 2, eff. September
1, 2007 .
Sec. 254 . 043 . ACTION TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE. (a) This section
applies only to:
(1) a person required to file reports under this chapter with the
commission; or
(2) a person required to file reports under this chapter with an
authority other than the commission in connection with an office of a
political subdivision in a county with a population of at least 500, 000 .
(b) A resident of the territory served by an office may bring an
action for injunctive relief against a candidate for or holder of that
office or a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing such a
candidate or assisting such an officeholder to require the person to file a
report under this chapter that the person has failed to timely file.
(c) An action under this section may be brought against a person
required to file reports under this chapter only if:
(1) the report is not filed before the 60th day after the date on
which the report was required to be filed;
(2) not earlier than the 60th day after the date on which the
report was required to be filed, the person bringing the action delivers
written notice by certified mail to the person required to file the report,
stating:
(A) the person ' s intention to bring an action under this
section if the report is not filed; and
(B) that an action to require the filing of the report may be
filed if the report is not filed before the 30th day after the date on
which the person required to file the report receives the notice; and
(3) the report is not filed before the 30th day after the date on
which the person required to file the report receives the notice required
by Subdivision (2) .
(d) The court shall award a plaintiff who prevails in an action under
this section reasonable attorney' s fees and court costs .
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 16, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
SUBCHAPTER C. REPORTING BY CANDIDATE
Sec. 254 . 061 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS . In addition to the
contents required by Section 254 . 031, each report by a candidate must
include:
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(1) the candidate ' s full name and address, the office sought, and
the identity and date of the election for which the report is filed;
(2) the campaign treasurer' s name, residence or business street
address, and telephone number;
(3) for each political committee from which the candidate
received notice under Section 254 . 128 or 254 . 161 :
(A) the committee ' s full name and address;
(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-
purpose committee or a specific-purpose committee; and
(C) the full name and address of the committee ' s campaign
treasurer; and
(4) on a separate page or pages of the report, the
identification of any payment from political contributions made to a
business in which the candidate has a participating interest of more than
10 percent, holds a position on the governing body of the business, or
serves as an officer of the business .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 14, eff . Jan . 1, 1992 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec. 4, eff. June
17, 2011 .
Sec. 254 . 0611 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN JUDICIAL
CANDIDATES . (a) In addition to the contents required by Sections 254 . 031
and 254 . 061, each report by a candidate for a judicial office covered by
Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must include :
(1) the total amount of political contributions, including
interest or other income, maintained in one or more accounts in which
political contributions are deposited as of the last day of the reporting
period;
(2) for each individual from whom the person filing the report
has accepted political contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50 and
that are accepted during the reporting period:
(A) the principal occupation and job title of the individual
and the full name of the employer of the individual or of the law firm of
which the individual or the individual ' s spouse is a member, if any; or
(B) if the individual is a child, the full name of the law
firm of which either of the individual ' s parents is a member, if any;
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(3) a specific listing of each asset valued at $500 or more that
was purchased with political contributions and on hand as of the last day
of the reporting period;
(4) for each political contribution accepted by the person filing
the report but not received as of the last day of the reporting period:
(A) the full name and address of the person making the
contribution;
(B) the amount of the contribution; and
(C) the date of the contribution; and
(5) for each outstanding loan to the person filing the report as
of the last day of the reporting period:
(A) the full name and address of the person or financial
institution making the loan; and
(B) the full name and address of each guarantor of the loan
other than the candidate.
(b) In this section:
(1) "Child" and "law firm" have the meanings assigned by Section
253 . 152 .
(2) "Member" has the meaning assigned to "member of a law firm"
by Section 253 . 152 .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 3, eff . July 1, 1995 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 384 (H.B . 3233) , Sec . 16, eff. June 2,
2019 .
Sec. 254 . 0612 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CANDIDATE FOR
STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OR LEGISLATIVE OFFICE. In addition to the
contents required by Sections 254 . 031 and 254 . 061, each report by a
candidate for a statewide office in the executive branch or a legislative
office must include, for each individual from whom the person filing the
report has accepted political contributions that in the aggregate equal or
exceed $500 and that are accepted during the reporting period:
(1) the individual ' s principal occupation or job title; and
(2) the full name of the individual ' s employer.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 17, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec . 254 . 062 . CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER ACTIVITY INCLUDED. If an
officeholder who becomes a candidate has reportable activity that is not
reported under Subchapter D before the end of the period covered by the
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first report the candidate is required to file under this subchapter, the
reportable activity shall be included in the first report filed under this
subchapter instead of in a report filed under Subchapter D.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 063 . SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR CANDIDATE. (a) A
candidate shall file two reports for each year as provided by this section.
(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15 . The
report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the candidate ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period
covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as
applicable, and continuing through June 30 .
(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15 . The
report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the candidate ' s campaign
treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered
by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as
applicable, and continuing through December 31 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 254 . 064 . ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF OPPOSED CANDIDATE . (a) In
addition to other required reports, for each election in which a person is
a candidate and has an opponent whose name is to appear on the ballot, the
person shall file two reports .
(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day before election
day. The report covers the period beginning the day the candidate ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period
covered by the last report required to be filed under this chapter, as
applicable, and continuing through the 40th day before election day.
(c) The second report must be received by the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed not later than the eighth day before
election day. The report covers the period beginning the 39th day before
election day and continuing through the 10th day before election day.
(d) If a person becomes an opposed candidate after a reporting period
prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c) , the person' s first report must be
received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not
later than the regular deadline for the report covering the period during
which the person becomes an opposed candidate. The period covered by the
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first report begins the day the candidate ' s campaign treasurer appointment
is filed.
(e) In addition to other required reports, an opposed candidate in a
runoff election shall file one report for that election. The runoff
election report must be received by the authority with whom the report is
required to be filed not later than the eighth day before runoff election
day. The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the date
of the main election and continuing through the loth day before runoff
election day.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 245, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Sec. 254 . 065 . FINAL REPORT. (a) If a candidate expects no
reportable activity in connection with the candidacy to occur after the
period covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the candidate may
designate the report as a "final" report.
(b) The designation of a report as a final report:
(1) relieves the candidate of the duty to file additional reports
under this subchapter, except as provided by Subsection (c) ; and
(2) terminates the candidate ' s campaign treasurer appointment.
(c) If, after a candidate ' s final report is filed, reportable
activity with respect to the candidacy occurs, the candidate shall file the
appropriate reports under this subchapter and is otherwise subject to the
provisions of this title applicable to candidates . A report filed under
this subsection may be designated as a final report.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 066 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under this
subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom the candidate ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is required to be filed.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 511, Sec . 2, eff . Sept . 1, 1999 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 518 (S .B. 1142) , Sec . 1, eff. June 19,
2009 .
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SUBCHAPTER D. REPORTING BY OFFICEHOLDER
Sec . 254 . 091 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS . In addition to the
contents required by Section 254 . 031, each report by an officeholder must
include:
(1) the officeholder' s full name and address and the office held;
(2) for each political committee from which the officeholder
received notice under Section 254 . 128 or 254 . 161 :
(A) the committee ' s full name and address;
(B) an indication of whether the committee is a general-
purpose committee or a specific-purpose committee; and
(C) the full name and address of the committee ' s campaign
treasurer; and
(3) on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification
of any payment from political contributions made to a business in which the
officeholder has a participating interest of more than 10 percent, holds a
position on the governing body of the business, or serves as an officer of
the business .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 15, eff. Jan. 1, 1992 .
Sec. 254 . 0911 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY CERTAIN JUDICIAL
OFFICEHOLDERS . In addition to the contents required by Sections 254 . 031
and 254 . 091, each report by a holder of a judicial office covered by
Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must include the contents prescribed by Section
254 . 0611 .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec. 4, eff. July 1, 1995 .
Sec. 254 . 0912 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS BY STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE
OFFICEHOLDERS AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICEHOLDERS . In addition to the contents
required by Sections 254 . 031 and 254 . 091, each report by a holder of a
statewide office in the executive branch or a legislative office must
include the contents prescribed by Section 254 . 0612 .
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec . 2 . 18, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec. 254 . 092 . CERTAIN OFFICEHOLDER EXPENDITURES EXCLUDED. An
officeholder is not required to report officeholder expenditures made from
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the officeholder' s personal funds, except as provided by Section
253 . 035 (h) .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 16, eff. Jan . 1, 1992 .
Sec. 254 . 093 . SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR OFFICEHOLDER. (a)
An officeholder shall file two reports for each year as provided by this
section.
(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15 . The
report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the officeholder
takes office, or the first day after the period covered by the last report
required to be filed under this chapter, as applicable, and continuing
through June 30 .
(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15 . The
report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the officeholder takes
office, or the first day after the period covered by the last report
required to be filed under this chapter, as applicable, and continuing
through December 31 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 094 . REPORT FOLLOWING APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER.
(a) An officeholder who appoints a campaign treasurer shall file a report
as provided by this section.
(b) The report covers the period beginning the first day after the
period covered by the last report required to be filed under this chapter
or the day the officeholder takes office, as applicable, and continuing
through the day before the date the officeholder' s campaign treasurer is
appointed.
(c) The report shall be filed not later than the 15th day after the
date the officeholder' s campaign treasurer is appointed.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 095 . REPORT NOT REQUIRED. If at the end of any reporting
period prescribed by this subchapter an officeholder who is required to
file a report with an authority other than the commission has not accepted
political contributions that in the aggregate exceed $500 or made political
expenditures that in the aggregate exceed $500, the officeholder is not
required to file a report covering that period.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 17, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 254 . 096 . OFFICEHOLDER WHO BECOMES CANDIDATE. An officeholder
who becomes a candidate is subject to Subchapter C during each period
covered by a report required to be filed under Subchapter C.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 097 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports under this
subchapter shall be filed with the authority with whom a campaign treasurer
appointment by a candidate for the office held by the officeholder is
required to be filed.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 511, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 518 (S .B. 1142) , Sec. 1, eff. June 19,
2009 .
SUBCHAPTER E . REPORTING BY SPECIFIC-PURPOSE COMMITTEE
Sec. 254 . 121 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS . In addition to the
contents required by Section 254 . 031, each report by a campaign treasurer
of a specific-purpose committee must include:
(1) the committee ' s full name and address;
(2) the full name, residence or business street address, and
telephone number of the committee ' s campaign treasurer;
(3) the identity and date of the election for which the report is
filed, if applicable;
(4) the name of each candidate and each measure supported or
opposed by the committee, indicating for each whether the committee
supports or opposes;
(5) the name of each officeholder assisted by the committee;
(6) the amount of each political expenditure in the form of a
political contribution that is made to a candidate, officeholder, or
another political committee and that is returned to the committee during
the reporting period, the name of the person to whom the expenditure was
originally made, and the date it is returned;
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(7) on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification
of any payment from political contributions made to a business in which the
candidate or officeholder has a participating interest of more than 10
percent, holds a position on the governing body of the business, or serves
as an officer of the business; and
(8) on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification
of any contribution from a corporation or labor organization made and
accepted under Subchapter D, Chapter 253 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec . 5 . 17, eff. Jan . 1, 1992 .
Sec. 254 . 1211 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF CERTAIN COMMITTEES .
In addition to the contents required by Sections 254 . 031 and 254 . 121, each
report by a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing a
candidate for or assisting a holder of a judicial office covered by
Subchapter F, Chapter 253, must include the contents prescribed by Section
254 . 0611 .
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 5, eff. July 1, 1995 .
Sec. 254 . 1212 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS OF COMMITTEE SUPPORTING
OR OPPOSING CANDIDATE FOR STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE
OFFICEHOLDERS OR ASSISTING STATEWIDE EXECUTIVE OFFICEHOLDERS OR LEGISLATIVE
OFFICEHOLDERS . In addition to the contents required by Sections 254 . 031
and 254 . 121, each report by a specific-purpose committee for supporting or
opposing a candidate for or assisting a holder of a statewide office in the
executive branch or a legislative office must include the contents
prescribed by Section 254 . 0612 .
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec . 2 . 19, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec. 254 . 122 . INVOLVEMENT IN MORE THAN ONE ELECTION BY CERTAIN
COMMITTEES . If a specific-purpose committee for supporting or opposing
more than one candidate becomes involved in more than one election for
which the reporting periods prescribed by Section 254 . 124 overlap, the
reportable activity that occurs during the overlapping period is not
required to be included in a report filed after the first report in which
the activity is required to be reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
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Sec. 254 . 123 . SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR COMMITTEE. (a) The
campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee shall file two reports
for each year as provided by this section.
(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15 . The
report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the committee ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period
covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as
applicable, and continuing through June 30 .
(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15 . The
report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the committee ' s campaign
treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered
by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as
applicable, and continuing through December 31 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 124 . ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR
OPPOSING CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) In addition to other required reports,
for each election in which a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes
a candidate or measure, the committee ' s campaign treasurer shall file two
reports .
(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day before election
day. The report covers the period beginning the day the committee ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period
covered by the committee ' s last required report, as applicable, and
continuing through the 40th day before election day.
(c) The second report must be received by the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed not later than the eighth day before
election day. The report covers the period beginning the 39th day before
election day and continuing through the 10th day before election day.
(d) If a specific-purpose committee supports or opposes a candidate
or measure in an election after a reporting period prescribed by Subsection
(b) or (c) , the first report must be received by the authority with whom
the report is required to be filed not later than the regular deadline for
the report covering the period during which the committee becomes involved
in the election. The period covered by the first report begins the day the
committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after
the period covered by the committee ' s last required report, as applicable.
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(e) In addition to other required reports, the campaign treasurer of
a specific-purpose committee that supports or opposes a candidate in a
runoff election shall file one report for the runoff election. The runoff
election report must be received by the authority with whom the report is
required to be filed not later than the eighth day before runoff election
day. The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before the date
of the main election and continuing through the loth day before runoff
election day.
(f) This section does not apply to a specific-purpose committee
supporting only candidates who do not have opponents whose names are to
appear on the ballot .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 2, Sec. 7 . 17 (a) , eff. Aug. 28, 1989 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 553 (S .B. 1795) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 254 . 125 . FINAL REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR SUPPORTING OR OPPOSING
CANDIDATE OR MEASURE. (a) If a specific-purpose committee for supporting
or opposing a candidate or measure expects no reportable activity in
connection with the election to occur after the period covered by a report
filed under this subchapter, the committee ' s campaign treasurer may
designate the report as a "final" report.
(b) The designation of a report as a final report:
(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file
additional reports under this subchapter, except as provided by Subsection
(c) ; and
(2) terminates the committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment.
(c) If, after a committee ' s final report is filed, reportable
activity with respect to the election occurs, the committee must file the
appropriate reports under this subchapter and is otherwise subject to the
provisions of this title applicable to political committees . A report
filed under this subsection may be designated as a final report.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 126 . DISSOLUTION REPORT OF COMMITTEE FOR ASSISTING
OFFICEHOLDER. (a) If a specific-purpose committee for assisting an
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officeholder expects no reportable activity to occur after the period
covered by a report filed under this subchapter, the committee ' s campaign
treasurer may designate the report as a "dissolution" report.
(b) The filing of a report designated as a dissolution report :
(1) relieves the campaign treasurer of the duty to file
additional reports under this subchapter; and
(2) terminates the committee ' s campaign treasurer appointment.
(c) A dissolution report must contain an affidavit, executed by the
committee ' s campaign treasurer, that states that all the committee ' s
reportable activity has been reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 127 . TERMINATION REPORT. (a) If the campaign treasurer
appointment of a specific-purpose committee is terminated, the terminated
campaign treasurer shall file a termination report .
(b) A termination report is not required if the termination occurs on
the last day of a reporting period under this subchapter and a report for
that period is filed as provided by this subchapter.
(c) The report covers the period beginning the day after the period
covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter and
continuing through the day the campaign treasurer appointment is
terminated.
(d) The report shall be filed not later than the loth day after the
date the campaign treasurer appointment is terminated.
(e) Reportable activity contained in a termination report is not
required to be included in any subsequent report of the committee that is
filed under this subchapter. The period covered by the committee ' s first
report filed under this subchapter after a termination report begins the
day after the date the campaign treasurer appointment is terminated.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 254 . 128 . NOTICE TO CANDIDATE AND OFFICEHOLDER OF CONTRIBUTIONS
AND EXPENDITURES . (a) If a specific-purpose committee accepts political
contributions or makes political expenditures for a candidate or
officeholder, the committee ' s campaign treasurer shall deliver written
notice of that fact to the affected candidate or officeholder not later
than the end of the period covered by the report in which the reportable
activity occurs .
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(b) The notice must include the full name and address of the
political committee and its campaign treasurer and an indication that the
committee is a specific-purpose committee.
(c) A campaign treasurer commits an offense if the campaign treasurer
fails to comply with this section. An offense under this section is a
Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 246, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
Sec. 254 . 129 . NOTICE OF CHANGE IN COMMITTEE STATUS . (a) If a
specific-purpose committee changes its operation and becomes a general-
purpose committee, the committee ' s campaign treasurer shall deliver written
notice of the change in status to the authority with whom the specific-
purpose committee ' s reports under this chapter are required to be filed.
(b) The notice shall be delivered not later than the next deadline
for filing a report under this subchapter that:
(1) occurs after the change in status; and
(2) would be applicable to the political committee if the
committee had not changed its status .
(c) The notice must indicate the filing authority with whom future
filings are expected to be made.
(d) A campaign treasurer commits an offense if the campaign treasurer
fails to comply with this section. An offense under this section is a
Class B misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec . 247, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 254 . 130 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. (a) Except as
provided by Subsection (b) , reports filed under this subchapter shall be
filed with the authority with whom the political committee ' s campaign
treasurer appointment is required to be filed.
(b) A specific-purpose committee created to support or oppose a
measure on the issuance of bonds by a school district shall file reports
under this subchapter with the commission.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 511, Sec . 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999 .
Amended by:
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Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 518 (S .B. 1142) , Sec . 1, eff. June 19,
2009 .
Acts 2015, 84th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 707 (H.B. 1114) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2015 .
SUBCHAPTER F. REPORTING BY GENERAL-PURPOSE COMMITTEE
Sec. 254 . 151 . ADDITIONAL CONTENTS OF REPORTS . In addition to the
contents required by Section 254 . 031, each report by a campaign treasurer
of a general-purpose committee must include:
(1) the committee ' s full name and address;
(2) the full name, residence or business street address, and
telephone number of the committee ' s campaign treasurer;
(3) the identity and date of the election for which the report is
filed, if applicable;
(4) the name of each identified candidate or measure or
classification by party of candidates supported or opposed by the
committee, indicating whether the committee supports or opposes each listed
candidate, measure, or classification by party of candidates;
(5) the name of each identified officeholder or classification by
party of officeholders assisted by the committee;
(6) the principal occupation of each person from whom political
contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50 are accepted during the
reporting period;
(7) the amount of each political expenditure in the form of a
political contribution made to a candidate, officeholder, or another
political committee that is returned to the committee during the reporting
period, the name of the person to whom the expenditure was originally made,
and the date it is returned;
(8) on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification
of any contribution from a corporation or labor organization made and
accepted under Subchapter D, Chapter 253; and
(9) on a separate page or pages of the report, the identification
of the name of the donor, the amount, and the date of any expenditure made
by a corporation or labor organization to:
(A) establish or administer the political committee; or
(B) finance the solicitation of political contributions to
the committee under Section 253 . 100 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 304, Sec. 5 . 18, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2003, 78th
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Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 20, eff . Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec. 254 . 152 . TIME FOR REPORTING CERTAIN EXPENDITURES . If a general-
purpose committee makes a political expenditure in the form of a political
contribution to another general-purpose committee or to an out-of-state
political committee and the contributing committee does not intend that the
contribution be used in connection with a particular election, the
contributing committee shall include the expenditure in the first report
required to be filed under this subchapter after the expenditure is made.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 153 . SEMIANNUAL REPORTING SCHEDULE FOR COMMITTEE. (a) The
campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee shall file two reports
for each year as provided by this section.
(b) The first report shall be filed not later than July 15 . The
report covers the period beginning January 1, the day the committee ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period
covered by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as
applicable, and continuing through June 30 .
(c) The second report shall be filed not later than January 15 . The
report covers the period beginning July 1, the day the committee ' s campaign
treasurer appointment is filed, or the first day after the period covered
by the last report required to be filed under this subchapter, as
applicable, and continuing through December 31 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 154 . ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF COMMITTEE INVOLVED IN ELECTION.
(a) In addition to other required reports, for each election in which a
general-purpose committee is involved, the committee ' s campaign treasurer
shall file two reports .
(b) The first report must be received by the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed not later than the 30th day before election
day. The report covers the period beginning the day the committee ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period
covered by the committee ' s last required report, as applicable, and
continuing through the 40th day before election day.
(c) The second report must be received by the authority with whom the
report is required to be filed not later than the eighth day before
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election day. The report covers the period beginning the 39th day before
election day and continuing through the loth day before election day.
(d) If a general-purpose committee becomes involved in an election
after a reporting period prescribed by Subsection (b) or (c) , the first
report must be received by the authority with whom the report is required
to be filed not later than the regular deadline for the report covering the
period during which the committee becomes involved in the election. The
period covered by the first report begins the day the committee ' s campaign
treasurer appointment is filed or the first day after the period covered by
the committee ' s last required report, as applicable.
(e) In addition to other required reports, the campaign treasurer of
a general-purpose committee involved in a runoff election shall file one
report for the runoff election. The runoff election report must be
received by the authority with whom the report is required to be filed not
earlier than the loth day or later than the eighth day before runoff
election day. The report covers the period beginning the ninth day before
the date of the main election and continuing through the loth day before
runoff election day.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381) , Sec . 3, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 553 (S .B. 1795) , Sec . 2, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 254 . 1541 . ALTERNATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN
COMMITTEES . (a) This section applies only to a general-purpose committee
with less than $20, 000 in one or more accounts maintained by the committee
in which political contributions are deposited, as of the last day of the
preceding reporting period for which the committee was required to file a
report.
(b) A report by a campaign treasurer of a general-purpose committee
to which this section applies may include, instead of the information
required under Sections 254 . 031 (a) (1) and (5) and Section 254 . 151 (6) :
(1) the amount of political contributions from each person that
in the aggregate exceed $100 and that are accepted during the reporting
period by the committee, the full name and address of the person making the
contributions, the person' s principal occupation, and the dates of the
contributions; and
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(2) the total amount or a specific listing of the political
contributions of $100 or less accepted and the total amount or a specific
listing of the political expenditures of $100 or less made during the
reporting period.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 1081 (H.B. 1664) , Sec. 1, eff. September
1, 2005 .
Sec. 254 . 155 . OPTION TO FILE MONTHLY; NOTICE. (a) As an
alternative to filing reports under Sections 254 . 153 and 254 . 154, a
general-purpose committee may file monthly reports .
(b) To be entitled to file monthly reports, the committee must
deliver written notice of the committee ' s intent to file monthly to the
commission not earlier than January 1 or later than January 15 of the year
in which the committee intends to file monthly. The notice for a committee
formed after January 15 must be delivered at the time the committee ' s
campaign treasurer appointment is filed.
(c) A committee that files monthly reports may revert to the regular
filing schedule prescribed by Sections 254 . 153 and 254 . 154 by delivering
written notice of the committee ' s intent not earlier than January 1 or
later than January 15 of the year in which the committee intends to revert
to the regular reporting schedule. The notice must include a report of all
political contributions accepted and all political expenditures made that
were not previously reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 18, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 254 . 156 . CONTENTS OF MONTHLY REPORTS . Each monthly report filed
under this subchapter must comply with Sections 254 . 031 and 254 . 151 except
that the maximum amount of a political contribution, expenditure, or loan
that is not required to be individually reported is :
(1) $10 in the aggregate; or
(2) $20 in the aggregate for a contribution accepted by a
general-purpose committee to which Section 254 . 1541 applies .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg. , Ch. 1081 (H.B. 1664) , Sec. 2, eff. September 1,
2005 .
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Sec. 254 . 157 . MONTHLY REPORTING SCHEDULE. (a) The campaign
treasurer of a general-purpose committee filing monthly reports shall file
a report not later than the fifth day of the month following the period
covered by the report. A report covering the month preceding an election in
which the committee is involved must be received by the authority with whom
the report is required to be filed not later than the fifth day of the
month following the period covered by the report.
(b) A monthly report covers the period beginning the 26th day of each
month and continuing through the 25th day of the following month, except
that the period covered by the first report begins January 1 and continues
through January 25 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 400, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1991 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 673 (H.B. 1381) , Sec. 4, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Sec. 254 . 158 . EXCEPTION TO MONTHLY REPORTING SCHEDULE. If the
campaign treasurer appointment of a general-purpose committee filing
monthly reports is filed after January 1 of the year in which monthly
reports are filed, the period covered by the first monthly report begins
the day the appointment is filed and continues through the 25th day of the
month in which the appointment is filed unless the appointment is filed the
25th or a succeeding day of the month. In that case, the period continues
through the 25th day of the month following the month in which the
appointment is filed.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 1581 . REPORTING BY OUT-OF-STATE POLITICAL COMMITTEE. For
each reporting period under this subchapter in which an out-of-state
political committee accepts political contributions or makes political
expenditures, the committee shall file with the commission a copy of one or
more reports filed with the Federal Election Commission or with the proper
filing authority of at least one other state that shows the political
contributions accepted, political expenditures made, and other expenditures
made by the committee. A report must be filed within the same period in
which it is required to be filed under federal law or the law of the other
state.
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Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 21, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Sec. 254 . 159 . DISSOLUTION REPORT. If a general-purpose committee
expects no reportable activity to occur after the period covered by a
report filed under this subchapter, the report may be designated as a
"dissolution" report as provided by Section 254 . 126 for a specific-purpose
committee and has the same effect.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 160 . TERMINATION REPORT. If the campaign treasurer
appointment of a general-purpose committee is terminated, the campaign
treasurer shall file a termination report as prescribed by Section 254 . 127
for a specific-purpose committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 161 . NOTICE TO CANDIDATE AND OFFICEHOLDER OF CONTRIBUTIONS
AND EXPENDITURES . If a general-purpose committee other than the principal
political committee of a political party or a political committee
established by a political party' s county executive committee accepts
political contributions or makes political expenditures for a candidate or
officeholder, notice of that fact shall be given to the affected candidate
or officeholder as provided by Section 254 . 128 for a specific-purpose
committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 531, Sec. 3, eff. Sept . 1, 1993 .
Sec. 254 . 162 . NOTICE OF CHANGE IN COMMITTEE STATUS . If a general-
purpose committee changes its operation and becomes a specific-purpose
committee, notice of the change in status shall be given to the commission
as provided by Section 254 . 129 for a specific-purpose committee.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec . 3 . 19, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 254 . 163 . AUTHORITY WITH WHOM REPORTS FILED. Reports filed under
this subchapter shall be filed with the commission.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 107, Sec. 3 . 20, eff. Aug. 30, 1993 .
Sec. 254 . 164 . CERTAIN COMMITTEES EXEMPT FROM CIVIL PENALTIES . The
commission may not impose a civil penalty on a general-purpose committee
for a violation of this chapter if the report filed by the committee that
is the subject of the violation discloses that the committee did not accept
political contributions totaling $3, 000 or more, accept political
contributions from a single person totaling $1, 000 or more, or make or
authorize political expenditures totaling $3, 000 or more during:
(1) the reporting period covered by the report that is the
subject of the violation; or
(2) either of the two reporting periods preceding the reporting
period described by Subdivision (1) .
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 597 (H.B. 89) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
SUBCHAPTER G. MODIFIED REPORTING PROCEDURES; $500 MAXIMUM IN CONTRIBUTIONS
OR EXPENDITURES
Sec. 254 . 181 . MODIFIED REPORTING AUTHORIZED. (a) An opposed
candidate or specific-purpose committee required to file reports under
Subchapter C or E may file a report under this subchapter instead if the
candidate or committee does not intend to accept political contributions
that in the aggregate exceed $500 or to make political expenditures that in
the aggregate exceed $500 in connection with the election.
(b) The amount of a filing fee paid by a candidate is excluded from
the $500 maximum expenditure permitted under this section.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 254 . 182 . DECLARATION OF INTENT REQUIRED. (a) To be entitled to
file reports under this subchapter, an opposed candidate or specific-
purpose committee must file with the campaign treasurer appointment a
written declaration of intent not to exceed $500 in political contributions
or political expenditures in the election.
(b) The declaration of intent must contain a statement that the
candidate or committee understands that if the $500 maximum for
contributions and expenditures is exceeded, the candidate or committee is
required to file reports under Subchapter C or E, as applicable.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 183 . MAXIMUM EXCEEDED. (a) An opposed candidate or
specific-purpose committee that exceeds $500 in political contributions or
political expenditures in the election shall file reports as required by
Subchapter C or E, as applicable.
(b) If a candidate or committee exceeds the $500 maximum after the
filing deadline prescribed by Subchapter C or E for the first report
required to be filed under the appropriate subchapter, the candidate or
committee shall file a report not later than 48 hours after the maximum is
exceeded.
(c) A report filed under Subsection (b) covers the period beginning
the day the campaign treasurer appointment is filed and continuing through
the day the maximum is exceeded.
(d) The reporting period for the next report filed by the candidate
or committee begins on the day after the last day of the period covered by
the report filed under Subsection (b) .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 254 . 184 . APPLICABILITY OF REGULAR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS . (a)
Subchapter C or E, as applicable, applies to an opposed candidate or
specific-purpose committee filing under this subchapter to the extent that
the appropriate subchapter does not conflict with this subchapter.
(b) A candidate or committee filing under this subchapter is not
required to file any reports of political contributions and political
expenditures other than the semiannual reports required to be filed not
later than July 15 and January 15 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
SUBCHAPTER H. UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
Sec. 254 . 201 . ANNUAL REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS . (a) This
section applies to:
(1) a former officeholder who has unexpended political
contributions after filing the last report required to be filed by
Subchapter D; or
(2) a person who was an unsuccessful candidate who has unexpended
political contributions after filing the last report required to be filed
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by Subchapter C.
(b) A person covered by this section shall file an annual report for
each year in which the person retains unexpended contributions .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 202 . FILING OF REPORT; CONTENTS . (a) A person shall file
the report required by Section 254 .201 not earlier than January 1 or later
than January 15 of each year following the year in which the person files a
final report under this chapter.
(b) The report shall be filed with the authority with whom the
person' s campaign treasurer appointment was required to be filed.
(c) The report must include:
(1) the person ' s full name and address;
(2) the full name and address of each person to whom a payment
from unexpended political contributions was made during the previous year;
(3) the date, amount, and purpose of each payment made under
Subdivision (2) ;
(4) the total amount of unexpended political contributions as of
December 31 of the previous year; and
(5) the total amount of interest and other income earned on
unexpended political contributions during the previous year.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 203 . RETENTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS . (a) A person may not
retain political contributions covered by this title, assets purchased with
the contributions, or interest and other income earned on the contributions
for more than six years after the date the person either ceases to be an
officeholder or candidate or files a final report under this chapter,
whichever is later.
(b) If the person becomes an officeholder or candidate within the
six-year period, the prohibition in Subsection (a) does not apply until the
person again ceases to be an officeholder or candidate.
(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1989, 71st Leg. , ch. 2, Sec . 7 . 18, eff. Aug. 28, 1989 .
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 254.POLITICAL REPORTING
Sec. 254 . 204 . DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS . (a) At the
end of the six-year period prescribed by Section 254 .203, the former
officeholder or candidate shall remit any unexpended political
contributions to one or more of the following:
(1) the political party with which the person was affiliated when
the person' s name last appeared on a ballot;
(2) a candidate or political committee;
(3) the comptroller for deposit in the state treasury;
(4) one or more persons from whom political contributions were
received, in accordance with Subsection (d) ;
(5) a recognized charitable organization formed for educational,
religious, or scientific purposes that is exempt from taxation under
Section 501 (c) (3) , Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and its subsequent
amendments; or
(6) a public or private postsecondary educational institution or
an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61 . 003 (8) ,
Education Code, solely for the purpose of assisting or creating a
scholarship program.
(b) A person who disposes of unexpended political contributions under
Subsection (a) (2) shall report each contribution as if the person were a
campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose committee.
(c) Political contributions disposed of under Subsection (a) (3) may
be appropriated only for financing primary elections .
(d) The amount of political contributions disposed of under
Subsection (a) (4) to one person may not exceed the aggregate amount
accepted from that person during the last two years that the candidate or
officeholder accepted contributions under this title .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff . Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec . 248, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th
Leg. , ch. 249, Sec . 2 . 22, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec. 254 . 205 . REPORT OF DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS . (a)
Not later than the 30th day after the date the six-year period prescribed
by Section 254 . 203 ends, the person required to dispose of unexpended
political contributions shall file a report of the disposition.
(b) The report shall be filed with the authority with whom the
person' s campaign treasurer appointment was required to be filed.
(c) The report must include:
(1) the person' s full name and address;
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 254.POLITICAL REPORTING
(2) the full name and address of each person to whom a payment
from unexpended political contributions is made; and
(3) the date and amount of each payment reported under
Subdivision (2) .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987 .
SUBCHAPTER I . CIVIL LIABILITY
Sec. 254 . 231 . LIABILITY TO CANDIDATES . (a) A candidate or campaign
treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer of a political committee who
fails to report in whole or in part a campaign contribution or campaign
expenditure as required by this chapter is liable for damages as provided
by this section.
(b) Each opposing candidate whose name appears on the ballot is
entitled to recover damages under this section.
(c) In this section, "damages" means :
(1) twice the amount not reported that is required to be
reported; and
(2) reasonable attorney' s fees incurred in the suit.
(d) Reasonable attorney' s fees incurred in the suit may be awarded to
the defendant if judgment is rendered in the defendant ' s favor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec. 254 . 232 . LIABILITY TO STATE. A candidate, officeholder, or
campaign treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer of a political committee
who fails to report in whole or in part a political contribution or
political expenditure as required by this chapter is liable in damages to
the state in the amount of triple the amount not reported that is required
to be reported.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
SUBCHAPTER J. REPORTING BY CERTAIN PERSONS MAKING DIRECT CAMPAIGN
EXPENDITURES
Sec. 254 . 261 . DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE EXCEEDING $100 . (a) A
person not acting in concert with another person who makes one or more
direct campaign expenditures in an election from the person' s own property
shall comply with this chapter as if the person were the campaign treasurer
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of a general-purpose committee that does not file monthly reports under
Section 254 . 155 .
(b) A person is not required to file a report under this section if
the person is required to disclose the expenditure in another report
required under this title within the time applicable under this section for
reporting the expenditure.
(c) This section does not require a general-purpose committee that
files under the monthly reporting schedule to file reports under Section
254 . 154 .
(d) A person is not required to file a campaign treasurer appointment
for making expenditures for which reporting is required under this section,
unless the person is otherwise required to file a campaign treasurer
appointment under this title.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec. 5, eff.
June 17, 2011 .
Sec. 254 . 262 . TRAVEL EXPENSE. A direct campaign expenditure
consisting of personal travel expenses incurred by a person may be made
without complying with Section 254 .261 .
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1009 (H.B. 2359) , Sec. 5, eff.
June 17, 2011 .
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TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT
FORM C/OH - INSTRUCTION GUIDE
To Report Activity Occurring on or after January 1, 2020
Revised January 13,2020
Texas Ethics Commission,P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711
www.ethics.stale.tx.us
(512)463-5800 • TDD(800)735-2989
Promoting Public Confidence in Government
FORM C/OH - INSTRUCTION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
These instructions are for the CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT(Form
C/OH)and all schedules that are filed with it. FORM C/OH includes a three page cover sheet and
Schedules A1,A2, B, E, F1, F2, F3, F4, G, H, I, K, and T. Candidates or officeholders filing a Final
Report should also attach Form C/OH-FR.All filers must submit the cover sheet, but only the schedules
on which there is information to report need to be included.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS..................................................................................................... 1
IMPORTANT UPDATES .......................................................................................................... 1
ELECTRONIC FILING.............................................................................................................. 1
FILLING OUT THE FORMS .................................................................................................... 2
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION GUIDES .............................................................................. 2
PHOTOCOPIESOF FORMS..................................................................................................... 2
FILINGDATE............................................................................................................................ 2
FORM C/OH: CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT.........4
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................... 4
COMPLETING THE COVER SHEET...................................................................................... 6
PAGE1 ................................................................................................................................... 6
PAGE2................................................................................................................................. 11
PAGE3................................................................................................................................. 14
SCHEDULE Al: MONETARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS....................................... 17
SCHEDULE A2: NON-MONETARY (IN-KIND) POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.......... 19
SCHEDULE B: PLEDGED CONTRIBUTIONS ................................................................... 21
SCHEDULEE: LOANS.......................................................................................................... 24
SCHEDULE 171: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS27
SCHEDULE F2: UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS..................................................... 30
SCHEDULE 173: PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS FROM POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS .................................................................................................................. 32
SCHEDULE 174: EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD......................................... 33
SCHEDULE G: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM PERSONAL FUNDS ...... 36
SCHEDULE H: PAYMENT FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUSINESS OF
C/OH......................................................................................................................................... 38
SCHEDULE I: NON-POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS .................................................................................................................. 39
SCHEDULE K: INTEREST, CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS
RETURNED TO FILER........................................................................................................... 40
SCHEDULE T: IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES FOR
TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF TEXAS............................................................................................. 41
FORM C/OH-FR: DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT...................................................42
GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................................... 42
COMPLETING THE FORM.................................................................................................... 43
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING EXPENDITURES....................................44
EXAMPLES: REPORTING EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD...................... 44
EXAMPLES: PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURES..................................................................... 47
EXAMPLES: REPORTING EXPENDITURES FROM PERSONAL FUNDS...................... 50
EXAMPLES: REPORTING STAFF REIMBURSEMENT..................................................... 52
Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
These general instructions apply to all C/OH forms required to be filed under title 15, Texas
Election Code,for activity that occurs on or after January 1, 2020. For a report that includes
activity occurring before January 1, 2020,you must use the instructions applicable before
calendar year 2020, which are available on the Texas Ethics Commission's website at
https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/coh/coh frm.php.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
Increased Disclosure Thresholds
Starting January 1, 2020, new itemization thresholds apply to all campaign finance reports.
These changes mean that the dollar thresholds for itemizing contributions, expenditures, and
other activities in a report are now higher. For example, the requirement to itemize a political
contribution has increased from $50 to $90, and only political contributions that exceed$90 must
be itemized when accepted on or after January 1, 2020. The higher itemization thresholds have
been updated on the paper forms and in these instructions. For a full list of the changes,please go
to new Texas Ethics Commission Rules §18.31 on our website:
hqps://www.ethics.state.tx.us/rules/adopted/2016-2020/adopted_Mar_2019.php.
These changes only apply to activity that occurs on or after January 1, 2020. For activity
occurring before that date, you must use the form applicable to that time period. For example, if
you are filing a semiannual campaign finance report that is due on January 15, 2020, you must
use the campaign finance report form that is applicable to the period ending December 31, 2019
(the last date covered by that semiannual report).
These changes are made by a new rule, 18.31, adopted by the Texas Ethics Commission
(Commission) on March 22, 2019. As directed by section 571.064 of the Texas Election Code,
the Commission is required to annually adjust these 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. Accordingly, one or more thresholds will generally be adjusted each year,
depending upon the figures in the index.
Contributions Made Electronically Must Be Itemized
Beginning on September 1, 2019, all political contributions that are made electronically and
accepted by a filer during the reporting period must be itemized in the filer's campaign finance
report. This change is made by House Bill 2586, adopted by the 86th Texas Legislature.
ELECTRONIC FILING
All persons filing campaign finance reports with the Texas Ethics Commission (Commission) are
required to file those reports electronically unless the person is eligible to claim an exemption.
Please check the Commission's website at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us for information about
exemptions from the electronic filing requirement.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 1/13/2020
Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
FILLING OUT THE FORMS
All reports filed on paper must be either handwritten in ink or typewritten. If you complete the
report by hand,please print everything other than your signature.
If you are filing with the Commission, and you are eligible to claim an exemption to electronic
filing,you may use your own computer generated form if it provides for disclosure of all the
information required on the Commission's form and it is substantially identical in paper size,
color, layout, and format. A substitute form that is substantially identical to the Commission's
prescribed form must be submitted for pre-approval by the Commission's executive director.
Always file the cover sheet of the campaign finance report form. You need to file only those
schedules on which you have information to report.
You must keep an exact copy of each report filed and all records necessary to complete the
report for at least two (2) years after the deadline for filing the report.
If you have questions,please call our office at(512) 463-5800.
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION GUIDES
The Commission publishes a Campaign Finance Guide for each type of filer. These guides are
designed to explain your responsibilities as a filer. The Commission encourages you to read the
appropriate guide before you begin accepting political contributions or making or authorizing
political expenditures.
PHOTOCOPIES OF FORMS
You may use photocopies of Commission forms. For example, if the space provided on
Schedule Al is insufficient, you may make copies of a blank Schedule Al form and attach more
pages as needed.
FILING DATE
For most reporting deadlines, a document is considered timely filed if it is properly addressed
with postage or handling charges prepaid and bears a postmark or receipt mark of a common or
contract carrier indicating a time on or before the deadline.
Pre-Election Reports: A report due 30 days before an election and a report due 8 days before
an election must be received by the appropriate filing authority no later than the report due date.
If you are filing with the Commission, please address your reports and correspondence to the
Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070. For hand-deliveries, the
Commission's street address is 201 East 14th Street, Sam Houston Building, 1 Oth Floor, Austin,
Texas 78701.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 Revised 1/13/2020
Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
If the due date for a report falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the report is due on the
next regular business day.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 3 Revised 1/13/2020
Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
FORM C/OH: CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE
REPORT
These instructions are for the CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT
(Form C/OH). A complete report includes the Form C/OH cover sheet, and any of the following
schedules on which there is information to report: A1, A2, B, E, F1, F2, F3, F4, G, H, I, K, and
T. A complete Final Report must also include Form C/OH-FR.
Note:Judicial candidates and officeholders must use a different form, Form JC/OH.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Use Form C/OH for filing the following reports:
• Semiannual reports (January 15 and July 15)
• Pre-election reports (30th day before election, 8th day before election)
• Runoff report (8th day before runoff election)
• Exceeded Modified Reporting Limit report
• 15th day after officeholder campaign treasurer appointment
• Final Report
See the instructions for sections 9 and 10 of the Cover Sheet for help in deciding which reports
you are required to file.
OFFICEHOLDER ACTIVITY
An officeholder may make officeholder expenditures and accept officeholder contributions
without having a campaign treasurer appointment on file. However, an officeholder must have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file before the officeholder may make campaign
expenditures or accept campaign contributions.
DUTIES OF CANDIDATE OR OFFICEHOLDER
As a candidate or officeholder, you alone, not the campaign treasurer, are responsible for filing
this form. Failing to file a report on time or filing an incomplete report may subject you to
criminal or civil penalties.
DUTIES OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER
State law does not impose any reporting or record-keeping obligations on a candidate's
campaign treasurer.
WHERE TO FILE
This form is filed with the same filing authority with which you were required to file your
Campaign Treasurer Appointment(Form CTA). If you are an officeholder who does not have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file, file your reports with the same authority with which a
candidate for your office must file the campaign treasurer appointment.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
FILING A FINAL REPORT
For filing purposes, you are a"candidate" as long as you have an appointment of campaign
treasurer on file. If you do not expect to accept any further campaign contributions or to make
any further campaign expenditures, you may file a Final Report of contributions and
expenditures. A Final Report terminates your appointment of campaign treasurer and relieves
you of the obligation of filing further reports as a candidate. If you are an officeholder at the
time of filing a Final Report, you may be required to file semiannual reports of contributions and
expenditures as an officeholder. The only officeholders who are not required to file semiannual
reports are officeholders who file locally, who do not have a campaign treasurer appointment on
file, and who do not exceed $900 in contributions or expenditures during the reporting period.
If you are not an officeholder at the time of filing a Final Report and if you have surplus funds or
retain assets purchased with political funds, you will be required to file annual reports of
Unexpended Contributions. (See instructions for Form C/OH-UC.)
To file a Final Report, you must complete the "C/OH CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT" (Form
C/OH), check the"final"box in section 9 on the Cover Sheet, and complete and attach the
"C/OH REPORT: DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT" (Form C/OH- FR).
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
COMPLETING THE COVER SHEET
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
PAGE 1
1. FILER ID: If you are filing with the Commission, you were assigned a filer identification
number when you filed your initial campaign treasurer appointment. You should have
received a letter acknowledging receipt of the form and informing you of your Filer ID.
Enter this number wherever you see "FILER ID." If you do not file with the Commission,
you are not required to enter a Filer ID.
2. TOTAL PAGES FILED: After you have completed the form, count the total number of
pages of this form and any attached schedules. Enter that number where indicated on the top
line of page 1 only. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
3. CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER NAME: Enter your full name, including nicknames and
suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable.
4. CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER MAILING ADDRESS: Enter your complete mailing
address. If your mailing address has changed since you last gave notice of your address,
check the "Change of Address"box.
5. CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER PHONE: Enter your phone number including the area
code, and your extension, if applicable.
Sections 6- 8 pertain to a candidate's campaign treasurer. If you are an officeholder who does
not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file, skip these sections.
6. CAMPAIGN TREASURER NAME: Enter the full name of your campaign treasurer,
including nicknames and suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable.
7. CAMPAIGN TREASURER ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of your campaign
treasurer.
8. CAMPAIGN TREASURER PHONE: Enter the phone number of your campaign treasurer
including the area code, and the extension, if applicable.
9. REPORT TYPE: Check the box that describes the type of report you are filing, according
to the descriptions below. See the instructions for section 10 for the periods covered by each
type of report.
January 15 Report: All candidates and most officeholders must file a semiannual report
by January 15. The only officeholders who are not required to file this report are
officeholders who file locally, who do not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file,
and who do not exceed $900 in contributions or expenditures during the reporting period.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
All candidates and officeholders who file with the Commission must file this report by
midnight Central Time on the January 15 report due date. All candidates and officeholders
who file locally must file this report by 5 p.m. on the January 15 report due date.
Note: Anyone who has a campaign treasurer appointment(Form CTA) on file must file
semiannual reports, even after an election has ended and even if the filer lost the election.
To end this semiannual filing requirement, the filer must cease campaign activity and file a
Final Report. (See "Final Report"below for more information.)
July 15 Report: All candidates and most officeholders must file a semiannual report by
July 15. The only officeholders who are not required to file this report are officeholders
who file locally, who do not have a campaign treasurer appointment on file, and who do
not exceed$900 in contributions or expenditures during the reporting period.
See "January 15 Report" above for more information on filing requirements and deadlines
for semiannual reports.
30th Day Before Election Report: Opposed candidates in an election who did not choose
the modified reporting schedule must file this pre-election report. If an opposed candidate
chose modified reporting, but then exceeded a threshold before the 30th day before the
election, the candidate must file this report.
The report is due no later than 30 days before the election. For all candidates and
officeholders who file with the Commission,this report must be received by the
Commission no later than midnight Central Time on the report due date. For all candidates
and officeholders who file locally, this report must be received by the filing authority no
later than 5 p.m. on the report due date.
You are an "opposed" candidate if you have an opponent, including a minor party
candidate, whose name is printed on the ballot. If your only opposition is a write-in
candidate, you are not considered opposed for filing purposes. If you are a write-in
candidate, you are an "opposed" candidate subject to the reporting requirements if you
accept political contributions or make political expenditures. Candidates who are
unopposed in an election are not required to file pre-election reports for that election.
8th Day Before Election Report: Opposed candidates in an election who did not choose
the modified reporting schedule must file this pre-election report. If an opposed candidate
chose modified reporting but then exceeded a threshold before the 8th day before the
election, the candidate must file this report.
The report is due no later than 8 days before the election. For all candidates and
officeholders who file with the Commission,this report must be received by the
Commission no later than midnight Central Time on the report due date. For all candidates
and officeholders who file locally, this report must be received by the filing authority no
later than 5 p.m. on the report due date.
See "30th Day Before Election Report" above for the definition of an opposed candidate.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
Runoff Report: Opposed candidates who are participating in a runoff election and who
did not choose the modified reporting schedule must file this runoff report. The report is
due no later than 8 days before the runoff election. For all candidates and officeholders
who file with Commission, this report must be received by the Commission no later than
midnight Central Time on the report due date. For all candidates and officeholders who file
locally, this report must be received by the filing authority no later than 5 p.m. on the report
due date.
See "30th Day Before Election Report" above for the definition of an opposed candidate.
Exceeded Modified Reporting Limit Report: Candidates who chose to file under the
modified reporting schedule but then, after the 30th day before the election, exceeded $900
in contributions or$900 in expenditures in connection with the election must file this
Exceeded Modified Reporting Limit report within 48 hours after exceeding the $900 limit.
The candidate must meet this deadline even if it falls on a weekend or a holiday.
15th Day After Campaign Treasurer Appointment Report (Officeholders Only): An
officeholder must file this report if he or she appoints a campaign treasurer after a period of
not having a campaign treasurer appointment(Form CTA) on file. For all officeholders
who file with Commission, this report is due no later than midnight Central Time on the
15th day after an officeholder files Form CTA with the Commission. For all officeholders
who file locally, this report is due no later than 5 p.m. on the 15th day after an officeholder
files Form CTA with the filing authority. It is not required of officeholders who are merely
changing their campaign treasurer. It is not required of an officeholder who files locally if
the officeholder did not exceed $900 in either contributions or expenditures during the
period covered by the report. Candidates who are not officeholders do not file this report.
Final Report: A person who has a campaign treasurer appointment on file may file this
report when he or she does not expect to accept any further campaign contributions or
make or authorize any further campaign expenditures. There is not a fixed deadline for this
report. This report must have a completed"C/OH REPORT: DESIGNATION OF FINAL
REPORT" (Form C/OH-FR) attached.
A candidate must have a CTA on file to accept campaign contributions or make campaign
expenditures, including contributions intended to offset campaign debts or expenditures
made to pay campaign debts. A candidate who intends to continue campaign activity
should not file a Final Report.
A Final Report terminates a candidate's CTA and relieves the candidate from any
additional filing obligations as a candidate. Officeholders who file a Final Report will still
be subject to the filing requirements applicable to officeholders. A person who is not an
officeholder but who has surplus political funds or assets after filing a Final Report will be
required to file annual Unexpended Contribution reports. (See "Form C/OH-FR:
Designation of Final Report" for more information.)A candidate or officeholder who does
not have a CTA on file may still be required to file a personal financial statement(PFS).
Filing a Final Report does not relieve a candidate of responsibility for any delinquent
reports or outstanding civil penalties.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
Daily Pre-Election Report of Contributions: A candidate or officeholder who files with the
Commission may be required to file daily pre-election reports disclosing contributions
during the period beginning the 9th day before an election and ending at 12 noon on the
day before the election. This information can be disclosed on Form C/OH-T. For more
information,please see the instructions for Form C/OH-T.
Legislative Special Session Report: A candidate or officeholder who files with the
Commission and who accepts a political contribution during the period beginning on the
date the governor signs the proclamation calling a special legislative session and continuing
through the date of final adjournment is required to file a report after a special session of
the legislature. This information can be disclosed on Form C/OH-SS. For more
information,please see the instructions for Form C/OH-SS.
10. PERIOD COVERED: A reporting period includes the start date and the end date. The due
date for filing will generally be after the end of the period. Generally, a report picks up
where the last report left off, and there should be no gaps or overlapping periods. The
exceptions are Daily Pre-election reports, which do create overlaps because you are required
to report the activity twice.
First Reports: If this is the first report of contributions and expenditures that you
have filed, the beginning date will depend on the date your campaign treasurer
appointment(Form CTA)was filed or the date you took office.
• If you are a candidate (a person who has filed a Form CTA) and you are
filing your first report, the start date will be the date your Form CTA was
filed.
• If you are an officeholder who was appointed to an elective office and
who did not have a Form CTA on file at the time of the appointment, the
start date for your first report will be the date you took office.
January 15th Semiannual Report: The start date is July 1 of the previous year or the day
after the last day covered by your last required report,whichever is later. If this is the first
report you have filed, please see the "First Reports" section above. The end date is
December 31 of the previous year.
July 15th Semiannual Report: The start date is January 1 or the day after the last day
covered by your last required report, whichever is later. If this is the first report you have
filed, please see the "First Reports" section above. The end date is June 30.
30th Day Before Election Report: The start date is the day after the last day covered by
your last required report. If this is the first report you have filed, please see the "First
Reports" section above. The end date is the 40th day before the election. This report is not
required for unopposed candidates or candidates who are filing under the modified
reporting schedule.
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8th Day Before Election Report: The start date is the 39th day before the election if you
filed a 30th Day Before Election Report. If you did not file the 30th Day Before Election
Report, the day after the last day covered by your last required report is the start date. If
this is the first report you have filed, please see the "First Reports" section above. The end
date is the 1 Oth day before the election. This report is not required for unopposed
candidates or candidates who are filing under the modified reporting schedule.
Runoff Report: The start date is the 9th day before the main election if you filed an 8th
Day Before Election Report. Otherwise, the start date is the day after the last day
covered by your last required report or the day you appointed a campaign treasurer,
whichever is later. The end date is the 1 Oth day before the runoff election. This report is
not required for candidates who are filing under the modified reporting schedule.
Exceeded Modified Reporting Limit Report: The start date for the report is either the
day you appointed your campaign treasurer or the day after the last day covered by your
last required report, whichever is later. The end date is the day you exceeded the $900
limit for contributions or expenditures.
15th Day After Campaign Treasurer Appointment Report (Officeholders Only): The
start date is either the day after the last day covered by your last required report or the day
you began serving an appointment to elective office. The end date is the day before the
campaign treasurer appointment was filed. This report is due no later than 15 days after the
campaign treasurer appointment was filed.
Final Report: The start date is the day after the last day covered by your last required
report. The end date is the day the final report is filed.
If you are an officeholder without a campaign treasurer appointment on file, or if you have a
campaign treasurer appointment on file but you are not a candidate in an upcoming election and
were not a candidate in a recent election,you may skip Section 11.
11. ELECTION: If you are a candidate in an upcoming election or were a candidate in a
recently held election, provide the following information concerning the upcoming or recent
election.
Election Date: Enter the month, day, and year of the election for which this report is filed,
if known.
Candidate in an Upcoming Election: If the political activity in the report primarily
pertains to an upcoming election, provide the date of the upcoming election in
which you intend to participate as a candidate that most immediately follows the
deadline for this report.
Candidate in a Recently Held Election: If the political activity in this report
primarily pertains to a recently held election,provide the date of the recently held
election in which you participated as a candidate that most immediately precedes
the deadline for this report.
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Election Type: Check the box next to the type of election that most accurately describes
the election for which this report is filed.
Primary: An election held by a political parry to select its nominees for office.
Runoff: An election held if no candidate for a particular office receives the vote
necessary to be elected in an election requiring a majority vote.
General: An election, other than a primary election, that regularly occurs at fixed
dates.
Special: An election that is neither a general election nor a primary election nor a
runoff election.
Other: If none of the listed election types apply, check"Other" and provide your
own description of the election for which the report is filed.
12. OFFICE HELD: If you are an officeholder,please enter the office you currently hold.
Include the district, precinct, or other designation for the office, if applicable.
13. OFFICE SOUGHT: If you are a candidate in an upcoming election, please enter the office
you seek. If you were a candidate in a recently held election,but were unsuccessful or are not
currently an officeholder, please enter the office you sought during the election that most
immediately precedes the deadline for this report. Include the district,precinct, or other
designation for the office, if applicable.
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14. C/OH (CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER) NAME: Enter your full name.
15. FILER ID: See instructions for section 1.
16. NOTICE FROM POLITICAL COMMITTEE(S): Complete this section if you received
notice from a political committee that it accepted political contributions or made political
expenditures on your behalf. You are required to disclose the receipt of such a notice in the
report covering the period in which you receive the notice. If you have not received such
notice, you may skip this section.
The political committee is required to include in the notice the full name and address of the
committee, the full name and address of the committee's campaign treasurer, and a statement
indicating whether the committee is a general-purpose committee or a specific-purpose
committee. If the notice also describes the expenditure, do not include the description in this
section.
"Additional Pages" box: If you received notice from more than one committee,
check this box and attach an additional page listing the names and addresses of
the other committees and of their campaign treasurers.
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Committee Type:
"General" box: Check this box if the notice is from a general-purpose
committee.
"Specific" box: Check this box if the notice is from a specific-purpose
committee.
Committee Name: Enter the full name of the committee as reported in the notice.
Committee Address: Enter the address of the committee as reported in the notice.
Committee Campaign Treasurer Name: Enter the name of the committee's campaign
treasurer as reported in the notice.
Committee Campaign Treasurer Address: Enter the address of the committee's
campaign treasurer as reported in the notice.
17. TOTALS: Complete this section only after you have completed all applicable schedules.
Line 1- Total Unitemized Political Contributions: Enter the total of all unitemized
contributions (other than pledges, loans, guarantees of loans, or contributions made
electronically) of$90 or less. Do not include any contributions itemized on Schedules
Al or A2 or any contribution made electronically. Enter a"0" if you did not receive
any unitemized contributions during the period covered.
On Schedules Al and A2, you are required to itemize political contributions that totaled
more than$90 from one person and any political contribution that is made
electronically. You also may itemize contributions of$90 or less from one person. Do
not include any itemized contributions in the total entered on line 1, regardless of
amount.
Line 2- Total Political Contributions: Add the total contributions listed on Schedules
A 1 and A2 to the amount you entered on line 1. Enter that total on line 2. Enter a"0"
if you did not receive any contributions during the period covered.
Line 3- Total Unitemized Political Expenditures: Enter the total of all unitemized
political expenditures of$180 or less. Do not include any expenditures itemized on
Schedules F1, F2, F3, F4, G, or H. Enter a"0" if you did not make any unitemized
expenditures during the period covered.
On Schedule F1, you were required to itemize political expenditures that totaled more
than$180 to one payee. You also had the option of itemizing expenditures totaling
$180 or less to one payee. Do not include any expenditures itemized on Schedule F 1 in
the total entered on line 3, regardless of amount.
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On Schedule F2, you were required to itemize incurred but not yet paid political
expenditures that totaled more than $180 to one payee. You also had the option of
itemizing incurred political expenditures totaling $180 or less to one payee. Do not
include any political or non-political expenditures itemized on Schedule F2 in the total
entered on line 3, regardless of amount.
On Schedule F4, you were required to itemize political expenditures made by a credit
card that totaled more than $180 to one payee. You also had the option of itemizing
political expenditures totaling $180 or less to one payee. Do not include any political
or non-political expenditures itemized on Schedule F4 in the total entered on line 3,
regardless of amount.
On Schedule G, you were required to itemize political expenditures from personal
funds if you intend to seek reimbursement from political contributions. Do not include
any expenditures itemized on Schedule G in the total entered on line 3, regardless of
amount.
On Schedule H, you were required to itemize payments from political contributions
made to certain businesses. Do not include any expenditures itemized on Schedule H
in the total entered on line 3, regardless of amount.
Line 4- Total Political Expenditures: Add the following:
(a) the total expenditures itemized on Schedule F 1;
(b) the total political expenditures itemized on Schedule F2;
(c) the total political expenditures itemized on Schedule 174;
(d) the total political expenditures itemized on Schedule G;
(e) the total political expenditures itemized on Schedule H; and
(f) the amount you entered on line 3.
Enter that total on line 4.
Enter a"0" if you did not make any expenditures during the period covered.
Line 5- Total Political Contributions Maintained: Enter the total amount of political
contributions, including interest or other income on those contributions, maintained as
of the last day of the reporting period. Enter"0" if you do not maintain political
contributions, including interest or other income on those contributions, as of the last
day of the reporting period. This is different from the total contributions reported on
line 2. Only contributions accepted during the period covered by the report are entered
on line 2.
The law requires you to disclose the total amount of political contributions accepted,
including interest or other income on those contributions, maintained in one or more
accounts in which political contributions are deposited as of the last day of the
reporting period.
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The "total amount of political contributions maintained" includes the total amount of
political contributions maintained in one or more accounts, including the balance on
deposit in banks, savings and loan institutions and other depository institutions; the
present value of any investments that can be readily converted to cash, such as
certificates of deposit, money market accounts, stocks, bonds, treasury bills, etc.; and
the balance of political contributions accepted and held in any online fundraising
account over which the filer can exercise control by making a withdrawal, expenditure,
or transfer.
The total amount of political contributions maintained does not include personal funds
that the filer intends to use for political expenditures, unless the personal funds have
been disclosed as a loan to your campaign and deposited into an account in which
political contributions are held as permitted by section 253.0351(c) of the Election
Code. Any unexpended funds from such a loan are required to be included in the total
amount of political contributions maintained as of the last day of the reporting period.
Note: Personal funds deposited in an account in which political contributions are held
are subject to the personal use restrictions.
Line 6- Total Principal Amount of All Outstanding Loans: Enter the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of all loans accepted for campaign or officeholder
purposes as of the last day of the reporting period. Enter a"0" if you did not accept any
loans during the period covered and have no outstanding loans as of the last day of the
reporting period. This is different from the information reported on Schedule E. This
line must include outstanding principal of loans made in this reporting period as well as
outstanding principal of loans made previously.
18. AFFIDAVIT: Complete this section only after you have completed all applicable sections
and schedules. You must always sign a report that you file. You must complete this section
even if you have no schedules to attach. Only the candidate or officeholder filing the report
may sign the affidavit.
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19. C/OH (CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER) NAME: Enter your full name.
20. FILER ID: See instructions for section 1.
21. SCHEDULE SUBTOTALS: Complete this section only after you have completed all
applicable schedules.
Check the appropriate boxes to indicate which schedules are attached to your report. If a
schedule is not included in the report, leave the check box blank.
Line 1- Schedule Al: Add the total amount of contributions itemized on Schedule Al
to the amount of unitemized monetary political contributions accepted during the
period covered. Enter that total on line 1. Enter a"0" if you did not accept any
contributions during the period covered.
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Line 2- Schedule A2: Add the total amount of non-monetary in-kind contributions
itemized on Schedule A2 to the amount of unitemized non-monetary in-kind
contributions accepted during the period covered. Enter that total on line 2. Enter a"0"
if you did not accept any non-monetary in-kind contributions during the period
covered.
Line 3- Schedule B: Add the total amount of pledged contributions itemized on
Schedule B to the amount of unitemized pledged contributions accepted during the
period covered. Enter that total on line 3. Enter a"0" if you did not accept any pledged
contributions during the period covered.
Line 4- Schedule E: Add the total amount of loans itemized on Schedule E to the
amount of unitemized loans accepted during the period covered. Enter that total on line
4. Enter a"0" if you did not accept any loans during the period covered.
Line 5- Schedule Fl: Add the total amount of political expenditures from political
contributions itemized on Schedule Fl to the amount of unitemized political
expenditures from political contributions made during the period covered. Enter that
total on line 5. Enter a"0" if you did not make any political expenditures from political
contributions during the period covered.
Line 6- Schedule F2: Add the total amount of unpaid incurred obligations itemized on
Schedule F2 to the amount of unitemized unpaid obligations incurred during the period
covered. Enter that total on line 6. Enter a"0" if you did not incur any unpaid
obligations during the period covered.
Line 7- Schedule 173: Enter the total amount of investments purchased from political
contributions itemized on Schedule F3. Enter a"0" if you did not purchase any
investments from political contributions during the period covered.
Line 8- Schedule 174: Add the total amount of expenditures made by a credit card
itemized on Schedule F4 to the amount of unitemized expenditures made by a credit
card during the period covered. Enter that total on line 8. Enter a"0" if you did not
make any expenditures by credit card during the period covered.
Line 9- Schedule G: Add the total amount of political expenditures from personal
funds itemized on Schedule G to the amount of unitemized political expenditures from
personal funds made during the period covered. Enter that total on line 9. Enter a"0" if
you did not make any political expenditures from personal funds during the period
covered.
Line 10- Schedule H: Enter the total amount of payments from political contributions
to a business of the candidate or officeholder itemized on Schedule H. Enter a"0" if
you did not make any payments from political contributions to a business of the
candidate or officeholder during the period covered.
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Line 11- Schedule I: Enter the total amount of non-political expenditures from
political contributions itemized on Schedule I. Enter a"0" if you did not make any non-
political expenditures from political contributions during the period covered.
Line 12- Schedule K: Enter the total amount of interests, credits, gains, refunds, and
contributions returned to the filer itemized on Schedule K. Enter a"0" if you did not
have any such activity during the period covered.
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SCHEDULE Al: MONETARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE A1:MONETARY
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about monetary campaign and officeholder
contributions accepted during the reporting period. Do not enter on this schedule information on
non-monetary, in-kind contributions, pledges, loans, or guarantees of loans. Once you actually
receive pledged money, it must be reported on Schedule Al. (Report non-monetary, in-kind
contributions on Schedule A2; report pledges on Schedule B; report loans and guarantees of
loans on Schedule E.)
Itemization: You must enter incoming monetary contributions that exceed $90 from one
person, and any monetary contribution made electronically, during a reporting period on this
schedule. If you accepted two or more contributions from the same person, the total of which
exceeds $90, enter each contribution separately. Although you are not required to do so, you
may also report contributions from one person that do not exceed $90 in the period on this
schedule. If you do not itemize contributions of$90 and less on this schedule, you must total all
such contributions and report them on the Cover Sheet, page 2, section 17, line 1.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE Al: After you have completed Schedule Al, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date you accepted the contribution. Accepting a contribution is different
from receiving a contribution. You accept a contribution when you decide to accept it rather
than reject it. This may or may not be the same day that you receive the contribution.
5. FULL NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: Enter the full name of the contributor. If the
contributor is an individual, enter the full first and last name, and suffix (Jr., III, etc.) if
applicable. If the contributor is an entity, enter the full name of the entity.
"Out-of-State PAC" box: If the contributor is an out-of-state political
committee, check the box. Certain restrictions apply to contributions from out-of-
state PACS. The fact that a political committee has a mailing address outside of
Texas does not mean that the committee is an out-of-state PAC for purposes of
these restrictions. A political committee that has a campaign treasurer
appointment on file in Texas is not an out-of-state PAC. A political committee
that makes most of its political expenditures outside of Texas may be an out-of-
state PAC. A political committee must determine if it is an out-of-state PAC.
If the contributor is an out-of-state political committee from which you accepted
more than$900 in the reporting period(including pledges or loans from sources
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other than financial institutions that have been in business for more than a year),
you must include one of the following with your report:
• a written statement, certified by an officer of the out-of-state political
committee, listing the full name and address of each person who
contributed more than $180 to the out-of-state political committee during
the 12 months immediately preceding the contribution; or
• a copy of the out-of-state political committee's statement of organization
filed as required by law with the FEC and certified by an officer of the
out-of-state committee.
If the contributor is an out-of-state political committee from which you accepted
$900 or less (including pledges) during the reporting period, you must include one
of the following with your report:
• a copy of the out-of-state political committee's statement of organization
filed as required by law with the FEC and certified by an officer of the
out-of-state committee; or
• a document listing the committee's name, address and phone number; the
name of the person appointing the committee's campaign treasurer; and
the name, address and phone number of the committee's campaign
treasurer.
"ID #" Line (Electronic Filing Only): If you are filing your report electronically, you
may enter in this field the out-of-state committee's Federal Election Commission (FEC)
identification number. If you do not have an FEC# for the out-of-state PAC or are not
filing electronically with the Commission, you must provide other documentation as
explained above.
6. CONTRIBUTOR ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the contributor.
7. AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION: Enter the amount of the contribution.
8. PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR JOB TITLE: Candidates for and holders of statewide
offices in the executive branch and candidates for and holders of legislative offices must
disclose the principal occupation or job title of an individual from whom the candidate or
officeholder has accepted contributions (including pledges) of$900 or more during the
reporting period. In other circumstances, filers are not required to report this information but
may do so.
9. EMPLOYER: Candidates for and holders of statewide offices in the executive branch and
candidates for and holders of legislative offices must disclose the employer of an individual
from whom the candidate or officeholder has accepted contributions (including pledges) of
$900 or more during the reporting period. In other circumstances, filers are not required to
report this information but may do so.
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SCHEDULE A2: NON-MONETARY (IN-HIND) POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE A2:NON-
MONETARY(IN-KIND) POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about non-monetary, in-kind campaign and
officeholder contributions received during the reporting period. An in-kind contribution is a
contribution of goods, services, or any other thing of value other than money that is given to
your campaign. You are not required to include contributions of an individual's personal services
or travel if the individual receives no compensation from any source for the services. Do not
enter on this schedule information on monetary political contributions, pledges, loans, or
guarantees of loans. Once you actually receive a pledged in-kind contribution, it must be
reported on Schedule A2. (Report monetary contributions on Schedule Al; report pledges on
Schedule B; report loans and guarantees of loans on Schedule E.)
Itemization: You must enter non-monetary(in-kind) contributions of goods, services, or other
things of value that exceed $90 from one person, and any non-monetary contribution made
electronically, during a reporting period on this schedule. If you accepted two or more non-
monetary contributions from the same person, the total of which exceeds $90, enter each
contribution separately. Although you are not required to do so, you may also report
contributions from one person that do not exceed $90 in the period on this schedule. If you do
not itemize contributions of$90 and less on this schedule, you must total all such contributions
and report them on the Cover Sheet, page 2, section 17, line 1.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE A2: After you have completed Schedule A2, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED IN-HIND POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS: Enter the total
amount of in-kind political contributions of$90 or less that you accepted during the period
covered that are not itemized on this schedule. If you choose to itemize an in-kind
contribution of$90 or less on this schedule, do not include it in this total. All contributions
made electronically must be itemized.
5. DATE: See instructions for Schedule Al, section 4.
6. FULL NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: See instructions for Schedule Al, section 5.
"Out-of-State PAC" box: See instructions for Schedule Al, section 5.
7. CONTRIBUTOR ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the contributor.
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8. AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION: Enter the fair market value of the in-kind contribution.
9. IN-HIND CONTRIBUTION DESCRIPTION: Enter a description of the contribution.
The description should be sufficiently detailed to allow a person reviewing your report to
understand what was contributed.
"Travel Outside of Texas" box: If the contribution was for travel outside of
Texas, please check the box and report this information on Schedule T.
10. PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR JOB TITLE: See instructions for Schedule Al,
section 8.
11. EMPLOYER: See instructions for Schedule Al, section 9.
Sections 12-16 pertain to judicial candidates and officeholders only. Do not complete these
sections. If you are a judicial candidate or officeholder,please use form JC/OH and the
corresponding instructions.
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SCHEDULE B: PLEDGED CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE B: PLEDGED
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about pledges accepted during the reporting period for
campaign or officeholder purposes. You are not required to include pledges of an individual's
personal services or travel if the individual receives no compensation from any source for the
services. Do not enter on this schedule information on contributions actually received, loans, or
guarantees of loans. (Report contributions actually received on Schedule Al or Schedule A2, as
applicable; report loans and guarantees of loans on Schedule E.)
If you accept a pledge from a person to give you money, goods, services, or anything of value,
that pledge is a reportable contribution and you must include the pledge on this schedule for the
report covering the period in which you accept the pledge.
Itemization: You must itemize pledges that exceed $90 in the aggregate from one person during
the reporting period. If you received pledges totaling more than $90 from one person during the
reporting period, you must itemize all of those pledges, even if individual pledges were for $90
or less. Although you are not required to do so, you may also itemize pledges for $90 or less
from one person. You must also disclose the receipt of the pledged contribution on Schedule Al
(used for monetary contributions) or A2 (used for non-monetary contributions), as applicable, in
the reporting period in which you actually receive the pledged money or thing of value. If the
pledge is accepted and received in the same reporting period, it is not required to be reported on
Schedule B.
Note: See the Campaign Finance Guide for more information on pledges.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE B: After you have completed Schedule B, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED PLEDGES: Enter the total amount of pledges that you
accepted during the period that did not exceed $90 in the aggregate per person. Although
you are not required to do so, you may also itemize pledges of$90 or less on this schedule.
If you itemize some pledges of$90 or less, do not include those pledges in the total entered
here. If you choose to itemize all pledges of$90 or less, do not enter a total amount here.
5. DATE: Enter the date you accepted the pledge. Accepting a pledge is different from
receiving a contribution. You accept a pledge when you decide to accept it rather than reject
it.
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Pledge accepted and received in different reporting periods: If you accept a pledge
in one reporting period and then receive the pledged money or other thing of
value in a later reporting period, you will disclose the pledge on this schedule in
the reporting period in which you accepted the pledge. You will also disclose the
receipt of the pledged money or other thing of value on the appropriate incoming
funds schedule (report monetary contributions on Schedule Al; report in-kind
contributions on Schedule A2; report loans on Schedule E) in the reporting period
in which you received the pledge.
Pledge received in same reporting period as accepted: If you receive a pledge in
the same reporting period in which it was accepted, then you will not report the
pledge on this schedule. You will only disclose the contribution on the
appropriate incoming funds schedule (report monetary contributions on Schedule
AI; report in-kind contributions on Schedule A2; report loans on Schedule E).
The date of the contribution will be the date you accepted the pledged
contribution, regardless of when the pledged contribution was actually received.
Pledge accepted but never received: You will disclose the pledge on this schedule
in the reporting period in which you accepted the pledge. If you never actually
receive the pledge, it is not necessary to correct your report to delete the pledge.
Example: In June a supporter promises that he will give Juan Garcia $1,000 in
the last week before the November election. Juan accepts his promise. Juan must
disclose the pledge on his July 15 report covering the period in which he accepted
the pledge. (Note: When he receives the $1,000, he will disclose it as a monetary
contribution on Schedule Al of the report covering the period in which he
received the money. Also, if he never receives the $1,000, he does not
correct/amend his report to delete the entry for the pledge.)
6. FULL NAME OF PLEDGOR: Enter the full name of the person who made the pledge.
"Out-of-State PAC" box: See instructions for Schedule Al, section 5.
7. PLEDGOR ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the person who made the pledge.
8. AMOUNT OF PLEDGE: Enter the amount of the pledge or the fair market value of any
pledged goods or services or other thing of value, as applicable.
9. IN-HIND DESCRIPTION: If the pledge was for goods or services or any other thing of
value, enter a description of the pledged goods or services or other thing of value. The
description should be sufficiently detailed to allow a person reviewing your report to
understand what was pledged.
"Travel Outside of Texas" box: If the pledged contribution was an in-kind
contribution for travel outside of Texas, please check the box and report this
information on Schedule T.
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10. PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR JOB TITLE: See instructions for Schedule Al, section
8.
11. EMPLOYER: See instructions for Schedule A1, section 9.
You do not need Schedules CI-4 and D. These schedules are for political committees to report
contributions from corporations and labor organizations. Candidates and officeholders are
generally prohibited from accepting such contributions.
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SCHEDULE E: LOANS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE E:LOANS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about loans and guarantees of loans accepted during
the reporting period for campaign or officeholder purposes. This schedule must also be used to
disclose deposits of personal funds into an account in which political contributions are held as
permitted by section 253.035l(c) of the Election Code. This schedule may also be used to
disclose political expenditures from personal funds.
Loans to Your Campaign from Your Personal Funds: You may disclose political
expenditures from personal funds as a loan to your campaign on Schedule E.
Outgoing political expenditures made from that loan must then be disclosed as if they
were made from political contributions. The amount you disclose as a loan from
yourself in a reporting period may NOT exceed the amount you actually spent from
personal funds in that reporting period. In other words, do not report a$100,000 loan
to your campaign if the amount actually spent from your personal funds in the
reporting period was $5,000. When you reimburse yourself, disclose the
reimbursement as an outgoing political expenditure on Schedule FI. The
reimbursement may not exceed the amount disclosed as a loan. (You may also
disclose political expenditures from personal funds on Schedule G. See the Schedule
G instructions below for more information.)
Personal Funds Deposited into a Political Account: If you deposit personal funds in
an account in which political contributions are held, you must disclose the deposited
amount as a loan on Schedule E and check the box indicating "Personal Funds
Deposited into Political Account." Personal funds deposited in an account in which
political contributions are held are subject to the personal use restriction. Disclose the
outgoing political expenditures made from that loan as if they were made from
political contributions. When you reimburse yourself, disclose the reimbursement as
an outgoing political expenditure on Schedule F 1. The reimbursement may not
exceed the amount disclosed as a loan.
Itemization: You must itemize loans (including loans from personal funds)that exceed $90 that
you accepted during the period from one person. If you accepted two or more loans from the
same person, the total of which exceeds $90, itemize each loan separately. You must also itemize
loans that are made electronically by a person other than a financial institution. Although you are
not required to do so, you may also itemize any other loans that do not exceed$90.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE E: After you have completed Schedule E, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
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4. TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED LOANS: Enter the total amount of loans accepted during the
reporting period that did not exceed $90 in the aggregate per person and were not from
financial institutions, unless the loans were made electronically.
Although you are not required to do so, you may itemize loans of$90 or less from persons
other than financial institutions on this schedule. If you itemize some loans of$90 or less, do
not include those loans in the total you enter here. If you choose to itemize all loans of$90
or less, enter a"0"here.
5. DATE OF LOAN: Enter the date you accepted the loan.
6. IS LENDER A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION?: If you accepted the loan from a corporation
that has been legally engaged in the business of making loans for more than one year, circle
"Y" for yes. If you accepted the loan from any other source, circle "N" for no. A loan from
a corporation that has not been legally engaged in the business of making loans for more than
one year is a corporate contribution. Candidates and officeholders may not accept corporate
contributions.
7. NAME OF LENDER: Enter the full name of the person or financial institution that made
the loan. If the lender is an individual, enter the full first and last name and suffix (Jr., III, et.)
if applicable. If the lender is an entity, enter the full name of the entity.
"Out-of-State PAC" box: See instructions for Schedule Al, section 5.
Note: See the Campaign Finance Guide for detailed information on accepting and reporting
contributions from out-of-state political committees.
8. LENDER ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the person or financial institution that
made the loan.
9. LOAN AMOUNT: Enter the principal amount of the loan.
10. INTEREST RATE: Enter the interest rate.
11. MATURITY DATE: Enter the maturity date.
12. PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION OR JOB TITLE: Candidates for and holders of statewide
offices in the executive branch and candidates for and holders of legislative offices must
disclose the principal occupation or job title of each individual from whom the candidate or
officeholder has accepted a loan (including a pledge of a loan) of$900 or more during the
reporting period. Other types of filers are not required to report this information but may do
so.
13. EMPLOYER: Candidates for and holders of statewide offices in the executive branch and
candidates for and holders of legislative offices must disclose the full name of the employer
of an individual from whom the candidate or officeholder has accepted a loan (including a
pledge of a loan) of$900 or more during the reporting period. Other types of filers are not
required to report this information but may do so.
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14. DESCRIPTION OF COLLATERAL: If there is no collateral for the loan, check the
"none"box and go to section 15. If there is collateral for the loan, enter a description of the
collateral for the loan.
15. "Check if personal funds were deposited into political account" box: Check this box
only if the loan is a deposit of your personal funds into an account in which political
contributions are held as permitted by section 253.0351(c) of the Election Code. Political
expenditures made from that loan, and any subsequent expenditures to reimburse the
candidate or officeholder, must be reported as if they were made from political
contributions. The reimbursement may not exceed the amount reported as a loan. Personal
funds deposited in an account in which political contributions are held are subject to the
personal use restrictions.
16. GUARANTOR INFORMATION: If there are no guarantors for the loan, check the "Not
Applicable"box and go to the next loan. If you have no further loans to report, go to the next
applicable schedule.
A person who guarantees all or part of a loan makes a reportable contribution in the amount
of the guarantee. You must report such a contribution on this schedule, and not on the
contributions schedule.
17. NAME OF GUARANTOR: Enter the full name of the person guaranteeing the loan. If the
guarantor is an individual, enter the full first and last name and suffix (Jr., III, etc.) if
applicable. If the guarantor is an entity, enter the full name of the entity.
18. GUARANTOR ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the guarantor.
19. AMOUNT GUARANTEED:Enter the dollar amount of the loan that the guarantor has
agreed to guarantee.
20. PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION: Enter the principal occupation of the guarantor.
21. EMPLOYER: Enter the employer of the guarantor.
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SCHEDULE F1: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES FROM POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE FI:POLITICAL
EXPENDITURES FROMPOLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about political expenditures from political
contributions that were made during the reporting period. Do not enter on this schedule unpaid
incurred obligations,political expenditures made from personal funds, the purchase of
investments from political contributions, expenditures made by credit card, or payments from
political contributions made to a business that you own or control. (Report unpaid incurred
obligations on Schedule F2; report expenditures from personal funds on Schedule G; report the
purchase of investments from political contributions on Schedule 173; report expenditures made
by credit card on Schedule F4; and report payments from political contributions made to a
business that you own or control on Schedule H.)
Expenditures Made by Credit Card: You must disclose expenditures charged to a credit card on
Schedule F4 and not on this schedule. When you pay the credit card bill, you must disclose the
payment to the credit card company on Schedule F1 (used for political payments from political
contributions), Schedule G(used for political payments from personal funds), Schedule H (used
for payments from political contributions made to a business that you own or control), or
Schedule I (used for nonpolitical payments from political contributions), as applicable. See
instructions for Schedule 174: Expenditures Made by Credit Card for more information.
See the Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders for important restrictions
regarding the use of political funds to rent or purchase real property.
Itemization: You must enter expenditures paid to one individual or entity during a reporting
period that in the aggregate exceed $180 on this schedule. If you made more than one
expenditure to the same payee, the total of which exceeded $180, enter each expenditure
separately. Although you are not required to do so, you may also report expenditures to one
person that do not exceed $180 in the period on this schedule. If you choose not to itemize
expenditures of$180 and less on this schedule, you must total all unitemized expenditures and
report them on the Cover Sheet, page 2, section 17, line 3.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE FI: After you have completed Schedule Fl, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date the expenditure payment was made. Remember: Expenditure
obligations you incurred in this reporting period but have not yet paid are entered on
Schedule F2. Expenditures made by credit card are entered on Schedule F4.
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5. PAYEE NAME: Enter the full name of the person to whom the expenditure was made.
Note: If you make an expenditure for goods or services to benefit another candidate,
officeholder, or committee, enter the name of the vendor who sold you the goods or services.
Do not enter the name of the person for whose benefit you made the expenditure. Include
that information under section 8, "Purpose of Expenditure."
6. AMOUNT: Enter the exact amount of the expenditure.
7. PAYEE ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the person to whom the expenditure was
made.
8. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: You must disclose the purpose of the expenditure in two
parts: Category and Description. Merely disclosing the category of goods, services, or other
thing of value for which the expenditure is made does not adequately describe the purpose of
an expenditure.
(a) Category: Select a category of goods, services, or other thing of value for which an
expenditure is made. If none of the listed categories apply, select"Other" and enter your
own category. Examples of acceptable categories include:
Advertising Expense
Accounting/Banking
Consulting Expense
Contributions/Donations Made By Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee
Credit Card Payment
Event Expense
Fees
Food/Beverage Expense
Gifts/Awards/Memorials Expense
Legal Services
Loan Repayment/Reimbursement
Office Overhead/Rental Expense
Polling Expense
Printing Expense
Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor
Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Transportation Equipment and Related Expense
Travel In District
Travel Out Of District
Other
(b) Description: Enter a brief statement or description of the candidate or officeholder
activity that is conducted by making the expenditure. The brief statement or description
must include the item or service purchased and must be sufficiently specific, when
considered within the context of the description of the category, to make the reason for
the expenditure clear. Merely disclosing the category of goods, services, or other thing of
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value for which the expenditure is made does not adequately describe the purpose of an
expenditure.
For examples of acceptable ways to disclose the purpose of an expenditure, please see the
"Examples: Purpose of Expenditures" on page 46.
"Check if travel outside of Texas" box: Check this box if the expenditure is for
travel outside of Texas. The description of a political expenditure for travel
outside of the state of Texas must include detailed information. Please report this
information on Schedule T.
"Check if Austin, TX, officeholder living expense" box: Check this box if the
expenditure is an officeholder expense for living in Austin, Texas.
9. DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TO BENEFIT CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER:
If you made a direct campaign expenditure to benefit another candidate or officeholder, enter
the full name of the candidate or officeholder and the name of the office sought or held,
including the district, precinct, or other designation of the office, as applicable. (Attach
additional sheets to list multiple candidates.) Do not complete this section if the expenditure
was not a direct campaign expenditure.
A "direct campaign expenditure"to benefit another candidate is not a"political contribution"
to that other candidate. A direct campaign expenditure is a campaign expenditure that you
make on someone else's behalf and without the prior consent or approval of that person.
This is in contrast to a political contribution, which the person has the opportunity to accept
or reject.
Example: If you made expenditures to prepare and distribute an endorsement
letter in support of a candidate after first asking for and getting the candidate's
approval, you made an in-kind contribution. However, if you did not get the
candidate's approval before you made the expenditure, you made a direct
campaign expenditure.
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SCHEDULE F2: UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE F2: UNPAID
INCURRED OBLIGATIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about obligations to make an expenditure that you
incurred during the reporting period but have not yet paid. Do not enter on this schedule
obligations that were incurred and paid during the reporting period, or other outgoing funds.
(Report obligations incurred and paid during the reporting period on Schedule F1, F3, G, H, or I
as appropriate, and report expenditures made by credit card on Schedule F4.)
See the Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders for important restrictions
regarding the use of political funds to rent or purchase real property.
Itemization: Itemization requirements differ depending on whether the unpaid incurred
obligation is for a political or non-political expenditure.
Unpaid Incurred Political Obligations: You must enter political obligations
incurred but not yet paid to one individual or entity during a reporting period that
in the aggregate exceed $180 on this schedule. If you incurred more than one
obligation to the same payee, the total of which exceeded $180, enter each
expenditure separately. Although you are not required to do so, you may also
report political obligations incurred to one person that do not exceed $180 in the
period on this schedule. If you choose not to itemize incurred political obligations
of$180 and less on this schedule, you must total all unitemized obligations and
report them in section 4 of this Schedule. You must also include that amount in
the total unitemized political expenditures of$180 or less on C/OH Cover Sheet,
page 2, section 17, line 3.
Unpaid Incurred Non-Political Obligations: You must enter non-political
obligations incurred but not yet paid to one individual or entity during a reporting
period on this schedule, regardless of the amount.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE F2: After you have completed Schedule F2, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS: Enter the total
amount of political obligations incurred during the reporting period that do not exceed$180
in the aggregate per person, unless itemized on this schedule. You are not required to itemize
unpaid incurred political obligations of$180 or less,but if you choose to do so, do not
include those unpaid incurred obligations in the total you enter here.
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5. DATE: Enter the date the obligation was incurred. Obligations you incurred and paid
during the reporting period are not entered on this schedule.
6. PAYEE NAME: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 5.
Note: If you incurred an obligation for goods or services to benefit another candidate,
officeholder, or committee, enter the name of the vendor of the goods or services. Do not
enter the name of the person for whose benefit you incurred the obligation. Include that
information under section 10, "Purpose of Expenditure."
7. AMOUNT: Enter the exact amount of the incurred obligation.
8. PAYEE ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the person to whom the obligation is
owed.
9. TYPE OF EXPENDITURE: Check only one box to indicate whether the incurred
obligation was political or non-political.
A non-political expenditure is an expenditure that is neither a campaign expenditure nor an
officeholder expenditure. As a practical matter, very few expenditures made from political
contributions are non-political expenditures. For instance, expenditures for administrative
expenses, banking fees, and professional dues are typically political expenditures.
10. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 8.
11. DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TO BENEFIT CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER:
See instructions for Schedule F1, section 9.
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SCHEDULE F3: PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS FROM POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE F3:PURCHASE OF
INVESTMENTS FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about investments purchased from political
contributions during the reporting period. Do not enter on this schedule political expenditures
from political contributions, unpaid incurred obligations, expenditures made by credit card,
political expenditures made from personal funds, or payments from political contributions made
to a business that you own or control. (Report political expenditures from political contributions
on Schedule F1; report unpaid incurred obligations on Schedule F2; report expenditures made by
credit card on Schedule 174; report expenditures from personal funds on Schedule G; and report
payments from political contributions made to a business that you own or control on Schedule
H.)
See the Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders for important restrictions
regarding the use of political funds to rent or purchase real property.
Itemization: You must enter investments purchased with political contributions during a
reporting period that in the aggregate exceed $130 on this schedule. Although you are not
required to do so, you may also report investments purchased with political contributions that do
not exceed$130 in the period on this schedule.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE F3: After you have completed Schedule F3, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date you purchased the investment.
5. NAME OF PERSON FROM WHOM INVESTMENT IS PURCHASED: Enter the full
name of the person or entity from whom you purchased the investment. If you purchased the
investment from an individual, enter the full first and last name, and suffix (Jr., III, etc.) if
applicable (title is optional). If you purchased the investment from an entity, enter the full
name of the entity.
6. ADDRESS OF PERSON FROM WHOM INVESTMENT IS PURCHASED: Enter the
complete address of the person or entity from whom you purchased the investment.
7. DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT: Enter a brief statement or description of the
investment. For example, "Ten shares of stock in ABC company."
8. AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT: Enter the amount of the investment purchased.
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SCHEDULE F4: EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE F4:EXPENDITURES
MADE BY CREDIT CARD.
Use this schedule to disclose information about expenditures made by a credit card. You must
disclose expenditures charged to a credit card on this schedule and identify the individual, entity,
or vendor who receives payment from the credit card company. When you pay the credit card
bill, you must disclose the payment to the credit card company on Schedule F1 (used for political
payments from political contributions), Schedule G (used for political payments from personal
funds), Schedule H (used for payments from political contributions made to a business that you
own or control), or Schedule I(used for nonpolitical payments from political contributions), as
applicable.
Do not enter on this schedule political expenditures from political contributions, unpaid incurred
obligations,political expenditures made from personal funds, or payments from political
contributions made to a business that you own or control. (Report political expenditures from
political contributions on Schedule F1; report unpaid incurred obligations on Schedule 172; report
the purchase of investments from political contributions on Schedule 173; report expenditures
from personal funds on Schedule G; and report payments from political contributions made to a
business that you own or control on Schedule H.)
For examples regarding the disclosure of expenditures made by credit card, please see
"Examples: Reporting Expenditures Made by Credit Card" on page 42.
Itemization: Itemization requirements differ depending on whether the expenditure made by a
credit card is for a political or non-political expenditure.
Political Expenditures Made by Credit Card: You must itemize political
expenditures made by credit card that exceed $180 (in the aggregate)to a single
payee. If you made two or more expenditures to the same payee, the total of
which exceeded $180, enter each expenditure made by credit card separately.
Although you are not required to do so, you may also report political expenditures
made by credit card that do not exceed $180 in the reporting period on this
schedule. If you choose not to itemize political expenditures made by credit card
of$180 and less on this schedule, you must total all unitemized political
expenditures and report them in section 4 of this Schedule. You must also include
that amount in the total unitemized political expenditures of$180 or less on C/OH
Cover Sheet, page 2, section 17, line 3.
Non-Political Expenditures Made by Credit Card: You must itemize any non-
political expenditure made by credit card, regardless of the amount.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE F4: After you have completed Schedule F4, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
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2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED EXPENDITURES CHARGED TO A CREDIT CARD:
Enter the total amount of political expenditures charged to a credit card during the reporting
period that do not exceed $180 in the aggregate per person, unless itemized on this schedule.
You are not required to itemize political expenditures made by credit card of$180 or less,
but if you choose to do so, do not include those political expenditures made by credit card in
the total you enter here.
5. DATE: Enter the date you made the expenditure by credit card.
Note: There is a special reporting rule for expenditures made by credit card. For reports due
30 days and 8 days before an election (pre-election reports) and for runoff reports, the date of
the credit card expenditure is the date the credit card is used. For other reports, the date of
the credit card expenditure is either the date of the charge or the date the credit card
statement is received. A filer can never go wrong by disclosing the date of the expenditure as
the date of the charge.
6. PAYEE NAME: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 5. Disclose the name of the
vendor who sold you the goods or services as the payee,NOT the credit card company. You
do not report the name of the credit card company on this schedule.
Note: If you made an expenditure for goods or services to benefit another candidate,
officeholder, or committee, enter the name of the vendor of the goods or services. Do not
enter the name of the person for whose benefit you made the expenditure. Include that
information under section 10, "Purpose of Expenditure."
7. AMOUNT: Enter the amount of the credit card expenditure.
8. PAYEE ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the payee of the credit card expenditure.
9. TYPE OF EXPENDITURE: Check only one box to indicate whether the credit card
expenditure was political or non-political.
A non-political expenditure is an expenditure that is neither a campaign expenditure nor an
officeholder expenditure. As a practical matter, very few expenditures made from political
contributions are non-political expenditures. For instance, expenditures for administrative
expenses, banking fees, and professional dues are typically political expenditures.
10. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 8.
Note: Do not choose "Credit Card Payment" as the category for an expenditure made by
credit card when an individual, entity, or vendor receives payment from the credit card
company. Instead, choose the category that corresponds to the goods, services, or other thing
of value purchased from the individual, entity, or vendor.
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11. DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TO BENEFIT CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER:
See instructions for Schedule F1, section 9.
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SCHEDULE G: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM PERSONAL
FUNDS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE G: POLITICAL
EXPENDITURES MADE FROM PERSONAL FUNDS.
You may use this schedule to disclose information about political expenditures from personal
funds that were made during the reporting period. Alternatively, you may choose to disclose
political expenditures from personal funds as a loan on Schedule E (see the Schedule E
instructions above for more information). Do not enter on this schedule information about
personal funds deposited in an account in which political contributions are held as permitted by
section 253.0351(c) of the Election Code. (Report the deposit of personal funds into a political
account as a loan on Schedule E.)
Expenditures Made by Credit Card: You must disclose expenditures charged to a credit card
on Schedule F4 and not on this schedule. When you pay the credit card bill, you must disclose
the payment to the credit card company on Schedule F 1 (used for political payments from
political contributions), Schedule G (used for political payments from personal funds), Schedule
H (used for payments from political contributions made to a business that you own or control), or
Schedule I (used for nonpolitical payments from political contributions), as applicable. See
instructions for Schedule 174: Expenditures Made by Credit Card for more information.
If you intend to seek reimbursement in any amount from political contributions for a political
expenditure made from personal funds, you must either report the expenditure on Schedule E or
itemize the expenditure on this schedule and check the box in Section 6 to indicate that you
intend to seek reimbursement from political contributions. You may not correct a report to
allow reimbursement. When you reimburse yourself, disclose the reimbursement as an outgoing
political expenditure on Schedule F1.
See the Campaign Finance Guide for important restrictions regarding the use of political funds to
rent or purchase real property.
Itemization: If you choose to report political expenditures from personal funds on this schedule,
you must itemize political expenditures paid to one individual or entity during a reporting period
that in the aggregate exceed $180 on this schedule. If you made more than one expenditure to
the same payee, the total of which exceeded $180, enter each expenditure separately. Although
you are not required to do so, you may also report expenditures to one person that do not exceed
$180 in the period on this schedule. You must total all political expenditures from personal funds
that you do not itemize on this schedule and include them in the total of unitemized political
expenditures on the C/OH Cover Sheet, page 2, section 17, line 3.
Officeholder expenditures from personal funds for which you do not intend to seek
reimbursement are not required to be reported on this schedule or included in the total of
unitemized political expenditures.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
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I TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE G: After you have completed Schedule G, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet, page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date the expenditure was made.
5. PAYEE NAME: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 7.
6. AMOUNT: Enter the exact amount of the expenditure.
"Reimbursement from Political Contributions Intended" box: Check this box
if you intend to reimburse yourself for the expenditure. (In order to be
reimbursed from political contributions in any amount for an expenditure made
out of personal funds, you must itemize the expenditure on this schedule and
check this box or you must report the expenditure as a loan to yourself on
Schedule E.)
7. PAYEE ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the person to whom the expenditure was
made.
8. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 8.
9. DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TO BENEFIT CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER:
See instructions for Schedule F1, section 9.
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SCHEDULE H: PAYMENT FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO A
BUSINESS OF C/OH
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE H.• PAYMENT FROM
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUSINESS OF C/OH.
Use this schedule to disclose information about payments from political contributions that were
made to a business in which you have an interest of more than 10%, a position on the governing
body, or a position as an officer. Do not enter on this schedule other payments from political
contributions made during the reporting period.
See the Campaign Finance Guide for Candidates and Officeholders for a discussion on the
important restrictions on making and reporting payments from political contributions to a
business in which you have an interest.
This schedule is for payments to a business in which you have one or more of the following
interests or positions:
1) a participating interest of more than 10%;
2) a position on the governing body of the business; or
3) a position as an officer of the business.
Itemization: You must enter all payments from political contributions made to certain
businesses (as defined above) of a candidate or officeholder made during the reporting period on
this schedule, regardless of the amount.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE H: After you have completed Schedule H, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date you made the payment.
5. BUSINESS NAME: Enter the full name of the business to which you made the payment.
6. AMOUNT: Enter the dollar amount of the payment.
7. BUSINESS ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the business to which you made the
payment.
8. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: See instructions for Schedule Fl, section 8.
9. DIRECT CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TO BENEFIT CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER:
See instructions for Schedule F1, section 9.
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SCHEDULE I: NON-POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM
POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE I.•NON-POLITICAL
EXPENDITURES MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about non-political expenditures from political
contributions made during the reporting period. Do not enter political expenditures on this
schedule. Also, do not enter non-political expenditure obligations you incurred in this reporting
period but have not yet paid or non-political expenditures made by credit card. (Report unpaid
incurred obligations on Schedule 172; report expenditures made by a credit card on Schedule F4.)
Expenditures Made by Credit Card: You must disclose non-political expenditures charged to
a credit card on Schedule F4 and not on this schedule. When you pay the credit card bill, you
must disclose the payment to the credit card company on Schedule F1 (used for political
payments from political contributions), Schedule G (used for political payments from personal
funds), Schedule H (used for payments from political contributions made to a business that you
own or control), or Schedule I(used for nonpolitical payments from political contributions), as
applicable. See instructions for Schedule F4: Expenditures Made by Credit Card for more
information.
Itemization: You must enter all non-political expenditures from political contributions on this
schedule,regardless of the amount. A non-political expenditure is an expenditure that is neither
a campaign expenditure nor an officeholder expenditure. As a practical matter, very few
expenditures made from political contributions are non-political expenditures. For instance,
expenditures for administrative expenses, banking fees, and professional dues are typically
political expenditures. You may not convert political contributions to personal use.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE I: After you have completed Schedule I, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date the expenditure payment was made.
5. PAYEE NAME: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 5.
6. AMOUNT: Enter the exact amount of the expenditure payment.
7. PAYEE ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the person to whom the expenditure was
made.
8. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: See instructions for Schedule F1, section 8.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
SCHEDULE K: INTEREST, CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS, AND
CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED TO FILER
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE K.INTEREST,
CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED TO FILER.
Use this schedule to report information regarding any credit, interest, rebate, refund,
reimbursement, or return of a deposit fee resulting from the use of a political contribution or an
asset purchased with a political contribution, any proceeds of the sale of an asset purchased with
a political contribution, the amount of which exceeds $130, and any other gain from a political
contribution received during the reporting period.
Itemization: You must enter interest, credits, gains, refunds and returned contributions received
during a reporting period that in the aggregate exceed $130 on this schedule. Although you are
not required to do so, you may also report any credit/gain/refund, or interest that does not exceed
$130 in the period on this schedule.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE K: After you have completed Schedule K, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter your full name.
3. FILER ID: See instructions for Cover Sheet,page 1, section 1.
4. DATE: Enter the date the credit/gain/refund was received or the interest was earned, as
applicable.
5. NAME OF PERSON FROM WHOM AMOUNT IS RECEIVED: Enter the full name of
the person or business from whom the credit/gain/refund/returned contribution or interest
was received.
6. ADDRESS OF PERSON FROM WHOM AMOUNT IS RECEIVED: Enter the complete
address of the person or business from whom the credit/gain/refund/retumed contribution or
interest was received.
7. PURPOSE FOR WHICH AMOUNT IS RECEIVED: Enter a brief statement or
description of the purpose for which the amount was received(for example, "phone service
deposit return""returned contribution" or"interest on savings account").
"Check if political contribution returned to filer" box: If the incoming
credit/gain was originally made by you in the form of a political contribution to
another candidate or political committee and was returned to you in this reporting
period, check this box.
8. AMOUNT: Enter the exact dollar amount of the credit/gain/refund/returned contribution, or
interest.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
SCHEDULE T: IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OR POLITICAL
EXPENDITURES FOR TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF TEXAS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using SCHEDULE T.•IN-KIND
CONTRIBUTIONS OR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES FOR TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF TEXAS.
Use this schedule to disclose information about contributions accepted or expenditures made
during the reporting period. In addition to completing this schedule, you must also report the
actual contribution or expenditure on the appropriate schedule or form. The law requires detailed
information regarding in-kind contributions or political expenditures for travel outside of the
state of Texas.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. TOTAL PAGES SCHEDULE T: After you have completed Schedule T, count the total
number of pages. Each side of a two-sided form counts as one page.
2. FILER NAME: Enter the full name of the candidate, committee, or party on whose report
you are including this schedule.
3. FILER ID: If you are filing with the Commission, enter your filer account number. If you
do not file with the Commission, you are not required to enter a filer account number.
4. NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR/CORPORATION ORLABORORGANI7ATION/PLEDGOR/
PAYEE: Enter the full name of the contributor/corporation or labor organization/pledgor/
payee as it appears on the schedule or form on which you reported the actual contribution or
expenditure.
5. CONTRIBUTION/EXPENDITURE REPORTED ON: Check the appropriate box for
the schedule or form on which you reported the actual contribution or expenditure.
6. DATES OF TRAVEL: Enter the dates on which the travel occurred.
7. NAME OF PERSON(S) TRAVELING: Enter the full name of the person or persons
traveling on whose behalf the travel was accepted or on whose behalf the expenditure was
made.
8. DEPARTURE CITY OR NAME OF DEPARTURE LOCATION: Enter the name of the
departure city or the name of each departure location.
9. DESTINATION CITY OR NAME OF DESTINATION LOCATION: Enter the name of
the destination city or the name of each destination location.
10. MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION: Enter the method of travel (e.g., airplane, bus,boat,
car, etc.)
11. PURPOSE OF TRAVEL: Enter the campaign or officeholder purpose of the travel,
including the name of a conference, seminar, or other event.
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
FORM C/OH-FR: DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using Form C/OH-FR: CIOHREPORT:
DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT. A final report must include this form (Form C/OH-FR)
and the CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT(Form C/OH) with the "Final Report"box checked on
page 1, section 9. It must also include Schedules A1, A2, B, E, F1, F2, F3, F4, G, H, I, K, and T,
as applicable.
GENERAL INFORMATION
For filing purposes, you are a"candidate" as long as you have an appointment of campaign
treasurer on file. If you do not expect to accept any further campaign contributions or to make
any further campaign expenditures, you may file a final report of contributions and expenditures.
A final report terminates your appointment of campaign treasurer and relieves you of the
obligation of filing further reports as a candidate.
If you do not have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file, you may not accept campaign
contributions or make campaign expenditures. A payment on a campaign debt is a campaign
expenditure. An officeholder who does not have an appointment of campaign treasurer on file
may accept officeholder contributions and make officeholder expenditures.
The effect of filing a final report differs depending on whether you are an officeholder at the
time you file a final report.
Officeholders Filing a Final Report: You will not have to worry about surplus political funds
and assets until you cease to be an officeholder. You may still be required to file semiannual
reports of contributions and expenditures as an officeholder. The only officeholders who are not
required to file semiannual reports are local officeholders who do not exceed $900 in
contributions or$900 in expenditures during the reporting period.
If you cease to be an officeholder at a time when you do not have a campaign treasurer
appointment on file, and you retain political contributions, interest or other income from political
contributions, or assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from
political contributions after filing the last required report as an officeholder, you must file an
annual report of unexpended contributions not earlier than January 1 and not later than January
15 of each year following the year in which you filed the last required report as an officeholder.
You may not retain these unexpended funds longer than six years after the date you ceased to be
an officeholder. For information about important restrictions regarding the use and reporting of
unexpended contributions, see the Campaign Finance Guide.
Non-Officeholders Filing a Final Report: You will no longer be required to file reports unless
you retain political contributions, interest or other income from political contributions, or assets
purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions. If
you retain any of those items, you must file an annual report of unexpended contributions not
earlier than January 1 and not later than January 15 of each year after the year in which you filed
your final report. You may not retain these unexpended funds longer than six years after the date
of filing a final report. For information about important restrictions regarding the use and
reporting of unexpended contributions, see the Campaign Finance Guide.
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COMPLETING THE FORM
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. C/OH NAME: Enter your full name.
2. FILER ID: If you are filing with the Commission, enter your Filer ID. If you do not file
with the Commission, you are not required to enter a Filer ID.
3. SIGNATURE: You must sign this section to indicate that you understand the consequences
of filing a final report.
4. FILER WHO IS NOT AN OFFICEHOLDER: Complete this section if you are not an
officeholder at the time of filing your final report. Be sure to check the appropriate box in
both sections A and B and sign on the "Signature" line.
5. OFFICEHOLDER: Complete this section if you are an officeholder at the time of filing
your final report. You must check the box to indicate awareness of further filing
requirements.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING EXPENDITURES
EXAMPLES: REPORTING EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD
This list is for illustrative purposes only. It is intended to provide helpful information and to
assist filers in reporting expenditures made by credit card and payments made to credit card
companies.
Example#1: Candidate Using Credit Card to Make Political Expenditures and Using
Political Contributions to Pay the Credit Card Bill in the Same Reporting Period
A candidate for office uses her credit card to buy$1,000 in campaign office supplies from an
office store. During the same reporting period, the candidate uses her credit card to buy$500 in
political advertising signs from a sign company. During the same reporting period, the candidate
makes a single payment from her political contributions account to pay the $1,500 credit card
bill.
To report that activity, the candidate would report all of the following on a campaign finance
report(Form C/OH) covering the period in which she made the credit card charges and sent the
payment to the credit card company:
1. For the credit card charges: a$1,000 expenditure on the "Expenditures Made by Credit
Card" Schedule (F4). The schedule identifies the office store as the payee of the
expenditure and includes the address, date, amount, a category of the expenditure as
"Office Overhead/Rental Expense," and a description as "Campaign Office Supplies." In
Section 9 of the schedule, the box for"Political" is also checked. The candidate also
reports the $500 expenditure on the "Expenditures Made by Credit Card" Schedule and
identifies the sign company as the payee of the expenditure and includes the address,
date, amount, a category of the expenditure as "Advertising Expense," and a description
as "Political Advertising Signs." In Section 9 of the schedule,the box for"Political" is
also checked.
2. For the payment to the credit card company: a$1,500 expenditure on the "Political
Expenditures from Political Contributions" Schedule (F 1). The schedule identifies the
credit card company as the payee of the expenditure and includes the address, date,
amount, a category of the expenditure as "Credit Card Payment," and a description as
"Payment of credit card bill for credit card expenditures."
3. Both$1,500 amounts reported on each schedule will also be included in the appropriate
totals sections of Cover Sheet Pages 2 and 3.
Example#2: Candidate Using Credit Card to Make a Political Expenditure and Using
Personal Funds to Pay the Credit Card Bill in the Same Reporting Period
A candidate for non judicial office uses his credit card to purchase $3,000 in political advertising
materials from a print shop. During the same reporting period, the candidate makes a payment
from his personal funds account to pay the $3,000 credit card bill.
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To report that activity, the candidate would report all of the following on a campaign finance
report (Form C/OH) covering the period in which he made the credit card charge and sent the
payment to the credit card company:
1. For the credit card charge: a $3,000 expenditure on the "Expenditures Made by Credit
Card" Schedule (174). The schedule identifies the print shop as the payee of the
expenditure and includes the address, date, amount, a category of the expenditure as
"Advertising Expense," and a description as "Political Advertising Materials." In Section
9 of the schedule, the box for"Political" is also checked.
2. For the payment to the credit card company: a$3,000 expenditure on the "Political
Expenditures Made from Personal Funds" Schedule (G). The schedule identifies the
credit card company as the payee of the expenditure and includes the address, date,
amount, a category of the expenditure as "Credit Card Payment," and a description as
"Payment of credit card bill for political advertising materials." If the candidate intends
to seek reimbursement from political contributions, the candidate may also check the
appropriate box in Section 6.
3. Both$3,000 amounts reported on each schedule will also be included in the appropriate
sections of Cover Sheet Pages 2 and 3.
Example#3: Political Committee Using Credit Card to Make a Political Expenditure and
Using Political Contributions to Pay the Credit Card Bill in Different Reporting Periods
A general-purpose committee uses its credit card to buy$500 in political advertising in a
newspaper. The committee receives the statement from the credit card company but does not
send a payment until after the reporting period ends. When the committee sends a payment to the
credit card company, it makes a $500 payment from its political contributions account.
To report the credit card charge, the committee's campaign treasurer would report all of the
following on a campaign finance report(Form GPAC) covering the period in which it made the
credit card charge:
1. A $500 expenditure on the "Expenditures Made by Credit Card" Schedule (174). The
schedule identifies the newspaper as the payee of the expenditure and includes the
address, date, amount, a category of the expenditure as "Advertising Expense," and a
description as "Political Advertising." In Section 9 of the schedule, the box for"Political"
is also checked.
2. The $500 amount reported on the "Expenditures Made by Credit Card" Schedule (174)
will also be included in the appropriate sections of Cover Sheet Pages 2 and 3.
To report the payment to the credit card company, the committee's campaign treasurer would
also report all of the following on a campaign finance report(Form GPAC) covering the period
in which it made the payment to the credit card company:
1. A $500 expenditure on the "Political Expenditures from Political Contributions"
Schedule (F1). The schedule identifies the credit card company as the payee of the
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Form C/OH—Instruction Guide
expenditure and includes the address, date, amount, a category of the expenditure as
"Credit Card Payment," and a description as "Payment of credit card bill for political
advertising."
2. The $500 amount reported on the "Political Expenditures from Political Contributions"
Schedule (F1) will also be included in the appropriate sections of Cover Sheet Pages 2
and 3.
Example#4: Candidate Using Credit Card to Make a Political Expenditure and Using
Political Contributions to Pay the Credit Card Bill in Different Reporting Periods
A candidate for judicial office uses her credit card to buy$500 in political advertising in a
newspaper. The candidate receives the statement from the credit card company but does not send
a payment until after the reporting period ends. When the candidate sends a payment to the credit
card company, she makes a $500 payment from her political contributions account.
To report the credit card charge, the candidate would report all of the following on a campaign
finance report(Form JC/OH) covering the period in which she made the credit card charge:
1. A $500 expenditure on the "Expenditures Made by Credit Card" Schedule (174). The
schedule identifies the newspaper as the payee of the expenditure and includes the
address, date, amount, a category of the expenditure as "Advertising Expense," and a
description as "Political Advertising." In Section 9 of the schedule, the box for"Political"
is also checked.
2. The $500 amount reported on the "Expenditures Made by Credit Card" Schedule (174)
will also be included in the appropriate sections of Cover Sheet Pages 2 and 3.
To report the payment to the credit card company, the candidate would also report all of the
following on a campaign finance report(Form JC/OH) covering the period in which the payment
to the credit card company was made:
1. A $500 expenditure on the "Political Expenditures from Political Contributions"
Schedule (F1). The schedule identifies the credit card company as the payee of the
expenditure and includes the address, date, amount, a category of the expenditure as
"Credit Card Payment," and a description as "Payment of credit card bill for political
advertising."
2. The $500 amount reported on the "Political Expenditures from Political Contributions"
Schedule (F1) will also be included in the appropriate sections of Cover Sheet Pages 2
and 3.
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EXAMPLES: PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURES
This list is for illustrative purposes only. It is intended to provide helpful information and to
assist filers in reporting the purpose of an expenditure. However, it is not, and is not intended to
be, an exhaustive or an exclusive list of how a filer may permissibly report the purpose of an
expenditure.
(1) Example: Candidate X is seeking the office of State Representative, District 2000. She
purchases an airline ticket from ABC Airlines to attend a campaign rally within District 2000.
The acceptable category for this expenditure is "travel in district." The candidate activity that is
accomplished by making the expenditure is to attend a campaign rally. An acceptable brief
statement is "airline ticket to attend campaign event."
(2) Example: Candidate X purchases an airline ticket to attend a campaign event outside of
District 2000 but within Texas, the acceptable category is "travel out of district." The candidate
activity that is accomplished by making the expenditure is to attend a campaign event. An
acceptable brief statement is "airline ticket to attend campaign or officeholder event."
(3) Example: Candidate X purchases an airline ticket to attend an officeholder related seminar
outside of Texas. The acceptable method for the purpose of this expenditure is by selecting the
"travel out of district" category and completing the "Schedule T" (used to report travel outside of
Texas).
(4) Example: Candidate X contracts with an individual to do various campaign related tasks such
as work on a campaign phone bank, sign distribution, and staffing the office. The acceptable
category is "salaries/wages/contract labor." The candidate activity that is accomplished by
making the expenditure is to compensate an individual working on the campaign. An acceptable
brief statement is "contract labor for campaign services."
(5) Example: Officeholder X is seeking re-election and makes an expenditure to purchase a
vehicle to use for campaign purposes and permissible officeholder purposes. The acceptable
category is "transportation equipment and related expenses" and an acceptable brief description
is "purchase of campaign/officeholder vehicle."
(6) Example: Candidate X makes an expenditure to repair a flat tire on a campaign vehicle
purchased with political funds. The acceptable category is "transportation equipment and related
expenses" and an acceptable brief description is "campaign vehicle repairs."
(7) Example: Officeholder X purchases flowers for a constituent. The acceptable category is
"gifts/awards/memorials expense" and an acceptable brief description is "flowers for
constituent."
(8) Example: Political Committee XYZ makes a political contribution to Candidate X. The
acceptable category is "contributions/donations made by candidate/officeholder/political
committee" and an acceptable brief description is "campaign contribution."
(9) Example: Candidate X makes an expenditure for a filing fee to get his name on the ballot.
The acceptable category is "fees" and an acceptable brief description is "candidate filing fee."
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(10) Example: Officeholder X makes an expenditure to attend a seminar related to performing a
duty or engaging in an activity in connection with the office. The acceptable category is "fees"
and an acceptable brief description is "attend officeholder seminar."
(11) Example: Candidate X makes an expenditure for political advertising to be broadcast by
radio. The acceptable category is "advertising expense" and an acceptable brief description is
"political advertising." Similarly, Candidate X makes an expenditure for political advertising to
appear in a newspaper. The acceptable category is "advertising expense" and an acceptable brief
description is "political advertising."
(12) Example: Officeholder X makes expenditures for printing and postage to mail a letter to all
of her constituents, thanking them for their participation during the legislative session.
Acceptable categories are "advertising expense" OR"printing expense" and an acceptable brief
description is "letter to constituents."
(13) Example: Officeholder X makes an expenditure to pay the campaign office electric bill. The
acceptable category is "office overhead/rental expense" and an acceptable brief description is
"campaign office electric bill."
(14) Example: Officeholder X makes an expenditure to purchase paper,postage, and other
supplies for the campaign office. The acceptable category is "office overhead/rental expense"
and an acceptable brief description is "campaign office supplies."
(15) Example: Officeholder X makes an expenditure to pay the campaign office monthly rent.
The acceptable category is "office overhead/rental expense" and an acceptable brief description
is "campaign office rent."
(16) Example: Candidate X hires a consultant for fundraising services. The acceptable category
is "consulting expense" and an acceptable brief description is "campaign services."
(17) Example: Candidate/Officeholder X pays his attorney for legal fees related to either
campaign matters or officeholder matters. The acceptable category is "legal services" and an
acceptable brief description is "legal fees for campaign" or"for officeholder matters."
(18) Example: Candidate/Officeholder X makes food and beverage expenditures for a meeting
with her constituents. The acceptable category is "food/beverage expense" and an acceptable
brief statement is "meeting with constituents."
(19) Example: Candidate X makes food and beverage expenditures for a meeting to discuss
candidate issues. The acceptable category is "food/beverage expense" and an acceptable brief
statement is "meeting to discuss campaign issues."
(20) Example: Officeholder X makes food and beverage expenditures for a meeting to discuss
officeholder issues. The acceptable category is "food/beverage expense" and an acceptable brief
statement is "meeting to discuss officeholder issues."
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(21) Example: Candidate/Officeholder X makes food and beverage expenditures for a meeting to
discuss campaign and officeholder issues. The acceptable category is "food/beverage expense"
and an acceptable brief statement is "meeting to discuss campaign/officeholder issues."
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EXAMPLES: REPORTING EXPENDITURES FROM PERSONAL FUNDS
This list is for illustrative purposes only. It is intended to provide helpful information and to
assist filers in reporting expenditures from personal funds.
If you intend to seek reimbursement of any amount from political contributions for a political
expenditure made from your personal funds, you must report the expenditure in one of three
ways. Keep in mind that this reporting system is not an accounting system and duplication of
expenditures is not uncommon when reporting transactions related to expenditures made from
personal funds.
Method#1: Itemize the expenditure on the "Political Expenditures Made from Personal Funds"
schedule (Schedule G) and check the box to indicate that you intend to seek reimbursement from
political contributions. You may not correct a report to allow reimbursement without subjecting
yourself to a possible penalty. When you reimburse yourself, which could be months or years
later, report the reimbursement on the "Political Expenditures" schedule (Schedule F 1).
Example: On December 1, 2007, Candidate A spends $500 of her own personal
funds to purchase political advertising signs. She reports the expenditure to the
vendor on Schedule G and checks the box to indicate that reimbursement is
intended. One year later, Candidate A reimburses herself from political
contributions. She reports the reimbursement on Schedule F1. Candidate A is the
payee and the purpose of the expenditure is to reimburse herself for a political
expenditure made from personal funds on December 1, 2007.
If you intend to seek reimbursement from political contributions for a political expenditure of
any amount made from personal funds, you must itemize the expenditure on Schedule G.
Method#2: Report the political expenditures made from your personal funds as a loan to your
campaign on the "Loans" schedule (Schedule E). Next, report the political expenditures made
from that loan as if they were made from political funds (report on Schedules F 1, F2, F3, F4, or
H as appropriate). Do NOT report political expenditures made from the loan on Schedule G.
The amount you report as a loan in a reporting period may NOT exceed the amount you actually
spent from personal funds in that reporting period. In other words, do not report a $100,000 loan
to your campaign if the amount actually spent from personal funds in the reporting period was
$5,000. When you reimburse yourself, which could be months or years later, report the
reimbursement on the Schedule F1.
Example: In one reporting period, Candidate B spends $5,000 of his own
personal funds to purchase political advertising materials. He spends $3,000 at
Business One and$2,000 at Business Two. He reports the expenditures as a
$5,000 loan on Schedule E and then itemizes each of the two expenditures as a
political expenditure on Schedule F1. A year later, Candidate B reimburses
himself from political contributions by disclosing the reimbursement on Schedule
F1. He reports the reimbursement on Schedule F1. The payee in this instance is
Candidate B, the category of the expenditure is "Loan
Repayment/Reimbursement," and"political expenditure made from personal
funds reported as a loan" is an acceptable brief description.
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Method#3: Deposit personal funds in an account in which your political contributions are
maintained and report that amount as a loan on the "Loans" schedule (Schedule E). Next, report
the political expenditures made from that loan as if they were made from political funds (report
on Schedules F1, F2, F3, or H as appropriate). When you reimburse yourself, which could be
months or years later, report the reimbursement on the Schedule F1. The reimbursement may not
exceed the amount reported as a loan. Personal funds deposited in an account in which political
contributions are held are subject to the personal use restriction.)
Example: In one reporting period, Candidate C opens a campaign bank account
and deposits $5,000 of her own personal funds into the account. She makes one
$3,000 expenditure for political advertising. Candidate C has no other activity in
the reporting period. She reports the $5,000 as a loan on Schedule E, itemizes the
$3,000 expenditure for the political advertising on Schedule F1, and includes the
remaining $2,000 on her contributions maintained at the end of the reporting
period total. A year later, Candidate C reimburses herself from political
contributions by disclosing the reimbursement on Schedule F 1. The payee in this
instance is Candidate C, the category of expenditure is "Loan
Repayment/Reimbursement," and "political expenditure made from personal
funds reported as a loan" is an acceptable brief description.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 51 Revised 1/13/2020
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER FORM C/OH
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT COVER SHEET PG 1
1 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers) 2 Total pages filed:
The C/OH Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
3 CANDIDATE/ MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI
OFFICE USE ONLY
OFFICEHOLDER
NAME
Date Received
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
4 CANDIDATE/ ADDRESS /PO BOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
OFFICEHOLDER
MAILING
ADDRESS
❑ Change of Address
5 CANDIDATE/ AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
OFFICEHOLDER ` Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
PHONE J
6 CAMPAIGN MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI Receipt# Amount$
TREASURER
NAME _ Date Processed
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
Date Imaged
7 CAMPAIGN STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
TREASURER
ADDRESS
(Residence or Business)
8 CAMPAIGN AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
TREASURER
PHONE
9 REPORT TYPE
January 15 El 30th day before election � Runoff � 15th day after campaign
treasurer appointment
(Officeholder Only)
❑ July 15 8th day before election ❑ Exceeded$500limit Final Report(Attach C/OH-FIR)
10 PERIOD Month Day Year Month Day Year
COVERED THROUGH
11 ELECTION ELECTION DATE ELECTION TYPE
Month Day Year ❑ Primary ❑ Runoff ❑ Other
Description
❑ General ❑ Special
12 OFFICE OFFICE HELD (if any) 13 OFFICE SOUGHT (if known)
GO TO PAGE 2
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER FORM C/OH
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT COVER SHEET PG 2
14 C/OH NAME 15 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
16 NOTICE FROM THIS BOX IS FOR NOTICE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS ACCEPTED OR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES TO
POLITICAL SUPPORT THE CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER. THESE EXPENDITURES MAY HAVE BEEN MADE WITHOUT THE CANDIDATES OR OFFICEHOLDER S
COMMITTEE(S) KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT. CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT THIS INFORMATION ONLY IF THEY RECEIVE NOTICE
OF SUCH EXPENDITURES.
COMMITTEE TYPE COMMITTEE NAME
❑GENERAL
COMMITTEE ADDRESS
SPECIFIC
COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN TREASURER NAME
❑ Additional Pages
COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN TREASURER ADDRESS
17 CONTRIBUTION 1. TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF $50 OR LESS (OTHER THAN TOTALS PLEDGES, LOANS, OR GUARANTEES OF LOANS, OR $
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE ELECTRONICALLY), UNLESS ITEMIZED
2. TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
(OTHER THAN PLEDGES, LOANS, OR GUARANTEES OF LOANS)
TOTALS EXPENDITURE 3. TOTAL POLITICAL EXPENDITURES OF $100 OR LESS,
UNLESS ITEMIZED
4. TOTAL POLITICAL EXPENDITURES $
CONTRIBUTION 5. TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAINTAINED AS OF THE LAST DAYBALANC $
OF REPORTING PERIOD
OUTSTANDING 6. TOTAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ALL OUTSTANDING LOANS AS OF THE
LOAN TOTALS LAST DAY OF THE REPORTING PERIOD $
18 AFFIDAVIT
I swear,or affirm,under penalty of perjury,that the accompanying report is
true and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me
under Title 15,Election Code.
Signature of Candidate or Officeholder
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP/SEALABOVE
Sworn to and subscribed before me, by the said this the
day of 120 to certify which,witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
SUBTOTALS - C/OH FORM C/OH
COVER SHEET PG 3
19 FILER NAME 20 Filer ID(Ethics Commission Filers)
21 SCHEDULE SUBTOTALS SUBTOTAL
NAME OF SCHEDULE AMOUNT
1. SCHEDULEA1: MONETARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
2. SCHEDULEA2: NON-MONETARY(IN-KIND)POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
3. SCHEDULE B: PLEDGED CONTRIBUTIONS $
4. El SCHEDULE E: LOANS $
5. SCHEDULE F1: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
6. SCHEDULE F2: UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS $
7 SCHEDULE F3: PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
8. SCHEDULE F4: EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD $
9. SCHEDULE G: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM PERSONAL FUNDS $
10. SCHEDULE H: PAYMENT MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUSINESS OF C/OH $
11. SCHEDULE I: NON-POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
12. SCHEDULE K: INTEREST, CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS,AND CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED $
TO FILER
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
MONETARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE Al
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule Al:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) 7 Amount of contribution ($)
6 Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
8 Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) g Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of contribution ($)
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
Principal occupation/Job title (See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of contribution ($)
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of contribution ($)
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
Principal occupation/Job title (See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULEAS NEEDED
If contributor is out-of-state PAC,please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
NON-MONETARY (IN-KIND) POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE A2
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule A2:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED IN-KIND POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
5 Date 6 Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) 8 Amount of g In-kind contribution
Contribution $ description
7 Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
10 Principal occupation/Job title (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions) 11 Employer (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
12 Contributor's principal occupation (FOR JUDICIAL) 13 Contributor's job title (FOR JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
14 Contributor's employer/law firm (FOR JUDICIAL) 15 Law firm of contributor's spouse (if any) (FOR JUDICIAL)
16 If contributor is a child, law firm of parent(s)(if any)(FOR JUDICIAL)
I
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of In-kind contribution
Contribution $ description
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
[-]Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions) Employer (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
Contributor's principal occupation (FOR JUDICIAL) Contributor's job title(FOR JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
Contributor's employer/law firm (FOR JUDICIAL) Law firm of contributor's spouse (if any) (FOR JUDICIAL)
If contributor is a child, law firm of parent(s)(if any)(FOR JUDICIAL)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
If contributor is out-of-state PAC, please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
PLEDGED CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE B
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule B:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED PLEDGES $
5 Date 6 Full name of pledger ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: $ Amount 19 In-kind contribution
of Pledge $ description
7 Pledger address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
10 Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) 11 Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of pledger ❑ out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount I In-kind contribution
of Pledge $ description
Pledgor address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of pledgor ❑ out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of I In-kind contribution
Pledge$ description
Pledgor address; City; State; Zip Code
[:]Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of pledger ❑out-of-state PAC pD#: - - )
Amount of I In-kind contribution
Pledge$ description
Pledger address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
If contributor is out-of-state PAC, please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
LOANS SCHEDULE E
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule E:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED LOANS $
5 Date of loan 7 Name of lender ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) 9 Loan Amount($)
6 Is lender 8 Lender address; City; State; Zip Code 10 Interest rate
a financial
Institution?
11 Maturity date
Y N
12 Principal occupation / Job title (See Instructions) 13 Employer (See Instructions)
14 Description of Collateral 15
❑ Check if personal funds were deposited into political
❑ none account (See Instructions)
16 GUARANTOR 17 Name of guarantor 19 Amount Guaranteed($)
INFORMATION
18 Guarantor address; City; State; Zip Code
not applicable
20 Principal Occupation (See Instructions) 21 Employer (See Instructions)
Date of loan Name of lender
❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: Loan Amount) ($)
Is lender Lender address; City; State; Zip Code Interest rate
a financial
Institution?
Maturity date
Y N
Principal occupation / Job title (See Instructions) Employer (See Instructions)
Description of Collateral
❑ Check if personal funds were deposited into political
❑ none account (See Instructions)
GUARANTOR Name of guarantor Amount Guaranteed($)
INFORMATION
Guarantor address; City; State; Zip Code
not applicable
Principal Occupation (See Instructions) Employer (See Instructions)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
If lender is out-of-state PAC, please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE
FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE F1
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 8(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services SalariesNVages/Contract Labor Other(enter a category not listed above)
Credit Card Payment
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule F1: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Payee name
6 Amount ($) 7 Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
8 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(C) Check if travel outside of Texas.CompleteScheduleT ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
9 Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check iftravel outside ofTexas.Complete Schedule T. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check iftravel outside ofTexas.Complete Schedule T. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS SCHEDULE F2
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 10(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule F2: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS $
5 Date 6 Payee name
7 Amount ($) 8 Payee address, City; State; Zip Code
9 TYPE OF
Political Non-Political
EXPENDITURE ❑
10 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(c) ❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete ScheduleT. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
11 Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
TYPE OF
EXPENDITURE ❑ Political Non-Political
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
Check iftravel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule T. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS MADE
FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE F3
1 Total pages Schedule F3:
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Name of person from whom investment is purchased
6 Address of person from whom investment is purchased; City; State; Zip Code
7 Description of investment
8 Amount of investment($)
Date Name of person from whom investment is purchased
Address of person from whom investment is purchased; City; State; Zip Code
Description of investment
Amount of investment($)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD SCHEDULE F4
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 10(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule F4: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED EXPENDITURES CHARGED TOACREDIT CARD $
5 Date 6 Payee name
7 Amount ($) 8 Payee address; City, State; Zip Code
9 TYPE OF
EXPENDITURE ❑ Political ❑ Non-Political
10 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(a) ❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete ScheduleT. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
11 Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
Complete ONLY if direct
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
TYPE OF
EXPENDITURE Political Non-Political
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
Complete ONLY if direct
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
POLITICAL EXPENDITURES
MADE FROM PERSONAL FUNDS SCHEDULE G
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 8(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By GifUAWards/MemorialS Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
Credit Card Payment
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule G: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Payee name
6 Amount ($) 7 Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Reimbursement from
political contributions
intended
8 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(c) Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete ScheduleT. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
9 Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
Complete ONLY if direct
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
❑ Reimbursement from
political contributions
intended
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address, City; State, Zip Code
Reimbursement from
❑ political contributions
intended
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
PAYMENT MADE FROM POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUSINESS OF C/OH SCHEDULE H
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 8(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
Credit Card Payment
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule H: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Business name
6 Amount ($) 7 Business address; City; State; Zip Code
8 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(c) ❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
9 Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Business name
Amount ($) Business address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Business name
Amount ($) Business address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
NON-POLITICAL EXPENDITURES
MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE I
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule I: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Payee name
6 Amount ($) 7 Payee address; City State Zip Code
8 (a)Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable (b)Description (See instructions regarding type of information
PURPOSE categories.) required.)
OF
EXPENDITURE
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City State Zip Code
Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable Description (See instructions regarding type of information
PURPOSE categories.) required.)
OF
EXPENDITURE
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City State Zip Code
PURPOSE Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable Description (See instructions regarding type of information
OF categories.) required.)
EXPENDITURE
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City State Zip Code
Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable Description (See instructions regarding type of information
PURPOSE categories.) required.)
OF
EXPENDITURE
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
INTEREST, CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS, AND
CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED TO FILER SCHEDULE K
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule K:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Name of person from whom amount is received 8 Amount($)
6 Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
7 Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
Date Name of person from whom amount is received Amount($)
Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
Date Name of person from whom amount is received Amount($)
Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
Date Name of person from whom amount is received Amount($)
Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES SCHEDULE T
FOR TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF TEXAS
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule T:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Name of Contributor/Corporation or Labor Organization/Pledgor/Payee
5 Contribution/Expenditure reported on:
❑ Schedule A2 ❑ Schedule B ❑ Schedule B(J) ❑ Schedule C2 ❑ Schedule D ❑ Schedule F1
❑ Schedule F2 ❑ Schedule F4 ❑ Schedule G ❑ Schedule H ❑ Schedule COH-UC ❑ Schedule B-SS
6 Dates of travel 7 Name of person(s)traveling
8 Departure city or name of departure location
9 Destination city or name of destination location
10 Means of transportation 11 Purpose of travel(including name of conference,seminar,or other event)
Name of Contributor/Corporation or Labor Organization/Pledgor/Payee
Contribution/Expenditure reported on:
❑ Schedule A2 ❑ Schedule B ❑ Schedule B(J) ❑ Schedule C2 ❑ Schedule D ❑ Schedule F1
❑ Schedule F2 ❑ Schedule F4 ❑ Schedule G ❑ Schedule H ❑ Schedule COH-UC Schedule B-SS
Dates of travel Name of person(s)traveling
Departure city or name of departure location
Destination city or name of destination location
Means of transportation Purpose of travel(including name of conference,seminar,or other event)
Name of Contributor/Corporation or Labor Organization/Pledgor/Payee
Contribution/Expenditure reported on:
❑ Schedule A2 ❑ Schedule B ❑ Schedule B(J) ❑ Schedule C2 ❑ Schedule D ❑ Schedule F1
❑ Schedule F2 ❑ Schedule F4 ❑ Schedule G ❑ Schedule H ❑ Schedule COH-UC ❑ Schedule B-SS
Dates of travel Name of person(s)traveling
Departure city or name of departure location
Destination city or name of destination location
Means of transportation Purpose of travel(including name of conference,seminar,or other event)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER REPORT:
DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT FORM C/OH - FR
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
•• Complete only if "Report Type" on page 1 is marked "Final Report" ••
1 C/OH NAME 2 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
3 SIGNATURE
I do not expect any further political contributions or political expenditures in connection with my candidacy. I understand that designat-
ing a report as a final report terminates my campaign treasurer appointment. I also understand that I may not accept any campaign
contributions or make any campaign expenditures without a campaign treasurer appointment on file.
Signature of Candidate/Officeholder
4 FILER WHO IS NOT AN OFFICEHOLDER
•• Complete A & B below only if you are not an officeholder. ••
A. CAMPAIGN FUNDS
Check only one:
0 I do not have unexpended contributions or unexpended interest or income earned from political contributions.
0 I have unexpended contributions or unexpended interest or income earned from political contributions. I understand that I
may not convert unexpended political contributions or unexpended interest or income earned on political contributions to
personal use. I also understand that I must file an annual report of unexpended contributions and that I may not retain
unexpended contributions or unexpended interest or income earned on political contributions longer than six years after filing
this final report. Further, I understand that I must dispose of unexpended political contributions and unexpended interest or
income earned on political contributions in accordance with the requirements of Election Code, §254.204.
B. ASSETS
Check only one:
0 1 do not retain assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions.
0 I do retain assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions. I understand
that I may not convert assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions to
personal use. I also understand that I must dispose of assets purchased with political contributions in accordance with the
requirements of Election Code, §254.204.
Signature of Candidate
5 OFFICEHOLDER
•• Complete this section only if you are an officeholder ••
0 I am aware that I remain subject to filing requirements applicable to an officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer on
file. I am also aware that I will be required to file reports of unexpended contributions if,after filing the last required report as an
officeholder, I retain political contributions,interest or other income from political contributions,or assets purchased with politi-
cal contributions or interest or other income from political contributions.
Signature of Officeholder
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
CORRECTION/AMENDMENT AFFIDAVIT
FOR CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER FORM COR-C/OH
1 Filer ID(Ethics Commission Filers) 2 Total pages filed:
OFFICE USE ONLY
3 CANDIDATE/ MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI Date Received
OFFICEHOLDER
NAME
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
4 ORIGINAL REPORT ❑ January 15 Runoff Other(specify)
TYPE
July 15 El Exceeded$500 limit
❑ 30th day before election ❑ 15th day after treasurer Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
appointment(officeholder only)
8th day before election Final report Receipt# Amount $
5 ORIGINAL PERIOD Month Day Year Month Day Year Date Processed
COVERED
THROUGH Date Imaged
6 EXPLANATION OF CORRECTION
7 AFFIDAVIT I swear,or affirm, under penalty of perjury,that this corrected
report is true and correct.
Check ONLY if applicable:
❑ Semiannual reports: I swear, or affirm, that the original report was
made in good faith and without an intent to mislead or to misrepre-
sent the information contained in the report.
❑ Other reports: I swear, or affirm, that I am filing this corrected
report not later than the 14th business day after the date I learned
that the report as originally filed is inaccurate or incomplete. I swear,
or affirm, that any error or omission in the report as originally filed
was made in good faith.
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP / SEAL ABOVE Signature of Candidate or Officeholder
Sworn to and subscribed before me,by the said this the day of
20 ,to certify which,witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Remember To Attach Any Part Of The Campaign Finance Report Form
Needed To Report And Explain Corrections
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 04/27/2015
CORRECTION/AMENDMENT AFFIDAVIT
FOR CAN
All Reports: Afiler who files a corrected report must submit a correction affidavit. The affidavit must identify
the information that has changed.
Reports filed with Texas Ethics Commission: A corrected report (other than a report due 8 days before
an election or a special report near election) filed with the Ethics Commission after its due date is not
considered late for purposes of late-filing penalties if: (1)any error or omission in the report as originally filed
was made in good faith, and (2)the person filing the report files a corrected report and a good-faith affidavit
not later than the 14th business day after the date the person learns that the report as originally filed is
inaccurate or incomplete.
Semiannual Reports: Effective September 1, 2011, a semiannual report(due January 15 or July 15)that is
amended/corrected before the eighth day after the original report was filed is considered to have been filed
on the date the original report was filed. A semiannual report that is amended/corrected on or after the eighth
day after the original report was filed is considered to have been filed on the date the original report was filed
if: (1) the amendment/correction is made before any complaint is filed with regard to the subject of the
amendment/correction; and (2) the original report was made in good faith and without intent to mislead or
misrepresent the information contained in the report.
Attach additional pages as necessary.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM
The following numbers correspond to the numbered boxes on the other side.
1. Filer ID. If you file with the Ethics Commission,you should have received a letter acknowledging receipt of
your campaign treasurer appointment and assigning you a Filer ID. Put that number in this box. If you do not
file with the Ethics Commission, skip this box.
2. Total Pages Filed. After completing this form and any attachments, count the number of pages. Enter
that number in this box. Each side of a two-sided form counts as a page. In other words, this form is two
pages.
3. Candidate/Officeholder Name. Put your full name here. Enter your name in the same way as on the
report you are correcting.
4. Original Report Type. Mark the type of report you are correcting.
5.Original Period Covered. Enter the period covered by the report you are correcting. The year is important
because filers sometimes correct reports years after filing the original.
6. Explanation of Correction. Attach any part of the campaign finance report form needed to report and
explain corrections. Explain why there was an error on the original report. Also explain what information is
being corrected and how the new information is different from the information on the original report. (Use
additional pages if you need more space.) You may also use this area to request a waiver or reduction of a
late-filing penalty and state the basis of your request.
7. Affidavit. Read the affidavit before signing. You must sign the affidavit in the presence of an individual
authorized to take oaths. If signed before a notary public, the affidavit must include the notary's signature and
seal.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 04/27/2015
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER REPORT
OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
FORM C/OH-UC — INSTRUCTION GUIDE
,�p+T E
x �
40
Revised October 16,2015
Texas Ethics Commission,P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711
(512)463-5800 FAX(512)463-5777 TDD 1-800-735-2989
Visit us at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Texas Ethics Conunission does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,national origin,sex,religion,age or disability in employment or the provision of services.
Form C/OH-UC—Instruction Guide
FORM C/OH-UC: CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER REPORT
OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS
These instructions are for candidates and officeholders using FORM C/OH-UC: CANDIDATE /
OFFICEHOLDER REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS. Use Form C/OH-UC for filing
either an annual report of unexpended contributions or a report of the final disposition of unexpended
contributions.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
ANNUAL REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS. You must file this report if one of
the following descriptions applies to you:
(1) You filed a final report as a candidate at a time when you were not an officeholder and
you had unexpended political contributions, interest, assets, or other money earned
from political contributions at the time you filed the final report; or
(2) You ceased to be an officeholder at a time when you did not have a campaign
treasurer on file, and you had unexpended political contributions, interest, assets, or
other money earned from political contributions at the time you ceased to be an
officeholder.
You must file an Unexpended Contributions-Annual report not earlier than January 1 and not later
than January 15 of the year after each year in which you maintained unexpended contributions or
assets. You must complete Form C/OH-UC and designate the report as an annual report by checking
the "Annual"box.
You must continue to file Unexpended Contributions-Annual reports until you have disposed of all
your unexpended contributions or assets. Once you have disposed of all your contributions or assets,
you must file an Unexpended Contributions - Final report.
You may not retain unexpended contributions or assets longer than six years after the date you filed
your final report or ceased being an officeholder, as applicable. If you still maintain unexpended
assets at the end of the six-year period,you must dispose of the assets in one of the following ways:
(1) You may give them to the political party with which you were affiliated when your
name was last on the ballot.
(2) You may give them to a candidate or a political committee. If you do so, however,
you must file a report on Form AS IF-SPAC as described below under "Extra
Reporting for a Contribution to a Candidate or Political Committee."
(3) You may give them to the comptroller for deposit in the state treasury to be used to
finance primary elections.
(4) You may give them to one or more persons from whom you received political
contributions, but the total returned to any person may not exceed the aggregate
Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 10/16/2015
Form C/OH-UC—Instruction Guide
amount accepted from that person during the last two years during which you were
accepting political contributions.
(5) You may give them to a recognized charitable organization formed for educational,
religious,or scientific purposes that is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3),
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and its subsequent amendments.
(6) You may give them to a public or private post-secondary educational institution or an
institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003(8), Education Code, for
the purpose of assisting or creating a scholarship program.
You may dispose of unexpended contributions or assets in this manner at any time during the six-
year period.
EXTRA REPORTING FOR CONTRIBUTION TO CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL
COMMITTEE. If you contribute unexpended contributions or assets to another candidate or
political committee,you must report the contribution twice. You must include the contribution on
your Annual Report and you must also report the contribution on a AS IF-SPECIFIC-PURPOSE
COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT(Form AS IF-SPAC). You must file the AS IF-SPAC
report with the filing authority with whom the candidate or political committee files reports by the
date by which the candidate or political committee receiving the contribution must report the receipt
of the contribution.
NOTE: If the candidate or political committee files with the Texas Ethics Commission
(Commission), you will need a separate "AS IF-SPAC" filer ID to file the AS IF-SPAC report.
Please contact the Commission for help in establishing an AS IF-SPAC filer ID.
FINAL DISPOSITION OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS REPORT. You must file a
report of the final disposition of your unexpended contributions or assets. Complete Form C/OH-UC
and designate the report as an "Unexpended Contributions—Final"report by checking the "Final
Disposition"box. The report is due no later than the 30th day after the end of the six-year period.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
PAGE 1
1. FILER ID: If you are filing with the Commission,you were assigned a filer identification(ID)
number when you filed your initial campaign treasurer appointment. You should have received a
letter acknowledging receipt of the form and informing you of your filer ID number. Enter this
number wherever you see "Filer ID." If you do not file with the Commission, you are not
required to enter a filer ID number.
2. CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER NAME: Enter your full name, including nicknames and
suffixes (e.g., Sr., Jr., III), if applicable. Your entry here should be the same as in your
Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 Revised 10/16/2015
Form C/OH-UC—Instruction Guide
APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE (CTA). Enter your
name in the same way wherever you see "C/OH NAME".
3. CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER ADDRESS: Enter your complete mailing address. Your
entry here should be the same as the address in your APPOINTMENT OF CAMPAIGN
TREASURER BY A CANDIDATE(CTA). If your mailing address has changed since you last
gave notice of your address, check the "Change of Address"box.
4. REPORT TYPE: Check the appropriate box.
"Annual" Box: Check this box if you are filing an Unexpended Contributions -Annual
report.
"Final Disposition"Box: Check this box if you are filing an Unexpended Contributions-
Final report.
5. PERIOD COVERED:
Annual Reports. For your first Unexpended Contributions -Annual report,the start date is
the day after the day you filed your Final Report. The start date for all other Unexpended
Contributions - Annual reports is January 1 of the previous year. The end date for all
Unexpended Contributions -Annual reports is December 31 of the previous year.
Final Disposition Report. For an Unexpended Contributions—Final report,the start date is
the day after the period covered by your most recent Unexpended Contributions - Annual
report. The end date is the date you file the report.
6. TOTALS: Complete this section only if you are filing an Annual Report. If you are not filing
an Annual Report, go to section 7.
Line 1. Enter the total amount of unexpended political contributions and assets that you
maintained as of December 31 of the previous year. (Note: Unlike other reports,you are not
required to also disclose the total amount of expenditures entered in this Unexpended
Contributions report. You are only required to disclose your unexpended balance as of
December 31.)
Line 2. Enter the total amount of interest and other income earned on unexpended political
contributions and assets during the previous year ending December 31.
7. AFFIDAVIT: Complete this section only after you have completed all other appropriate
sections and schedules. You must always sign a report that you file. You must complete this
section even if you have no schedules to attach. ONLY THE CANDIDATE OR
OFFICEHOLDER FILING THE REPORT MAY SIGN THE AFFIDAVIT.
PAGE 2
8. C/OH(CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER)NAME: Enter your full name as you did on Form
C/OH-UC, Page 1.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 3 Revised 10/16/2015
Form C/OH-UC—Instruction Guide
9. FILER ID: If you are filing with the Commission,enter your filer ID number. If you do not file
with the Commission, you are not required to enter a filer ID number.
10. DATE: Enter the date the expenditure was made.
Credit Card Expenditures: There is a special reporting rule for expenditures made
by credit card. The date of a credit card expenditure is either the date of the charge or
the date the credit card statement is received. A filer can never go wrong by
disclosing the date of the expenditure as the date of the charge.
11. PAYEE NAME: Enter the full name of the payee. If the payee is an individual, enter the full
name,first, last,and suffix(Jr.,III,etc.)if applicable(title is optional). If the payee is an entity,
enter the full name of the entity.
12. PAYEE ADDRESS: Enter the complete address of the payee.
13. AMOUNT: Enter the amount of the expenditure payment.
14. PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE: Enter a brief statement or description of the expenditure.
The brief statement or description must include the item or service purchased and must be
sufficiently specific to make the reason for the expenditure clear.
Reporting Travel Outside of Texas: The law requires detailed information regarding in-kind
contributions and political expenditures for travel outside of Texas. This information should be
reported on Schedule T and attached to this form. Schedule T can be found on the Commission's
website at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/forms/Schedule_T.pdf.
15. IS THE EXPENDITURE A CONTRIBUTION TO A CANDIDATE,OFFICEHOLDER,
OR POLITICAL COMMITTEE? If the expenditure was a contribution to a candidate,
officeholder, or political committee, check the "Yes"box. The purpose of this box is to allow
you to see that you must file an additional report for this expenditure on Form AS IF-SPAC. See
the"Extra Reporting For Contribution To Candidate Or Political Committee"section in the
General Instructions for this form.
If the expenditure was not a contribution to a candidate, officeholder, or political committee,
check the "No"box.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 4 Revised 10/16/2015
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER FORM C/OH-UC
REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS COVER SHEET PG 1
1 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
The C/OH-UC Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
2 CANDIDATE/ MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI OFFICE USE ONLY
OFFICEHOLDER
NAME Date Received
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
3 CAN DI DATE/ ADDRESS /PO BOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
OFFICEHOLDER
ADDRESS Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
❑ change of address Receipt# Amount$
4 REPORT Date Processed
TYPE ❑ Annual ❑ Final Disposition
5 PERIOD Month Day Year Month Day Year Date Imaged
COVERED THROUGH
6 TOTALS
1. TOTAL AMOUNT OF UNEXPENDED POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AS OF
DECEMBER 31 OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
2. TOTAL AMOUNT OF INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME EARNED ON
UNEXPENDED POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
7 AFFIDAVIT
I swear,or affirm,under penalty of perjury, that the accompanying
report is true and correct and includes all information required to be
reported by me under Title 15, Election Code.
Signature of Candidate or Officeholder
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP/SEAL ABOVE
Sworn to and subscribed before me, by the said this the
day of 20 to certify which, witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/3/2015
C/OH REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS FORM C/OH-UC
EXPENDITURES PG 2
8 C/OH NAME 9 Filer ID(Ethics Commission Filers)
10 Date 11 Payee name 13 Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
14 Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.) 15
Is expenditure a contribution E::] Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Date Payee name Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.)
Is expenditure a contribution � Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Date Payee name Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.)
Is expenditure a contribution Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Date Payee name Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.)
Is expenditure a contribution � Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS FORM AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/3/2015
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
CHAPTER 572, GOVERNMENT CODE
PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, STANDARDS
OF CONDUCT, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Vol
x � 9
�• r
Effective September 1, 2017
(Revised 9/1/2017)
Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070
(512) 463-5800 FAX (512) 463-5777 TDD 1-800-735-2989
Visit us at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Texas Ethics Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,national origin,sex,religion,age or disability in employment or the provision of services.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 572, GOVERNMENT CODE
PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, STANDARDS OF CONDUCT,
AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 572. PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, STANDARDS OF CONDUCT,
AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST ..............................................................................................1
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS....................................................................1
Sec. 572.001. POLICY; LEGISLATIVE INTENT..............................................................1
Sec. 572.002. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.............................................................................1
Sec. 572.003. DEFINITION.• APPOINTED OFFICER OF MAJOR STATE AGENCY........3
Sec. 572.004. DEFINITION: REGULATION....................................................................4
Sec. 572.005. DETERMINATION OF SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST .................................4
Sec. 572.006. DETERMINATION OF DEPENDENT CHILD ...........................................5
Sec. 572.007. PENALTIES IMPOSED BY COMMISSION...............................................5
Sec. 572.008. VENUE ........................................................................................................5
SUBCHAPTER B. PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT ...........................................5
Sec. 572.021. FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIRED ....................................................5
Sec. 572.0211. FILING BY HOLDOVER OFFICER NOT REQUIRED ............................5
Sec. 572.022. REPORTING CATEGORIES; REQUIRED DESCRIPTIONS .....................6
Sec. 572.023. CONTENTS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT IN GENERAL (effective through
1-7-2019).............................................................................................................................6
Sec. 572.023. CONTENTS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT IN GENERAL (effective 1-8-
2019) ...................................................................................................................................8
Sec. 572.024. INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICES FOR LOBBYISTS OR LOBBYIST
EMPLOYERS ...................................................................................................................11
Sec. 572.025. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATORS'REPRESENTATION BEFORE
EXECUTIVE STATE AGENCIES....................................................................................11
Sec. 572.0251. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE CONTINUANCES................11
Sec. 572.0252. INFORMATION ABOUT REFERRALS..................................................12
Sec. 572.026. FILING DATES FOR STATE OFFICERS AND STATE PARTY CHAIRS
..........................................................................................................................................12
Sec. 572.027. FILING DATES FOR CANDIDATES........................................................12
Sec. 572.028. DUPLICATE STATEMENTS....................................................................13
Sec. 572.029. TIMELINESS OF FILING..........................................................................13
Sec. 572.0291. ELECTRONIC FILING REQUIRED (effective 5-29-17)............................13
Sec.572.0295. AMENDMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT(effective 1-8-19). ..............14
Sec. 572.030. PREPARATION AND MAILING OF FORMS ..........................................14
Sec. 572.031. DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH SUBCHAPTER...............15
Sec. 572.032. PUBLIC ACCESS TO STATEMENTS..........................................................15
Sec. 572.033. CIVIL PENALTY.......................................................................................16
Sec. 572.034. CRIMINAL PENALTY..............................................................................16
Texas Ethics Commission Page i Revised 9/1/2017
Table of Contents
Sec. 572.035. REMOVAL OF PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR FEDERAL JUDGES,
STATE JUDGES, AND SPOUSES......................................................................................16
SUBCHAPTER C. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT............................................................16
AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISIONS.............................................................16
Sec. 572.051. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT; STATE AGENCY ETHICS POLICY.......16
Sec. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE AGENCIES;
CRIMINAL OFFENSE......................................................................................................17
Sec. 572.053. VOTING BY LEGISLATORS ON CERTAIN MEASURES OR BILLS;
CRIMINAL OFFENSE......................................................................................................18
Sec. 572.0531. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR INTRODUCTION OR SPONSORSHIP OF OR
VOTING ON CERTAIN MEASURES OR BILLS BY LEGISLATORS...........................18
Sec. 572.054. REPRESENTATION BY FORMER OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE OF
REGULATORY AGENCY RESTRICTED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE ................................19
Sec. 572.055. CERTAIN SOLICITATIONS OF REGULATED BUSINESS ENTITIES
PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.............................................................................20
Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE...................................................................................20
Sec. 572.057. CERTAIN LEASES PROHIBITED............................................................20
Sec. 572.058. PRIVATE INTEREST IN MEASURE OR DECISION; DISCLOSURE;
REMOVAL FROM OFFICE FOR VIOLATION...............................................................21
Sec. 572.059. INDEPENDENCE OF STATE AND LOCAL OFFICERS ACTING IN
LEGISLATIVE CAPACITY .............................................................................................21
Sec. 572.060. SOLICITATION OF OR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES .........................................................................................................................22
Sec. 572.061. CERTAIN GRATUITIES AUTHORIZED .................................................23
Sec. 572.069. CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT FOR FORMER STATE OFFICER OR
EMPLOYEE RESTRICTED ...............................................................................................23
Texas Ethics Commission Page ii Revised 9/1/2017
Chapter 572, Government Code
GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 5. OPEN GOVERNMENT; ETHICS
SUBTITLE B. ETHICS
CHAPTER 572. PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE, STANDARDS OF
CONDUCT, AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 572.001. POLICY; LEGISLATIVE INTENT.
(a) It is the policy of this state that a state officer or state employee may not have a
direct or indirect interest, including financial and other interests, or engage in a business
transaction or professional activity, or incur any obligation of any nature that is in substantial
conflict with the proper discharge of the officer's or employee's duties in the public interest.
(b) To implement this policy and to strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of
this state in state government, this chapter provides standards of conduct and disclosure
requirements to be observed by persons owing a responsibility to the people and government of
this state in the performance of their official duties.
(c) It is the intent of the legislature that this chapter serve not only as a guide for official
conduct of those persons but also as a basis for discipline of those who refuse to abide by its
terms.
Sec. 572.002. GENERAL DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Appointed officer" means:
(A) the secretary of state;
(B) an individual appointed with the advice and consent of the senate to
the governing board of a state-supported institution of higher education;
(C) an officer of a state agency who is appointed for a term of office
specified by the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state, excluding an appointee to a vacated
elective office; or
(D) an individual who is a member of the governing board or
commission of a state agency, who is not appointed, and who is not otherwise:
(i) an elected officer;
(ii) an officer described by Paragraphs (A) through(C); or
(iii) an executive head of a state agency.
(2) "Business entity" means any entity recognized by law through which
business for profit is conducted, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation,
holding company,joint stock company, receivership, or trust.
(3) "Commission" means the Texas Ethics Commission.
(4) "Elected officer" means:
(A) a member of the legislature;
(B) an executive or judicial officer elected in a statewide election;
(C) a judge of a court of appeals or of a district court;
(D) a member of the State Board of Education;
Texas Ethics Commission Page 1 Revised 9/1/2017
Chapter 572, Government Code
(E) a district attorney or criminal district attorney; or
(F) an individual appointed to fill a vacancy in an office or appointed to
a newly created office who, if elected to the office instead of appointed, would be an elected
officer under this subdivision.
(5) "Executive head of a state agency" means the director, executive director,
commissioner, administrator, chief clerk, or other individual who is appointed by the governing
body or highest officer of the state agency to act as the chief executive or administrative officer
of the agency and who is not an appointed officer. The term includes the chancellor or highest
executive officer of a university system and the president of a public senior college or university
as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(6) "State party chair" means the state chair of any political party receiving
more than two percent of the vote for governor in the most recent general election.
(7) "Person" means an individual or a business entity.
(8) "Regulatory agency" means any department, commission, board, or other
agency, except the secretary of state and the comptroller, that:
(A) is in the executive branch of state government;
(B) has authority that is not limited to a geographical portion of the state;
(C) was created by the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state; and
(D) has constitutional or statutory authority to engage in regulation.
(9) "Salaried appointed officer" means an appointed officer who receives or is
authorized to receive a salary for state service but not a per diem or other form of compensation.
(10) "State agency" means:
(A) a department, commission, board, office, or other agency that:
(i) is in the executive branch of state government;
(ii) has authority that is not limited to a geographical portion of
the state; and
(iii) was created by the Texas Constitution or a statute of this
state;
(B) a university system or an institution of higher education as defined
by Section 61.003, Education Code, other than a public junior college; or
(C) a river authority created under the Texas Constitution or a statute of
this state.
(11) "State employee" means an individual, other than a state officer, who is
employed by:
(A) a state agency;
(B) the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of Criminal Appeals of
Texas, a court of appeals, or the Texas Judicial Council; or
(C) either house of the legislature or a legislative agency, council, or
committee, including the Legislative Budget Board, the Texas Legislative Council, the State
Auditor's Office, and the Legislative Reference Library.
(11-a) "State judge"means:
(A) a judge, former judge, or retired judge of an appellate court, a
district court, a constitutional county court, a county court at law, or a statutory probate court of
this state;
(B) an associate judge appointed under Chapter 201, Family Code, or a
retired associate judge or former associate judge appointed under that chapter;
Texas Ethics Commission Page 2 Revised 9/1/2017
Chapter 572, Government Code
(C) a magistrate or associate judge appointed under Chapter 54 or 54A;
(D) a justice of the peace; or
(E) a municipal court judge.
(12) "State officer" means an elected officer, an appointed officer, a salaried
appointed officer, an appointed officer of a major state agency, or the executive head of a state
agency.
Sec. 572.003. DEFINITION. APPOINTED OFFICER OF MAJOR STATE
AGENCY.
(a) In this chapter, "appointed officer of a major state agency" means an individual
listed in Subsection(b) or(c).
(b) The term means:
(1) the Banking Commissioner of The Banking Department of Texas;
(2) the administrative director of the Office of Court Administration of the
Texas Judicial System;
(3) the chief executive of the Office of Public Utility Counsel;
(4) the executive director of the State Bar of Texas;
(5) the director of the lottery division of the Texas Lottery Commission;
(6) the deputy in charge of the department of security in the lottery division of
the Texas Lottery Commission;
(7) the director of the bingo division of the Texas Lottery Commission; or
(8) the secretary of state.
(c) The term means a member of
(1) the Public Utility Commission of Texas;
(2) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;
(3) the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission;
(4) the Finance Commission of Texas;
(5) the Texas Facilities Commission;
(6) the Texas Board of Criminal Justice;
(7) the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas;
(8) the Texas Transportation Commission;
(9) the Texas Department of Insurance;
(10) the Parks and Wildlife Commission;
(11) the Public Safety Commission;
(12) the Texas Ethics Commission;
(13) the State Securities Board;
(14) the Texas Water Development Board;
(15) the governing board of a public senior college or university as defined by
Section 61.003, Education Code, or of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center,
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, The University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, The
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science
Center at Tyler, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Texas Tech
University Health Sciences Center, Texas State Technical College--Harlingen, Texas State
Technical College--Marshall, Texas State Technical College--Sweetwater, or Texas State
Technical College--Waco;
Texas Ethics Commission Page 3 Revised 9/1/2017
Chapter 572, Government Code
(16) the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board;
(17) the Texas Workforce Commission;
(18) the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas;
(19) the Credit Union Commission;
(20) the School Land Board;
(21) the board of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;
(22) the Texas Racing Commission;
(23) the State Board of Dental Examiners;
(24) the Texas Medical Board;
(25) the Board of Pardons and Paroles;
(26) the Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
(27) the Department of Information Resources governing board;
(28) the Motor Vehicle Board;
(29) the Texas Real Estate Commission;
(30) the board of directors of the State Bar of Texas;
(31) the Bond Review Board;
(32) the Health and Human Services Commission;
(33) the Texas Funeral Service Commission;
(34) the board of directors of a river authority created under the Texas
Constitution or a statute of this state;
(35) the Texas Lottery Commission; or
(36) the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
(d) The term includes the successor in function as provided by law to an office listed in
Subsection(b) or(c) if that office is abolished.
Sec. 572.004. DEFINITION: REGULATION. In this chapter, "regulation" means
rulemaking, adjudication, or licensing. In this definition:
(1) "Adjudication" means the process of an agency for formulating an order.
(2) "License" includes all or part of an agency permit, certificate, approval,
registration, charter, membership, statutory exemption, or other form of permission.
(3) "Licensing" includes the process of an agency concerning the grant, renewal,
denial, revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, limitation, amendment, modification, or
conditioning of a license.
(4) "Order" means all or part of a final disposition, whether affirmative,
negative, injunctive, or declaratory in form, of an agency in a matter other than rulemaking but
including licensing.
(5) "Rule" means all or part of an agency statement of general or particular
applicability and future effect designed to implement, interpret, or prescribe law or policy or to
describe the organization, procedure, or practice requirements of an agency.
Sec. 572.005. DETERMINATION OF SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST. An individual
has a substantial interest in a business entity if the individual:
(1) has a controlling interest in the business entity;
(2) owns more than 10 percent of the voting interest in the business entity;
(3) owns more than $25,000 of the fair market value of the business entity;
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(4) has a direct or indirect participating interest by shares, stock, or otherwise,
regardless of whether voting rights are included, in more than 10 percent of the profits, proceeds,
or capital gains of the business entity;
(5) is a member of the board of directors or other governing board of the
business entity;
(6) serves as an elected officer of the business entity; or
(7) is an employee of the business entity.
Sec. 572.006. DETERMINATION OF DEPENDENT CHILD. An individual's
child, including an adopted child or stepchild, is the individual's dependent during a calendar
year in which the individual provides more than 50 percent of the child's support.
Sec. 572.007. PENALTIES IMPOSED BY COMMISSION. This chapter does not
prohibit the imposition of civil penalties by the commission in addition to criminal penalties or
other sanctions imposed by law.
Sec. 572.008. VENUE. An offense under this chapter, including perjury, may be
prosecuted in Travis County or in any other county in which it may be prosecuted under the
Code of Criminal Procedure.
SUBCHAPTER B. PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Sec. 572.021. FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIRED. Except as provided by
Section 572.0211, a state officer, a partisan or independent candidate for an office as an elected
officer, and a state party chair shall file with the commission a verified financial statement
complying with Sections 572.022 through 572.0252.
Sec. 572.0211. FILING BY HOLDOVER OFFICER NOT REQUIRED.
(a) An appointed officer who resigns from office and who ceases to participate in the
state agency's functions is not required to file a financial statement that is due because of service
in that office after the effective date of the resignation.
(b) An appointed officer whose term of office expires and who ceases to participate in
the functions of the state agency is not required to file a financial statement that is due because of
service in that office after the date the term of office expires.
(c) An appointed officer of a state agency that is abolished or whose functions are
transferred to another state agency is not required to file a financial statement that is due because
of service after the date that the agency is abolished or the functions of the agency are
transferred.
(d) An appointed officer who resigns or whose term of office expires who does not
intend to participate in the functions of the state agency shall deliver written notice of the
officer's intention to the governor and the commission.
The changes in the law made to Section 572.022 by the 80th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2007, apply only to personal financial statements required
to be filed under this subchapter on or after January 1,2008.
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Sec. 572.022. REPORTING CATEGORIES; REQUIRED DESCRIPTIONS.
(a) If an amount in a financial statement is required to be reported by category, the
individual filing the statement shall report whether the amount is:
(1) less than $5,000;
(2) at least $5,000 but less than$10,000;
(3) at least $10,000 but less than$25,000; or
(4) $25,000 or more.
(b) The individual filing the statement shall report an amount of stock by category of
number of shares instead of by category of dollar value and shall report whether the amount is:
(1) less than 100 shares;
(2) at least 100 but less than 500 shares;
(3) at least 500 but less than 1,000 shares;
(4) at least 1,000 but less than 5,000 shares;
(5) at least 5,000 but less than 10,000 shares; or
(6) 10,000 shares or more.
(c) The individual filing the statement shall report a description of real property by
reporting:
(1) the street address, if available, or the number of lots or number of acres, as
applicable, in each county, and the name of the county, if the street address is not available; and
(2) the names of all persons retaining an interest in the property, excluding an
interest that is a severed mineral interest.
(d) For a gift of cash or a cash equivalent such as a negotiable instrument or gift
certificate that is reported in accordance with Section 572.023(b)(7), the individual filing the
statement shall include in the description of the gift a statement of the value of the gift.
Sec. 572.023. CONTENTS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT IN GENERAL (effective
through 1-7-2019).
(a) A financial statement must include an account of the financial activity of the
individual required by this subchapter to file a financial statement and an account of the financial
activity of the individual's spouse and dependent children if the individual had actual control
over that activity for the preceding calendar year.
(b) The account of financial activity consists of:
(1) a list of all sources of occupational income, identified by employer, or if self-
employed, by the nature of the occupation, including identification of a person or other
organization from which the individual or a business in which the individual has a substantial
interest received a fee as a retainer for a claim on future services in case of need, as distinguished
from a fee for services on a matter specified at the time of contracting for or receiving the fee, if
professional or occupational services are not actually performed during the reporting period
equal to or in excess of the amount of the retainer, and the category of the amount of the fee;
(2) identification by name and the category of the number of shares of stock of
any business entity held or acquired, and if sold, the category of the amount of net gain or loss
realized from the sale;
(3) a list of all bonds, notes, and other commercial paper held or acquired, and if
sold, the category of the amount of net gain or loss realized from the sale;
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(4) identification of each source and the category of the amount of income in
excess of$500 derived from each source from interest, dividends, royalties, and rents;
(5) identification of each guarantor of a loan and identification of each person or
financial institution to whom a personal note or notes or lease agreement for a total financial
liability in excess of$1,000 existed at any time during the year and the category of the amount of
the liability;
(6) identification by description of all beneficial interests in real property and
business entities held or acquired, and if sold, the category of the amount of the net gain or loss
realized from the sale;
(7) identification of a person or other organization from which the individual or
the individual's spouse or dependent children received a gift of anything of value in excess of
$250 and a description of each gift, except:
(A) a gift received from an individual related to the individual at any time
within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Subchapter B,
Chapter 573;
(B) a political contribution that was reported as required by Chapter 254,
Election Code; and
(C) an expenditure required to be reported by a person required to be
registered under Chapter 305;
(8) identification of the source and the category of the amount of all income
received as beneficiary of a trust, other than a blind trust that complies with Subsection (c), and
identification of each trust asset, if known to the beneficiary, from which income was received
by the beneficiary in excess of$500;
(9) identification by description of the category of the amount of all assets and
liabilities of a corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership,
professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or other business association in
which 50 percent or more of the outstanding ownership was held, acquired, or sold;
(10) a list of all boards of directors of which the individual is a member and
executive positions that the individual holds in corporations, firms, partnerships, limited
partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional corporations, professional associations,
joint ventures, or other business associations or proprietorships, stating the name of each
corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional
corporation, professional association, joint venture, or other business association or
proprietorship and the position held;
(11) identification of any person providing transportation, meals, or lodging
expenses permitted under Section 36.07(b), Penal Code, and the amount of those expenses, other
than expenditures required to be reported under Chapter 305;
(12) any corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability
partnership, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or other business
association, excluding a publicly held corporation, in which both the individual and a person
registered under Chapter 305 have an interest;
(13) identification by name and the category of the number of shares of any
mutual fund held or acquired, and if sold, the category of the amount of net gain or loss realized
from the sale; and
(14) identification of each blind trust that complies with Subsection (c),
including:
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(A) the category of the fair market value of the trust;
(B) the date the trust was created;
(C) the name and address of the trustee; and
(D) a statement signed by the trustee, under penalty of perjury, stating
that:
(i) the trustee has not revealed any information to the individual,
except information that may be disclosed under Subdivision(8); and
(ii) to the best of the trustee's knowledge, the trust complies with
this section.
(c) For purposes of Subsections (b)(8) and (14), a blind trust is a trust as to which:
(1) the trustee:
(A) is a disinterested party;
(B) is not the individual;
(C) is not required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305;
(D) is not a public officer or public employee; and
(E) was not appointed to public office by the individual or by a public
officer or public employee the individual supervises; and
(2) the trustee has complete discretion to manage the trust, including the power
to dispose of and acquire trust assets without consulting or notifying the individual.
(d) If a blind trust under Subsection (c) is revoked while the individual is subject to this
subchapter, the individual must file an amendment to the individual's most recent financial
statement, disclosing the date of revocation and the previously unreported value by category of
each asset and the income derived from each asset.
Sec. 572.023. CONTENTS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT IN GENERAL (effective
1-8-2019).
(a) A financial statement must include an account of the financial activity of the
individual required by this subchapter to file a financial statement and an account of the financial
activity of the individual's spouse and dependent children if the individual had actual control
over that activity for the preceding calendar year.
(b) The account of financial activity consists of:
(1) a list of all sources of occupational income, identified by employer, or if self-
employed, by the nature of the occupation, including identification of a person or other
organization from which the individual or a business in which the individual has a substantial
interest received a fee as a retainer for a claim on future services in case of need, as distinguished
from a fee for services on a matter specified at the time of contracting for or receiving the fee, if
professional or occupational services are not actually performed during the reporting period
equal to or in excess of the amount of the retainer, and the category of the amount of the fee;
(2) identification by name and the category of the number of shares of stock of
any business entity held or acquired, and if sold, the category of the amount of net gain or loss
realized from the sale;
(3) a list of all bonds, notes, and other commercial paper held or acquired, and if
sold, the category of the amount of net gain or loss realized from the sale;
(4) identification of each source and the category of the amount of income in
excess of$500 derived from each source from interest, dividends, royalties, and rents;
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(5) identification of each guarantor of a loan and identification of each person or
financial institution to whom a personal note or notes or lease agreement for a total financial
liability in excess of$1,000 existed at any time during the year and the category of the amount of
the liability;
(6) identification by description of all beneficial interests in real property and
business entities held or acquired, and if sold, the category of the amount of the net gain or loss
realized from the sale;
(7) identification of a person or other organization from which the individual or
the individual's spouse or dependent children received a gift of anything of value in excess of
$250 and a description of each gift, except:
(A) a gift received from an individual related to the individual at any time
within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under Subchapter B,
Chapter 573;
(B) a political contribution that was reported as required by Chapter 254,
Election Code; and
(C) an expenditure required to be reported by a person required to be
registered under Chapter 305;
(8) identification of the source and the category of the amount of all income
received as beneficiary of a trust, other than a blind trust that complies with Subsection (c), and
identification of each trust asset, if known to the beneficiary, from which income was received
by the beneficiary in excess of$500;
(9) identification:
(A) by description of a corporation,firm,partnership, limited partnership,
limited liability partnership, professional corporation,professional association,joint venture, or
other business association in which five percent or more of the outstanding ownership was held,
acquired, or sold, and
(B) by description and the category of the amount of all assets and
liabilities of a corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership,
professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or other business association in
which 50 percent or more of the outstanding ownership was held, acquired, or sold;
(10) a list of all boards of directors of which the individual is a member and
executive positions that the individual holds in corporations, firms, partnerships, limited
partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional corporations, professional associations,
joint ventures, or other business associations or proprietorships, stating the name of each
corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional
corporation, professional association, joint venture, or other business association or
proprietorship and the position held;
(11) identification of any person providing transportation, meals, or lodging
expenses permitted under Section 36.07(b), Penal Code, and the amount of those expenses, other
than expenditures required to be reported under Chapter 305;
(12) any corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability
partnership, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or other business
association, excluding a publicly held corporation, in which both the individual and a person
registered under Chapter 305 have an interest;
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(13) identification by name and the category of the number of shares of any
mutual fund held or acquired, and if sold, the category of the amount of net gain or loss realized
from the sale;
(14) identification of each blind trust that complies with Subsection (c),
including:
(A) the category of the fair market value of the trust;
(B) the date the trust was created;
(C) the name and address of the trustee; and
(D) a statement signed by the trustee, under penalty of perjury, stating
that:
(i) the trustee has not revealed any information to the individual,
except information that may be disclosed under Subdivision(8); and
(ii) to the best of the trustee's knowledge, the trust complies with
this section;
(15) if the aggregate cost of goods or services sold under one or more written
contracts described by this subdivision exceeds $10,000 in the year covered by the report,
identification of each written contract, including the name of each party to the contract:
(A)for the sale of goods or services in the amount of$2,500 or more;
(B) to which the individual, the individual's spouse, the individual's
dependent child, or any business entity of which the individual, the individual's spouse, or the
individual's dependent child, independently or in conjunction with one or more persons
described by this subsection, has at least a 50 percent ownership interest is a party; and
(C) with:
(i) a governmental entity; or
(ii) a person who contracts with a governmental entity, if the
individual or entity described by Paragraph (B) performs work arising out of the contract,
subcontract, or agreement between the person and the governmental entity for a fee; and
(16) if the individual is a member of the legislature and provides bond counsel
services to an issuer, as defined by Section 1201.002(1), identification of the following for each
issuance for which the individual served as bond counsel:
(A) the amount of the issuance;
(B) the name of the issuer;
(C) the date of the issuance;
(D) the amount offees paid to the individual, and whether the amount is:
(i) less than $5,000;
(ii) at least$5,000 but less than $10,000;
(iii) at least$10,000 but less than $25,000; or
(iv) $25,000 or more; and
(E) the amount of fees paid to the individual's firm, if applicable, and
whether the amount is:
(i) less than $5,000;
(ii) at least$5,000 but less than $10,000;
(iii) at least$10,000 but less than $25,000; or
(iv) $25,000 or more.
(c) For purposes of Subsections (b)(8) and (14), a blind trust is a trust as to which:
(1) the trustee:
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(A) is a disinterested party;
(B) is not the individual;
(C) is not required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305;
(D) is not a public officer or public employee; and
(E) was not appointed to public office by the individual or by a public
officer or public employee the individual supervises; and
(2) the trustee has complete discretion to manage the trust, including the power
to dispose of and acquire trust assets without consulting or notifying the individual.
(d) If a blind trust under Subsection (c) is revoked while the individual is subject to this
subchapter, the individual must file an amendment to the individual's most recent financial
statement, disclosing the date of revocation and the previously unreported value by category of
each asset and the income derived from each asset.
(e) In this section, "governmental entity"means this state, apolitical subdivision of the
state, or an agency or department of the state or apolitical subdivision of the state.
69 Subsection (b)(15) does not require the disclosure of an employment contract
between a school district or open-enrollment charter school and an employee of the district or
school.
(g) An individual who complies with any applicable requirements of Sections 51.954
and 51.955, Education Code, and Section 2252.908 of this code, in an individual capacity or as
a member or employee of an entity to which those sections apply, is not required to include in the
account of financial activity the information described by Subsection (b)(15) unless specifically
requested by the commission to include the information.
Sec. 572.024. INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICES FOR LOBBYISTS OR
LOBBYIST EMPLOYERS. A state officer who receives a fee for services rendered by the
officer to or on behalf of a person required to be registered under Chapter 305, or to or on behalf
of a person or entity that the officer actually knows directly compensates or reimburses a person
required to be registered under Chapter 305, shall report on the financial statement the name of
each person or entity for which the services were rendered and the category of the amount of
each fee.
Sec. 572.025. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATORS' REPRESENTATION
BEFORE EXECUTIVE STATE AGENCIES. A member of the legislature who represents
another person for compensation before an executive state agency shall report on the financial
statement:
(1) the name of the agency;
(2) the person represented by the member; and
(3) the category of the amount of compensation received by the member for that
representation.
Sec. 572.0251. INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE CONTINUANCES. A
member or member-elect of the legislature licensed to practice law in this state who represents a
party to a civil or criminal case for compensation and on that party's behalf applies for or obtains
a legislative continuance under Section 30.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, or under
another law or rule that requires or permits a court to grant a continuance on the grounds that an
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attorney for a party is a member or member-elect of the legislature shall report on the financial
statement:
(1) the name of the party represented;
(2) the date on which the member or member-elect was retained to represent the
party;
(3) the style and cause number of the action in which the continuance was
sought and the court and jurisdiction in which the action was pending when the continuance was
sought;
(4) the date on which the member or member-elect applied for a continuance;
and
(5) whether the continuance was granted.
Sec. 572.0252. INFORMATION ABOUT REFERRALS. A state officer who is an
attorney shall report on the financial statement:
(1) making or receiving any referral for compensation for legal services; and
(2) the category of the amount of any fee accepted for making a referral for
legal services.
The changes in the law made to Section 572.026 by the 80th Legislature,
Regular Session, 2007, apply only to personal financial statements required
to be filed under this subchapter on or after January 1,2008.
Sec. 572.026. FILING DATES FOR STATE OFFICERS AND STATE PARTY
CHAIRS.
(a) Not later than April 30 each year, a state officer or a state party chair shall file the
financial statement as required by this subchapter.
(b) An individual who is appointed to serve as a salaried appointed officer or an
appointed officer of a major state agency or who is appointed to fill a vacancy in an elective
office shall file a financial statement not later than the 30th day after the date of appointment or
the date of qualification for the office, or if confirmation by the senate is required, before the first
committee hearing on the confirmation, whichever date is earlier.
(c) An individual who is appointed or employed as the executive head of a state agency
shall file a financial statement not later than the 45th day after the date on which the individual
assumes the duties of the position. A state agency shall immediately notify the commission of
the appointment or employment of an executive head of the agency.
(d) An individual required to file a financial statement under Subsection (a) may
request the commission to grant an extension of not more than 60 days for filing the statement.
The commission shall grant the request if it is received before the filing deadline or if a timely
filing or request for extension is prevented because of physical or mental incapacity. The
commission may not grant more than one extension to an individual in one year except for good
cause shown.
Sec. 572.027. FILING DATES FOR CANDIDATES.
(a) An individual who is a partisan or independent candidate for an office as an elected officer
shall file the financial statement required by this subchapter not later than the later of:
(1) the 60th day after the date of the regular filing deadline for an application for a place
on the ballot in the general primary election; or
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(2) February 12.
(b) If the deadline under which a candidate files an application for a place on the ballot,
other than the regular filing deadline for an independent candidate, or files a declaration of write-
in candidacy falls after the date of the regular filing deadline for candidates in the general
primary election, the candidate shall file the financial statement not later than the 30th day after
that later deadline. However, if that deadline falls after the 35th day before the date of the
election in which the candidate is running, the candidate shall file the statement not later than the
fifth day before the date of that election.
(c) An individual who is a candidate in a special election for an office as an elected
officer shall file the financial statement not later than the fifth day before the date of that
election.
(d) An individual nominated to fill a vacancy in a nomination as a candidate for a
position as an elected officer under Chapter 145, Election Code, shall file the financial statement
not later than the 15th day after the date the certificate of nomination required by Section
145.037 or 145.038, Election Code, is filed.
Sec. 572.028. DUPLICATE STATEMENTS. If an individual has filed a financial
statement under one provision of this subchapter covering the preceding calendar year, the
individual is not required to file a financial statement required under another provision of this
subchapter to cover that same year if, before the deadline for filing the statement under the other
provision, the individual notifies the commission in writing that the individual has already filed a
financial statement under the provision specified.
Sec. 572.029. TIMELINESS OF FILING.
(a) The deadline for filing a financial statement required by this subchapter is 5 p.m. of
the last day designated in the applicable provision for filing the statement.
(b) If the last day for filing the financial statement is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday
included under Subchapter B, Chapter 662, the statement is timely if filed on the next day that is
not a Saturday, Sunday, or listed holiday.
(c) A financial statement is timely filed if it is properly addressed and placed in the
United States Post Office or in the hands of a common or contract carrier not later than the last
day for filing the financial statement. The post office cancellation mark or the receipt mark of a
common or contract carrier is prima facie evidence of the date the statement was deposited with
the post office or carrier. The individual filing the statement may show by competent evidence
that the actual date of posting was different from that shown by the marks.
Sec. 572.0291. ELECTRONIC FILING REQUIRED (effective 5-29-17).
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a financial statement filed with the
commission must be filed by computer diskette, modem, or other means of electronic transfer,
using computer software provided by the commission or computer software that meets
commission specifications for a standard file format.
(b) An individual who was appointed to office and who is required to file a financial
statement with the commission under this subchapter may file the financial statement by certified
mail. The filing by mail must be in compliance with Section 572.029.
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Sec.572.0295. AMENDMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT(effective 1-8-19).
(a) A person who files a financial statement under this chapter may amend the person's
statement.
(b) A financial statement that is amended is considered to have been filed on the date on
which the original statement was filed if:
(1) the amendment is made on or before the 14th day after the date the person
filing the statement learns of an error or omission in the original statement;
(2) the original financial statement was made in good faith and without an intent
to mislead or to misrepresent the information contained in the statement; and
(3) the person filing the amendment accompanies the amendment with a
declaration that:
(A) the person became aware of the error or omission in the original
statement during the preceding 14 days; and
(B) the original statement was made in good faith and without intent to
mislead or to misrepresent the information contained in the statement.
Sec. 572.030. PREPARATION AND MAILING OF FORMS.
(a) The commission shall design forms that may be used for filing the financial
statement under this subchapter.
(b) The commission shall mail to each individual required to file under this subchapter
a notice that:
(1) states that the individual is required to file a financial statement under this
subchapter;
(2) identifies the filing dates for the financial statement as provided by Sections
572.026 and 572.027;
(3) describes the manner in which the individual may obtain the financial
statement forms and instructions from the commission's Internet website;
(4) states that on request of the individual, the commission will mail to the
individual a copy of the financial statement forms and instructions; and
(5) states, if applicable, the fee for mailing the forms and instructions and the
manner in which the individual may pay the fee.
(c) The notice required by Subsection(b) must be mailed:
(1) before the 30th day before the deadline for filing the financial statement
under Section 572.026(a) or(c), except as otherwise provided by this subsection;
(2) not later than the 15th day after the applicable deadline for filing an
application for a place on the ballot or a declaration of write-in candidacy for candidates required
to file under Section 572.027(a), (b), or(c);
(3) not later than the seventh day after the date of appointment for individuals
required to file under Section 572.026(b), or if the legislature is in session, sooner if possible;
and
(4) not later than the fifth day after the date the certificate of nomination is filed
for candidates required to file under Section 574.027(d).
(d) The commission shall mail a copy of the financial statement forms and instructions
to an individual not later than the third business day after the date the commission receives the
individual's request for the forms and instructions.
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(e) The commission may charge a fee for mailing the financial statement forms and
instructions to an individual. The amount of the fee may not exceed the reasonable cost of
producing and mailing the forms and instructions.
Sec. 572.031. DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE WITH SUBCHAPTER.
(a) The commission shall conduct a continuing survey to determine whether all
individuals required to file financial statements under this subchapter have filed statements in
compliance with this subchapter.
(b) If the commission determines that an individual has failed to file the statement in
compliance with this subchapter, the commission shall send a written statement of the
determination to the appropriate prosecuting attorneys of the state.
Sec. 572.032. PUBLIC ACCESS TO STATEMENTS.
(a) Financial statements filed under this subchapter are public records. The
commission shall maintain the statements in separate alphabetical files and in a manner that is
accessible to the public during regular office hours.
Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2017, 85th R.S., ch. 983 (H.B. 776)
(changes effective June 15, 2017)
(a-1) The commission shall remove the home address, the telephone number, and the
names of the dependent children of an individual from a financial statement filed by the
individual under this subchapter before:
(1) permitting a member of the public to view the statement;
(2) providing a copy of the statement to a member of the public; or
(3) making the statement available to the public on the commission's Internet
website, if the commission makes statements filed under this subchapter available on its website.
Text of subdivision as added by Acts 2017, 85th R.S., ch. 34 (S.B. 1576)
(changes effective September 1, 2017)
(a-1) Before permitting a member of the public to view a financial statement filed under
this subchapter or providing a copy of the statement to a member of the public, the commission
shall remove from the statement, if applicable, the home address of:
(1) a judge or justice; or
(2) a member of the governing board or executive head of the Texas Civil
Commitment Office.
(b) During the one-year period following the filing of a financial statement, each time a
person requests to see the financial statement, excluding the commission or a commission
employee acting on official business, the commission shall place in the file a statement of the
person's name and address, whom the person represents, and the date of the request. The
commission shall retain that statement in the file for one year after the date the requested
financial statement is filed.
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(c) After the second anniversary of the date the individual ceases to be a state officer,
the commission may and on notification from the former state officer shall destroy each financial
statement filed by the state officer.
Sec. 572.033. CIVIL PENALTY.
(a) The commission shall determine from any available evidence whether a statement
required to be filed under this subchapter is late. On making a determination that the statement is
late, the commission shall immediately mail a notice of the determination to the individual
responsible for filing the statement and to the appropriate attorney for the state.
(b) If a statement is determined to be late, the individual responsible for filing the
statement is liable to the state for a civil penalty of$500. If a statement is more than 30 days late,
the commission shall issue a warning of liability by registered mail to the individual responsible
for the filing. If the penalty is not paid before the 10th day after the date on which the warning is
received, the individual is liable for a civil penalty in an amount determined by commission rule,
but not to exceed $10,000.
(c) This section is cumulative of any other available sanction for a late filing of a sworn
statement.
Sec. 572.034. CRIMINAL PENALTY.
(a) An individual commits an offense if the individual is a state officer or candidate or
state party chair and knowingly and wilfully fails to file a financial statement as required by this
subchapter.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
(c) In a prosecution for failure to file a financial statement under this section, it is a
defense that the individual did not receive copies of the financial statement form required by this
subchapter to be mailed to the individual.
Sec. 572.035. REMOVAL OF PERSONAL INFORMATION FOR FEDERAL
JUDGES, STATE JUDGES, AND SPOUSES. On receiving notice from the Office of Court
Administration of the Texas Judicial System of the judge's qualification for the judge's office, the
commission shall remove or redact from any financial statement, or information derived from a
financial statement, that is available to the public the residence address of a federal judge, a
state judge, or the spouse of a federal or state judge.
SUBCHAPTER C. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST PROVISIONS
Sec. 572.051. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT; STATE AGENCY ETHICS
POLICY.
(a) A state officer or employee should not:
(1) accept or solicit any gift, favor, or service that might reasonably tend to
influence the officer or employee in the discharge of official duties or that the officer or
employee knows or should know is being offered with the intent to influence the officer's or
employee's official conduct;
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(2) accept other employment or engage in a business or professional activity
that the officer or employee might reasonably expect would require or induce the officer or
employee to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of the official position;
(3) accept other employment or compensation that could reasonably be expected
to impair the officer's or employee's independence of judgment in the performance of the
officer's or employee's official duties;
(4) make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a
substantial conflict between the officer's or employee's private interest and the public interest; or
(5) intentionally or knowingly solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit for
having exercised the officer's or employee's official powers or performed the officer's or
employee's official duties in favor of another.
(b) A state employee who violates Subsection (a) or an ethics policy adopted under
Subsection (c) is subject to termination of the employee's state employment or another
employment-related sanction. Notwithstanding this subsection, a state officer or employee who
violates Subsection (a) is subject to any applicable civil or criminal penalty if the violation also
constitutes a violation of another statute or rule.
(c) Each state agency shall:
(1) adopt a written ethics policy for the agency's employees consistent with the
standards prescribed by Subsection(a) and other provisions of this subchapter; and
(2) distribute a copy of the ethics policy and this subchapter to:
(A) each new employee not later than the third business day after the
date the person begins employment with the agency; and
(B) each new officer not later than the third business day after the date
the person qualifies for office.
(d) The office of the attorney general shall develop, in coordination with the
commission, and distribute a model policy that state agencies may use in adopting an agency
ethics policy under Subsection (c). A state agency is not required to adopt the model policy
developed under this subsection.
(e) Subchapters E and F, Chapter 571, do not apply to a violation of this section.
(f) Notwithstanding Subsection (e), if a person with knowledge of a violation of an
agency ethics policy adopted under Subsection (c) that also constitutes a criminal offense under
another law of this state reports the violation to an appropriate prosecuting attorney, then, not
later than the 60th day after the date a person notifies the prosecuting attorney under this
subsection, the prosecuting attorney shall notify the commission of the status of the prosecuting
attorney's investigation of the alleged violation. The commission shall, on the request of the
prosecuting attorney, assist the prosecuting attorney in investigating the alleged violation. This
subsection does not apply to an alleged violation by a member or employee of the commission.
Sec. 572.052. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATORS BEFORE STATE
AGENCIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) A member of the legislature may not, for compensation, represent another person
before a state agency in the executive branch of state government unless the representation:
(1) is pursuant to an attorney-client relationship in a criminal law matter; or
(2) involves the filing of documents that involve only ministerial acts on the part
of the commission, agency, board, department, or officer.
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(b) A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section.
An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Sec. 572.053. VOTING BY LEGISLATORS ON CERTAIN MEASURES OR
BILLS; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) A member of the legislature may not vote on a measure or a bill, other than a
measure that will affect an entire class of business entities, that will directly benefit a specific
business transaction of a business entity in which the member has a controlling interest.
(b) In this section, "controlling interest" includes:
(1) an ownership interest or participating interest by virtue of shares, stock, or
otherwise that exceeds 10 percent;
(2) membership on the board of directors or other governing body of the
business entity; or
(3) service as an officer of the business entity.
(c) A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section.
An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Sec. 572.0531. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR INTRODUCTION OR
SPONSORSHIP OF OR VOTING ON CERTAIN MEASURES OR BILLS BY
LEGISLATORS.
(a) A member shall file a notice as required by Subsection (b) before introducing,
sponsoring, or voting on a measure or bill if the member's spouse or a person related to the
member within the first degree by consanguinity, as determined under Subchapter B, Chapter
573, is registered as a lobbyist under Chapter 305 with respect to the subject matter of the
measure or bill.
(b) A member of the house of representatives to whom Subsection (a) applies shall file
a written notice of that fact with the chief clerk of the house of representatives. A senator to
whom Subsection (a) applies shall file a written notice of that fact with the secretary of the
senate. The member shall also file a notice with the commission. A notice filed under this
subsection must:
(1) identify:
(A) the member;
(B) the measure, bill, or class of measures or bills with respect to which
the notice is required under this section; and
(C) the person registered as a lobbyist; and
(2) be included in the journal of the house to which the member belongs.
(c) A person related to the member to whom Subsection (a) applies shall file a notice
with the commission identifying:
(1) the person;
(2) the member; and
(3) the class of measures or bills with respect to which notice is required under
this section.
(d) A person related to the member to whom Subsection (a) applies shall file the notice
required by Subsection(c) not later than:
(1) the beginning of a regular or special legislative session as to which the
person is registered as a lobbyist under Chapter 305 and will communicate directly with a
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Chapter 572, Government Code
member of the legislative branch with respect to the measure, bill, or class of measures or bills;
or
(2) the seventh business day after the day the person agrees to accept
reimbursement or compensation to communicate directly with a member of the legislative branch
with respect to the measure, bill, or class of measures or bills, if the person agrees to accept the
reimbursement or compensation after the beginning of a legislative session.
(e) A member of the legislature who violates this section is subject to discipline by the
house to which the member belongs, as provided by Section 11, Article III, Texas Constitution.
(f) In this section, "communicates directly with" and "member of the legislative branch"
have the meanings assigned by Section 305.002.
Sec. 572.054. REPRESENTATION BY FORMER OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE
OF REGULATORY AGENCY RESTRICTED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) A former member of the governing body or a former executive head of a regulatory
agency may not make any communication to or appearance before an officer or employee of the
agency in which the member or executive head served before the second anniversary of the date
the member or executive head ceased to be a member of the governing body or the executive
head of the agency if the communication or appearance is made:
(1) with the intent to influence; and
(2) on behalf of any person in connection with any matter on which the person
seeks official action.
(b) A former state officer or employee of a regulatory agency who ceases service or
employment with that agency on or after January 1, 1992, may not represent any person or
receive compensation for services rendered on behalf of any person regarding a particular matter
in which the former officer or employee participated during the period of state service or
employment, either through personal involvement or because the case or proceeding was a
matter within the officer's or employee's official responsibility.
(c) Subsection(b) applies only to:
(1) a state officer of a regulatory agency; or
(2) a state employee of a regulatory agency who is compensated, as of the last
date of state employment, at or above the amount prescribed by the General Appropriations Act
for step 1, salary group 17, of the position classification salary schedule, including an employee
who is exempt from the state's position classification plan.
(d) Subsection(b) does not apply to a rulemaking proceeding that was concluded before
the officer's or employee's service or employment ceased.
(e) Other law that restricts the representation of a person before a particular state
agency by a former state officer or employee of that agency prevails over this section.
(f) An individual commits an offense if the individual violates this section. An offense
under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
(g) In this section, the comptroller and the secretary of state are not excluded from the
definition of"regulatory agency."
(g-1) For purposes of this section, the Department of Information Resources is a
regulatory agency.
(h) In this section:
(1) "Participated" means to have taken action as an officer or employee through
decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, giving advice, investigation, or similar action.
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Chapter 572, Government Code
(2) "Particular matter" means a specific investigation, application, request for a
ruling or determination, rulemaking proceeding, contract, claim, charge, accusation, arrest, or
judicial or other proceeding.
Sec. 572.055. CERTAIN SOLICITATIONS OF REGULATED BUSINESS
ENTITIES PROHIBITED; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) An association or organization of employees of a regulatory agency may not solicit,
accept, or agree to accept anything of value from a business entity regulated by that agency and
from which the business entity must obtain a permit to operate that business in this state or from
an individual directly or indirectly connected with that business entity.
(b) A business entity regulated by a regulatory agency and from which the business
entity must obtain a permit to operate that business in this state or an individual directly or
indirectly connected with that business entity may not offer, confer, or agree to confer on an
association or organization of employees of that agency anything of value.
(c) This section does not apply to an agency regulating the operation or inspection of
motor vehicles or an agency charged with enforcing the parks and wildlife laws of this state.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly violates this
section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Sec. 572.056. CONTRACTS BY STATE OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES; CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
(a) A state officer may not solicit or accept from a governmental entity a commission,
fee, bonus, retainer, or rebate that is compensation for the officer's personal solicitation for the
award of a contract for services or sale of goods to a governmental entity.
(b) This section does not apply to:
(1) a contract that is awarded by competitive bid as provided by law and that is
not otherwise prohibited by law; or
(2) a court appointment.
(c) In this section, "governmental entity" means the state, a political subdivision of the
state, or a governmental entity created under the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state.
(d) A state officer who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this
subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
Sec. 572.057. CERTAIN LEASES PROHIBITED.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (d), a member of the legislature, an executive or
judicial officer elected in a statewide election, or a business entity in which the legislator or
officer has a substantial interest may not lease any office space or other real property to the state,
a state agency, the legislature or a legislative agency, the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of
Criminal Appeals, or a state judicial agency.
(b) A lease made in violation of Subsection(a) is void.
(c) This section does not apply to an individual who is an elected officer on June 16,
1989, for as long as the officer holds that office.
(d) A member of the legislature or a business entity in which the legislator has a
substantial interest may donate the use of office space that the member or entity owns and that is
located in the member's district to the house of the legislature in which the member serves to be
used for the member's official business. Office space donated under this subsection is not a
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Chapter 572, Government Code
contribution for purposes of Title 15, Election Code. Acceptance of a donation of office space
under this subsection is not subject to Section 301.032.
Sec. 572.058. PRIVATE INTEREST IN MEASURE OR DECISION;
DISCLOSURE; REMOVAL FROM OFFICE FOR VIOLATION.
(a) An elected or appointed officer, other than an officer subject to impeachment under
Article XV, Section 2, of the Texas Constitution, who is a member of a board or commission
having policy direction over a state agency and who has a personal or private interest in a
measure, proposal, or decision pending before the board or commission shall publicly disclose
the fact to the board or commission in a meeting called and held in compliance with Chapter 551.
The officer may not vote or otherwise participate in the decision. The disclosure shall be entered
in the minutes of the meeting.
(b) An individual who violates this section is subject to removal from office on the
petition of the attorney general on the attorney general's own initiative or on the relation of a
resident or of any other member of the board or commission. The suit must be brought in a
district court of Travis County or of the county where the violation is alleged to have been
committed.
(c) If the court or jury finds from a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant
violated this section and that an ordinary prudent person would have known the individual's
conduct to be a violation of this section, the court shall enter judgment removing the defendant
from office.
(d) A suit under this section must be brought before the second anniversary of the date
the violation is alleged to have been committed, or the suit is barred.
(e) The remedy provided by this section is cumulative of other methods of removal
from office provided by the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state.
(f) In this section, "personal or private interest" has the same meaning as is given to it
under Article III, Section 22, of the Texas Constitution, governing the conduct of members of the
legislature. For purposes of this section, an individual does not have a "personal or private
interest" in a measure, proposal, or decision if the individual is engaged in a profession, trade, or
occupation and the individual's interest is the same as all others similarly engaged in the
profession, trade, or occupation.
Sec. 572.059. INDEPENDENCE OF STATE AND LOCAL OFFICERS ACTING
IN LEGISLATIVE CAPACITY.
(a) In this section, "legislative measure" includes:
(1) a bill, resolution, order, or other proposal to adopt, enact, amend, or repeal a
statute, ordinance, rule, or policy of general application;
(2) a proposal to adopt, enact, amend, or repeal, or to grant a variance or other
exception to, a zoning ordinance; or
(3) a proposed constitutional amendment or charter amendment subject to a vote
of the electorate.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a), a measure that is applicable to a class or subset of
persons or matters that is defined in general terms without naming the particular persons or
matters is a measure of general application.
(c) To protect the independence of state and local officers acting in a legislative
capacity, a state or local officer, whether elected or appointed, including a member of the
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Chapter 572, Government Code
governing body of a school district or other political subdivision of this state, may not be subject
to disciplinary action or a sanction, penalty, disability, or liability for:
(1) an action permitted by law that the officer takes in the officer's official
capacity regarding a legislative measure;
(2) proposing, endorsing, or expressing support for or opposition to a legislative
measure or taking any action permitted by law to support or oppose a legislative measure;
(3) the effect of a legislative measure or of a change in law proposed by a
legislative measure on any person; or
(4) a breach of duty, in connection with the member's practice of or employment
in a licensed or regulated profession or occupation, to disclose to any person information, or to
obtain a waiver or consent from any person, regarding:
(A) the officer's actions relating to a legislative measure; or
(B) the substance, effects, or potential effects of a legislative measure.
Sec. 572.060. SOLICITATION OF OR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING
CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITIES.
(a) Unless otherwise prohibited by the Code of Judicial Conduct, a state officer or state
employee may:
(1) solicit from any person a contribution to:
(A) an organization that:
(i) is exempt from income taxation under Section 501(a), Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, by being listed under Section 501(c)(3) of that code;
(ii) does not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part
of the organization's activities; and
(iii) has not elected under Section 501(h), Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, to have that subsection apply to the organization; or
(B) a governmental entity; or
(2) recommend to any person that the person make a contribution to an
organization or entity described by Subdivision(1).
(b) A monetary contribution solicited or recommended as provided by Subsection (a)
must:
(1) be paid or made directly to the charitable organization or governmental
entity by the person making the contribution;
(2) be in the form of a check, money order, or similar instrument payable to the
charitable organization or governmental entity; or
(3) be in the form of a deduction from a state employee's salary or wage
payment under the state employee charitable campaign under Subchapter I, Chapter 659.
(c) A contribution solicited or recommended as provided by Subsection (a) that is not a
monetary contribution must be delivered directly to the charitable organization or governmental
entity by the person making the contribution.
(d) A contribution paid as provided by Subsection (b) or delivered as provided by
Subsection(c) is not:
(1) a political contribution to, or political expenditure on behalf of, the state
officer or state employee for purposes of Title 15, Election Code;
(2) an expenditure for purposes of Chapter 305; or
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Chapter 572, Government Code
(3) a benefit to the state officer or state employee for purposes of Sections 36.08
and 36.09, Penal Code.
Sec. 572.061. CERTAIN GRATUITIES AUTHORIZED. This subchapter does not
prohibit the acceptance of a gratuity that is accepted and reported in accordance with Section
11.0262, Parks and Wildlife Code.
Sec. 572.069. CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT FOR FORMER STATE OFFICER OR
EMPLOYEE RESTRICTED. A former state officer or employee of a state agency who during
the period of state service or employment participated on behalf of a state agency in a
procurement or contract negotiation involving a person may not accept employment from that
person before the second anniversary of the date the contract is signed or the procurement is
terminated or withdrawn.
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HOLDOVERS IN OFFICE MUST FILE A DEADLINE EXTENSIONS,
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINES &WAIVERS
The reporting requirement,which is triggered by any
Deadline Extensions Helpful Hints
service as a state officer between January 1 and April If your financial statement is due on the regular (April 30) For Filing
30,applies to all state officers including those"holding filing deadline,you may ask the Ethics Commission for a 60-
over" in office, unless the exemption described at the day extension to file the statement.The commission can only Your
end of this section applies. grant an extension if it is requested before the filing
deadline. Only one extension may be given except for good
cause shown. Extensions may not be granted for alternate
The holdover provision, set out in article XVI, section filing deadlines. Personal
17, of the Texas Constitution, states: "All officers
within this State shall continue to perform the duties Fines
of their offices until their successors shall be duly
qualified." The purpose of that provision is to enable a penalty is automatically assessed for the late filing of Financial
a financial statement,and other sanctions may accrue as the
government to continue to function despite vacancies result of a sworn complaint. If a filer fails to file a report or
on state agency boards or commissions. This pay a penalty,the matter is referred to the attorney general.
sometimes generates confusion because a person may Criminal penalties may also apply. Statement
still be considered a state officer even though he or she
has resigned or the term of office has expired. Waivers
A filer may request the executive director of the Ethics Com-
Thus if you resign or your term expires before January mission to administratively waive or reduce a late fine under
1, you will nonetheless have to file a financial sections 18.23, 18.24, 18.25 and 18.26 of the Texas Ethics
statement if your successor was not appointed and Commission Rules. Any other request or appeal for waiver
duly qualified before January 1. Assume,for example, must be considered by the members of the commission
that you resign from a state board on October 3,2015, itself
but your replacement is not appointed until February NOTE: Incorrect advice from your agency is not grounds for
1, 2016. You will be required to file the report due an administrative waiver.
April 30,2016. You will not be required to file in 2017.
Texas Ethics Commission
P.0.Box 12070
OEven if you have resigned or Austin,Texas 78711-2070
your term has expired, you (512)463-5800
may be required to file a Fax(512)463-5777
personal financial statement Visit us at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
as a "holdover" in office. A GUIDE FOR
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the
publications of the Texas Ethics Commission are available ✓ All elected and appointed state officers
by request in alternative formats. To request an accessible
Exemption: If you are an appointed officer, as format, please contact our ADA Compliance Officer by Members of the boards of river authorities
defined by section 572.002 of the Government Code, telephone at 512-463-5800;or by mail in care of the Texas
you are not required to file a personal financial Ethics Commission,P.0.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711- Executive heads of state agencies
statement if the following criteria are met before 2070. ✓ State political party chairs
January 1 of the year the statement is due: (1) your
term expired, you resigned, your agency was The Texas Ethics Commission is an Equal Opportunity
abolished, or your agency functions were transferred Employer and does not discriminate in providing services
to another agency;and(2)you ceased to participate in or employment.
the state agency's functions. If your term expired or if Copies of this publication have been distributed in
you resigned, you are required to provide written compliance with the State Depository Law, and are
notice of your intent to not participate in the agency's available for public use through the Texas State Revised June 13,2017
functions to the Office of the Governor and to the Texas Publications Depository Program at the Texas State Library
Ethics Commission. and other state depository libraries.
REQUIREMENT TO FILE&FILING DEADLINES
Elected Officeholders and Candidates for Elected Office: Under state law, a personal financial statement (PFS) filed with the Texas Ethics Commission by an
elected officeholder,a candidate for an elected office,or a state party chair must be filed electronically using the commission's online filing application.
Individuals Appointed to Office: Under new state law effective May 29, 2017, a PFS filed with the Texas Ethics Commission by an individual appointed to office
may be filed electronically using the commission's online filing application or on a paper Form PFS. For more information, go to www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/
pfsforms insAppoint.html on the Commission's website. Note:A person who is required to file a PFS with the Ethics Commission as a candidate for office or as an elected
official does not have the option to file a PFS on paper.
Local Filers: If you are filing a PFS with a local filing authority,you must ensure that the PFS is in the proper format required by the 1 ocal filing authority.
Filing Deadlines
Any service as a state officer between and including January 1 and April 30 in a calendar year triggers the requirement to file a personal financial statement with the Ethics
Commission. The REGULAR FILING DEADLINE IS APRIL 30 each year (or the next business day if the 30th falls on a weekend or holiday), unless one of the alternate filing
deadlines listed below applies.
Alternate Filing Deadlines for Certain State Officers in the 1st Year of Appointment
1.An appointed salaried officer,appointee filling a vacancy in elective office,or appointee of a major state agency must file on the earliest of the following dates: (1)within 30
days of appointment or qualification,or(2)before the first committee hearing on confirmation if senate confirmation is required.
2.The executive head of a state agency-who is not an appointed officer for purposes of determining the filing deadline-must file within 45 days after assuming duties.
Alternate Filing Deadlines for Candidates for Elective Office
1.An individual who is a partisan or independent candidate for an office as an elected officer shall file the financial statement not later than the later of the 60th day after the
date of the regular filing deadline for an application for a place on the ballot in the general primary election,or February 12.
2. If the date for filing for ballot access or filing a declaration of write-in candidacy falls after the regular filing deadline for candidates in the primary election,the deadline
may vary. Please contact the Ethics Commission.
NOTE: A financial statement must be filed each year. The statement must be filed with the Ethics Commission,not with the Governor oryour agency,to be considered timely filed. Ifyou must file in
more than one capacity—e.g.you serve on more than one board—only one financial statement must be filed. Duplicate statements covering the same calendaryear are never required.
INFORMATION TO BE REPORTED
Previous Year's Activity:The financial statement discloses information about your financial activity for the preceding year. For example,if you are required to file in April 2017,
you will report the financial activity that occurred during calendar year 2016. This information must be provided even if you were not yet a state officer during the previous year. You are
required to disclose financial activity in which you have an ownership interest (e.g., community property). You are also required to disclose the separate financial activity (e.g., separate
property)of your spouse or a dependent child if you had actual control over that financial activity,notwithstanding a partition agreement. See Texas Ethics Commission Rule§40.2.
New Appointees: An appointed salaried officer,appointee filling a vacancy in elective office,appointee of a major state agency,or the executive head of a state agency must file a personal
financial statement during the first year of his or her appointment.For these newly appointed officers,the period covered by the first required personal financial statement is determined
by the date the officer is appointed to the office. A new appointee's first personal financial statement covers the entire calendar year preceding the year of appointment rather than
preceding the year the statement is due. For example, a person appointed to serve on the board of a major state agency effective December 15, 2016, is required to file a personal
financial statement due January 14,2017. This personal financial statement covers activity occurring between and including January 1 and December 31,2015.Other new appointees,
such as appointees to non-major state agencies, will file a personal financial statement on the April 30 deadline. The personal financial statement will cover activity for the entire
calendar year preceding the year the statement is due.
Family: You are required to disclose financial activity in which you have an ownership interest(e.g.,community property). You are also required to disclose the separate financial activity
(e.g.,separate property)of your spouse or a dependent child if you had actual control over that financial activity,notwithstanding a partition agreement. See Texas Ethics Commission Rule
§40.2.
Family information does not need to be provided when the forms specifically ask for information about the"state officer'only.
Gifts: As a state officer,you should be aware that some gifts are regulated or restricted by the lobby statute and the Penal Code. "Gift,"for purposes of financial disclosure,is a
broader category than"gift"for purposes of the other laws. For financial disclosure reporting purposes,it encompasses any type of gift,including food and beverages. You must report all
gifts you received worth more than $250. For personal financial statements filed on or after January 1, 2008, the description of a gift of cash or a cash equivalent, such as a negotiable
instrument or gift certificate,must include a statement of the value of the gift.There are exceptions to this reporting requirement for a gift from a relative,political contributions that are
reported under the Election Code,or a gift from a lobbyist who reports the gift on the lobbyist's activity report. If you are unsure whether a gift is from(or reported by)a lobbyist,report it.
TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
FORM PFS - INSTRUCTION GUIDE
,Sp''t E OF
x y
Revised January 8,2019
Texas Ethics Commission
201 E.14th St.,Sam Houston Bldg.,loth Floor,Austin,TX 78701
P.O.Box 12070,Austin,Texas 78711
(512)463-5800 TTY:(800)735-2989
www.ethics.state.tx.us
Promoting Public Confidence in Government
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERALINSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................1
Whois Required to File?........................................................................................................1
Completingthe Form..............................................................................................................3
WhatNot to Include................................................................................................................4
PeriodCovered.......................................................................................................................4
Substitutionof Forms..............................................................................................................4
FilingDeadlines......................................................................................................................5
TimelyFilings.........................................................................................................................5
Extension of the April 30th Deadline.....................................................................................5
LateFiling Penalty..................................................................................................................5
Changesin Information ..........................................................................................................6
RecordsRetention...................................................................................................................6
COMPLETINGFORM PFS ........................................................................................................7
CoverSheet Page 1 ............................................................................................................... 7
CoverSheet Page 2.................................................................................................................9
FinancialActivity....................................................................................................................9
Part 1. Sources of Occupational Income and Retainers ........................................................9
Part2. Stock.........................................................................................................................11
Part 3. Bonds,Notes, and Other Commercial Paper............................................................11
Part4. Mutual Funds ...........................................................................................................12
Part 5. Income from Interest, Dividends, Royalties, and Rents ..........................................12
Part 6. Personal Notes and Lease Agreements.....................................................................13
Part 7. Interests in Real Property and Business Entities......................................................13
Part8. Gifts..........................................................................................................................15
Part9. Trust Income.............................................................................................................15
Part10. Blind Trusts............................................................................................................16
Part 11. Ownership, Assets, and Liabilities of Business Associations................................17
Part 12. Boards and Executive Positions .............................................................................19
Part 13. Expenses Accepted Under Honorarium Exception ...............................................19
Part 14. Interest in Business in Common with a Lobbyist...................................................20
Part 15. Fees Received for Services Rendered to a Lobbyist or Lobbyist's Employer........20
Part 16. Representation by Legislator before State Agency ...............................................21
Part 17. Benefits Derived from Functions Honoring Public Servant ..................................22
Part 18. Legislative Continuances .......................................................................................22
Part 19. Contracts with Governmental Entity or Governmental Entity Contractor ............23
Part 20. Bond Counsel Fees Paid to Legislator ...................................................................24
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT AFFIDAVIT.........................................................25
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Every "state officer," as defined by chapter 572 of the Government Code, and the state chair of
each political party, must file an annual personal financial statement with the Texas Ethics
Commission ("Commission"). The requirement extends to each person who served as a state
officer for any part of the period beginning January 1 of the year the statement is due and ending
April 30.
Please note that an appointed or elected officer continues to serve as a state officer until his or
her successor has qualified for office. For example, a person who resigned or whose term ended
in November of one year will need to file a personal financial statement covering that year if the
person was not replaced until January of the following year or later. However, if you are an
appointed officer, as defined by section 572.002 of the Government Code, you are not required
to file a personal financial statement if the following criteria are met before January 1 of the year
the statement is due: (1) your term expired, you resigned, your agency was abolished, or your
agency functions were transferred to another agency; and (2) you ceased to participate in the
state agency's functions. If your term expired or if you resigned, you are required to provide
written notice of your intent to not participate in the agency's functions to the Office of the
Governor and to the Commission.
Every candidate for one of the elective public offices listed in chapter 572 must also file a
personal financial statement with the Commission prior to the primary election date. Please see
FILING DEADLINES in this guide or the filing schedule on the Ethics Commission website for
the filing deadline. In addition, certain local candidates and officeholders may be required to file
a personal financial statement, using this form, with a local filing authority under chapter 159 of
the Local Government Code.
If you have questions about whether you are required to file this form, please visit our website at
www.ethics.state.tx.us. The website also provides access to chapter 572 of the Government Code,
commission rules, filing schedules, and personal financial statement brochures.
The Commission also provides information about whether a public servant is permitted to accept
gifts or other benefits under the Penal Code or lobby law. Disclosing an impermissible benefit
does not legalize its acceptance.
WHO IS REQUIRED TO FILE?
Chapter 572, Government Code. The following individuals are required to file a personal
financial statement with the Commission under chapter 572 of the Government Code:
■ Appointed officers of executive branch state agencies;
• Executive heads of state agencies;
■ Board members and executive heads of river authorities;
• Officeholders in and candidates for the following offices:
1. Member of the Texas Legislature;
2. Statewide elected officer;
3. Justice of a court of appeals;
4. District judge;
5. District or criminal district attorney; and
6. Member of the State Board of Education;
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■ Former or retired judges sitting by assignment;' and
■ State chair of any political party receiving more than two percent of
the vote for governor in the most recent general election.
Chapter 159, Local Government Code (Statutory County Court/Probate Court Judges).
Chapter 159, Local Government Code, requires statutory county court and statutory probate
court judges and judicial candidates for those offices to file a personal financial statement with
either the county clerk or the Commission. A filer who chooses to file with the Commission must
notify the county clerk of the decision to file with the Commission on or before the deadline for
filing the personal financial statement. Local Gov't Code § 159.052(b). A filer who chooses to
file with the Commission may be subject to a ,$500 late filing penalty if the report is filed after
the deadline.
Other Local Filers. Other local officers, candidates, or even employees may also be required to
file a personal financial statement with a local filing authority. Some of those filing authorities
may choose to use the Commission Form PFS-LOCAL (for individuals who file with a local
filing authority). Consult chapter 159 of the Local Government Code for additional information.
Section 11.064, Education Code (School Board Trustees). The board of trustees in ANY
independent school district may adopt a resolution requiring members of the board of trustees to
file personal financial statements. The commissioner of education may also require members of
the board of trustees of an independent school district to file personal financial statements in
specified circumstances. A personal financial statement required to be filed under this section
must be filed with the board of trustees AND with the Commission.
Section 11.0641, Education Code (Certain School Board Trustees). This applies to the board
of trustees of an independent school district that is located in a county that is located on the
international border and in which a municipality with a population of 600,000 or more is located.
A personal financial statement required to be filed under this section must be filed with the board
of trustees AND with the commissioners court of the county in which the school district's
administrative office is located.
Municipalities with Populations of 100,000 or More. The mayor, members of the governing
body, the municipal attorney, and the city manager of municipalities with a population of
100,000 or more are required to file personal financial statements with the clerk or secretary of
the municipality. The Texas Ethics Commission does not have jurisdiction over this filing
requirement. See chapter 145 of the Local Government Code for additional information.
Sport and Community Venue Districts. Directors of sports and community venue districts
may be required to file personal financial statements with the board of directors of the district
and with the Texas Ethics Commission. Consult Sections 335.102 and 335.1085 of the Local
Government Code for additional information. Note that the requirement to file a personal
financial statement applies only to directors of districts located in a county with a population of
2.4 million or more.
1 A former or retired judge who sits by assignment at the district court level or above must complete a personal
financial statement.Attorney General Opinion H-526(1975).
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COMPLETING THE FORM
Elected Officeholders and Candidates for Elected Office: Under state law, a personal
financial statement (PFS) filed with the Commission by an elected officeholder, a candidate for
an elected office, or a state party chair must be filed electronically. A Filer ID is needed to file a
PFS electronically. You can contact the Commission to obtain a Filer ID to access the electronic
filing application. Go to www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf in
fo_pfs.htm to file the report
electronically.
Individuals Appointed to Office: Under new state law effective May 29, 2017, a PFS filed
with the Commission by an appointed officer may be filed electronically using the online filing
application or on paper. The Commission strongly recommends that you file the PFS
electronically. Go to www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/pfsforms_benefit.html to see some of the
benefits to electronic filing. Appointed officers who have the option to file on paper include:
• the secretary of state;
• an individual appointed with the advice and consent of the senate to the governing
board of a state-supported institution of higher education;
• an officer of a state agency who is appointed for a term of office specified by the
Texas Constitution or a statute of this state;
• a director, executive director, commissioner, administrator, chief clerk, or other
individual who is appointed by the governing body or highest officer of the state
agency;
• the chancellor or highest executive officer of a university system and the president of
a public senior college or university as defined by Section 61.003, Educ. Code;
• a former or retired judge who sits by assignment at the district court level; and
• an individual appointed to fill a vacancy in an elected office.
Note: A person who is required to file a PFS with the Commission as a candidate for office or as
an elected official does not have the option to file a PFS on paper.
Local Filers: If you are filing a PFS with a local filing authority, you must ensure that the PFS
is in the proper format required by the local filing authority.
All forms filed on paper must be either typewritten or legibly hand-printed in ink. If requested
information is not applicable to your activities, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet. A
complete statement consists of the Cover Sheet and parts of the form on which you have
information to report. Every part of the form should either be completed or marked "not
applicable" on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Complete Form PFS by using one of the following methods:
1. PFS Online Electronic Filing Application: Go to
www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf in
fo_pfs.htm to file the PFS electronically with the
Commission; or
2. Blank Fillable Form PFS: Complete either Form PFS-TEC (for individuals who file
with the Commission) or Form PFS-LOCAL (for individuals who file with a local
filling authority) on your computer by going to
www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo%_pfsfrm.htm to access a fillable Form PFS without
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using the PFS filing application. Once you complete the applicable form, you must
print it out, sign it, have it notarized, and deliver it to the proper filing authority; or
3. Paper Form PFS and Instructions: Go to
www.ethics.state.U.us/filinginfo/pfsforms Paper.html to obtain the PFS Instruction
Guide and the applicable paper form. You must print out either Form PFS-TEC (for
individuals who file with the Commission) or Form PFS-LOCAL (for individuals who
file with a local filling authority), complete it, sign it, have it notarized, and deliver it to
the proper filing authority.
WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE
Please note that personal financial statements are public records. Do not include unrequired
information that is confidential or proprietary, such as your social security number, driver's
license number, financial account numbers, or copies of your tax returns.
PERIOD COVERED
In most cases, the personal financial statement covers activity for the entire calendar year
preceding the year the statement is due. For example, a personal financial statement due in 2017
covers activity occurring between and including January 1 and December 31, 2016.
New Appointees. An appointed salaried officer, appointee filling a vacancy in elective office,
appointee of a major state agency, or the executive head of a state agency must file a personal
financial statement during the first year of his or her appointment. For these newly appointed
officers, the period covered by the first required personal financial statement is determined by
the date the officer is appointed to the office. A new appointee's first personal financial
statement covers the entire calendar year preceding the year of appointment rather than
preceding the year the statement is due. For example, a person appointed to serve on the board of
a major state agency effective December 15, 2016, is required to file a personal financial
statement due January 14, 2017. This personal financial statement covers activity occurring
between and including January 1 and December 31, 2015. Other new appointees, such as
appointees to non-major state agencies, will file a personal financial statement on the April 30
deadline. The personal financial statement will cover activity for the entire calendar year
preceding the year the statement is due.
Please contact the Commission for further information if you have questions about the period
covered by a personal financial statement.
SUBSTITUTION OF FORMS
If you are filing with the Commission, and you are eligible to claim an exemption to electronic
filing,you may use your own computer generated form if it provides for disclosure of all the
information required on the Commission's form and it is substantially identical in paper size,
color, layout, and format. A substitute form that is substantially identical to the Commission's
prescribed form must be submitted for pre-approval by the Commission's executive director.
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FILING DEADLINES
Annual Statement. The regular filing deadline for the annual personal financial statement is
April 30 for non-candidates.
Candidate Statement. A partisan or independent candidate for elective office who is required to
file a personal financial statement must file it no later than the 40th day after the date of the
regular filing deadline for filing an application to be on the ballot in the general primary election.
The deadline applies whether or not the candidate runs in a primary election.
Others. All other individuals required to file the personal financial statement (such as appointed
officers and executive directors filing for the first time) should contact the Commission for
further information about the applicable filing deadline.
TIMELY FILINGS
Electronic reports must be filed by midnight, Central Time Zone, on the night of the filing
deadline.
A personal financial statement filed on paper with the proper filing authority by first-class United
States mail or by common or contract carrier is timely filed if
(1) it is properly addressed with postage or handling charges prepaid; and
(2) it bears a post office cancellation mark or a receipt mark from a common or contract
carrier indicating it was sent on or before the deadline, or if the filer furnishes satisfactory
proof that it was deposited in the mail or with a common or contract carrier on or before
the deadline.
A hand-delivered statement is timely filed if it is delivered to the proper filing authority by 5:00
p.m. on the deadline date.
Note: A person who is required to file a personal financial statement (PFS) with the Commission
as a candidate for office or as an elected official does not have the option to file a PFS on paper.
EXTENSION OF THE APRIL 30TH DEADLINE
A state officer filing the annual personal financial statement due April 30 may request a 60-day
extension of the filing deadline. The executive director of the Commission shall grant such a
request if the request is made on or before the regular deadline. A statutory county court or
probate court judge is also eligible for a 60-day extension of the April 30 deadline if the judge
requests the extension on or before the regular filing deadline. Extensions may not be granted
for any other personal financial statement filing deadline, such as the deadline for candidates
or newly-appointed board members.
LATE FILING PENALTY
An individual who files the personal financial statement with the Commission may be assessed a
$500 late filing penalty if the personal financial statement is not filed by the deadline. If the
statement is more than 30 days late, the commission may increase the penalty to an amount not
to exceed$10,000.
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CHANGES IN INFORMATION
If you discover after the filing deadline that the personal financial statement you filed was
incorrect or incomplete, you must file a corrected financial statement. Please contact the
Commission for additional information.
RECORDS RETENTION
The Commission recommends that you retain a copy of a filed financial disclosure statement and
the supporting documentation for at least two years after the deadline for filing the statement. See
Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 236.
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COMPLETING FORM PITS
Use Form PFS-TEC if you are filing this personal financial statement with the Commission.
Use Form PFS-LOCAL if you are filing this personal financial statement with a filing authority
other than the Commission.
COVER SHEET PAGE 1
1. Name: List your name.
2. Address: List the address at which you would like to receive communications from this
office, such as notices of your filing requirements.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
3. Telephone Number: List a telephone number at which you can be reached during regular
business hours.
4. Reason for Filing Statement: Check the appropriate box to indicate the capacity in which
you are filing this personal financial statement. Generally, if you file in more than one capacity,
you will check all applicable boxes. You are only required to file one personal financial
statement for the same calendar year, even if you fit within more than one category.
Form PFS-LOCAL:
Candidate: If you are a candidate for an elected office, check this box and indicate which
office you seek. Identify the office completely, including the district or place name, if
applicable. See Who Is Required to File? under the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS of this
guide for a list of the applicable offices.
Elected Officer: If you are an elected officeholder, check this box and indicate which
office you hold. Identify the office completely, including the district or place name, if
applicable. See Who Is Required to File? under the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS of this
guide for a list of the applicable offices.
Example: Frank is running for mayor. He should check the "Candidate" box and
write "Mayor" to indicate the office he seeks. Jane is the Smallville city council
member for District 1. She should check the "Elected Officer" box and write
"Smallville City Council District 1."
Other: If you are filing because you hold a position other than one of the positions listed
above, check other and describe the position.
See the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS for detailed information about who is required to file a
personal financial statement.
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Form PFS-TEC:
Candidate: If you are a candidate for an elected office, check this box and indicate which
office you seek. Identify the office completely, including the district or place name, if
applicable. See Who Is Required to File? under the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS of this
guide for a list of the applicable offices.
Elected Officer: If you are an elected officeholder, check this box and indicate which
office you hold. Identify the office completely, including the district or place name, if
applicable. See Who Is Required to File? under the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS of this
guide for a list of the applicable offices.
Example: Frank is running for judge in the 560th Judicial District. He should check
the "Candidate"box and write "Judge, 560th District"to indicate the office he seeks.
Jane is the judge for Mars County Court at Law Number 2. She should check the
"Elected Officer"box and write "Mars County Court at Law No. 2."
Appointed Officer: If you are an appointed officeholder of a state agency, check this box
and indicate the agency.
Executive Head: If you are the executive head of a state agency, check this box and
indicate the agency.
Note: "State agency" is defined as:
(A) a department, commission, board, office, or other agency that:
(i) is in the executive branch of state government;
(ii) has authority that is not limited to a geographical portion of the state; and
(iii)was created by the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state;
(B) a university system or an institution of higher education as defined by Section
61.003, Education Code, other than a public junior college; or
(C) a river authority created under the Texas Constitution or a statute of this state.
Gov't Code § 572.002(10).
Former or Retired Judge Sitting by Assignment: If you are a former or retired judge
who sits by assignment at the district court level or above, check this box.
State Party Chair: If you are a state party chair, check this box and indicate the party.
Other: If you are filing because you hold a position other than one of the positions listed
above, check other and describe the position.
See the GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS for detailed information about who is required to file a
personal financial statement.
5. Names of Family Members Whose Financial Activity You Are Reporting: In Parts 1
through 14, you are required to disclose financial activity in which you have an ownership
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interest (e.g., community property). You are also required to disclose the separate financial
activity (e.g., separate property) of your spouse or a dependent child if you had actual control
over that financial activity, notwithstanding a partition agreement. See Texas Ethics Commission
Rule § 40.2.
Spouse. If you are reporting any financial activity for your spouse on this financial
statement, enter your spouse's full name here.
Dependent Child. If you are reporting any financial activity for a dependent child on this
financial statement, enter the child's full name here. If you are reporting information about
more than one dependent child, please list the children separately on the appropriate lines.
If you are not reporting financial activity for a dependent child, do not enter that child's
name on this form. A child (including an adopted child or a step-child) is considered a
dependent if you provided more than 50 percent of the child's support during a calendar
year. Note: Statutory county court or probate court judges may request in writing that the
names of dependent children listed on Form PFS be deleted before the form is made
available to the public.
COVER SHEET PAGE 2
6. Parts Not Applicable: Check the appropriate boxes to indicate which parts of the form are
not applicable to you. If the box for a part is checked, then no pages for that part must be
included in the filed report. If the box is not checked, then pages for that part must be included in
the report.
FINANCIAL ACTIVITY
In Parts 1 through 18, you will disclose information about your financial activity during the
preceding calendar year. In Parts 1 through 14, you are required to disclose financial activity in
which you have an ownership interest (e.g., community property). You are also required to
disclose the separate financial activity (e.g., separate property) of your spouse or a dependent
child if you had actual control over that financial activity, notwithstanding a partition agreement.
See Texas Ethics Commission Rule § 40.2. When reporting information about a dependent
child's activity in Parts 1 through 14, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet under item 5.
PART 1. SOURCES OF OCCUPATIONAL INCOME AND RETAINERS
PART 1A. SOURCES OF OCCUPATIONAL INCOME
Complete a block for each source of occupational income. Occupational income refers to income
derived from current occupational activity rather than income received as a pension or from a
retirement plan associated with past occupational activity. Information about retirement funds or
income may be reportable under some other category. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 392. If
the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
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1. Information Relates to: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the source relates to
you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
2. Employment: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the individual the information
relates to is employed by another or self-employed.
Employed by Another. If the individual is employed by another, provide the name and address
of the employer and the position held.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
Self-Employed. If the individual is self-employed, report the nature of the occupation, e.g.,
attorney, carpenter, etc.
PART 1B. RETAINERS
This section asks for information about fees received by you, your spouse, or a dependent child,
or received by a business in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child have a "substantial
interest," as a retainer for a claim on future services in case of need, rather than fees for services
on a matter specified at the time of contracting for or receiving the fee. Report such retainers
only in cases in which the value of the amount of work actually performed during the calendar
year did not equal or exceed the value of the retainer. If the requested information is not
applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Example: Last year you received a retainer for $1 S,000 for consulting services in case of need.
You ended up providing $S,000 worth of services during the calendar year. You should report
the entire $1 S,000 retainer on this year's financial statement, which covers last year's activity.
Substantial Interest. An individual has a substantial interest in a business entity if the
individual:
(1)has a controlling interest in the business entity;
(2) owns more than 10 percent of the voting interest in the business entity;
(3) owns more than $25,000 of the fair market value of the business entity;
(4) has a direct or indirect participating interest by shares, stocks, or otherwise, regardless
of whether voting rights are included, in more than 10 percent of the profits, proceeds, or
capital gains of the business entity;
(5) is a member of the board of trustees or other governing board of the business entity;
(6) serves as an elected officer of the business entity; or
(7) is an employee of the business entity.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
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1. Fee Received from: Provide the name and address of the individual or entity from whole the
fee was received.
2. Fee Received by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the fee was received by you,
your spouse, or a dependent child. If the fee was received by a business, provide the name of the
business.
3. Fee Amount: Check the appropriate fee category for the amount received.
PART 2. STOCK
This section is for information about business entities in which you, your spouse, or a dependent
child held or acquired stock. Complete a separate block for each entity in which stock was held
or acquired. If stocks are held in a managed investment account for which the filer does not make
investment decisions but where the filer retains ownership of the individual stocks in the
account, the filer is still required to disclose the individual stocks held in the account. See Ethics
Advisory Opinion No. 326. However, if the stocks are held in a fund, of which the filer owns
shares of the fund, the filer is required to report only the ownership of the fund (see Part 4,
Mutual Funds). Id. If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the
Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Business Entity: Enter the name of the business entity in which the stock was held or
acquired.
2. Stock Held or Acquired by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the stock was
held or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
3. Number of Shares: If the number of shares held or acquired fluctuated during the year,
indicate the category for the greatest number of shares held or acquired during the year.
4. If Sold: Complete this section if you sold any of the indicated stock during the year. Check
whether the sale resulted in a net gain or a net loss and indicate the amount of the net gain or net
loss by checking the appropriate monetary category. If you had several transactions involving
stock of a particular entity, indicate the net gain or net loss resulting from those transactions for
the year. You do not have to show the net gain or net loss from each sale of stock in the same
business entity.
PART 3. BONDS, NOTES,AND OTHER COMMERCIAL PAPER
This section is for information about bonds, notes, and other commercial paper held or acquired
by you, your spouse, or a dependent child. Complete a separate block for each bond, note, or
other commercial instrument held or acquired. If the requested information is not applicable,
indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
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1. Description of Instrument: Briefly describe the instrument.
Commercial Paper. Commercial paper includes any type of negotiable instrument, such as
certificates of deposit (CDs), money market certificates, treasury bills, or bills of exchange.
2. Held or Acquired by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the instrument was held
or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
3. If Sold: Complete this section if you sold any of the instruments during the year. Check
whether the sale resulted in a net gain or a net loss and indicate the amount of the net gain or net
loss by checking the appropriate monetary category.
PART 4. MUTUAL FUNDS
This section is for information about shares of mutual funds held or acquired by you, your
spouse, or a dependent child. Complete a separate block for each mutual fund in which shares
were held or acquired. If you are disclosing ownership of a mutual fund, you are not also
required to disclose ownership of the stocks contained in the fund on Part 3, Stocks. See Ethics
Advisory Opinion No. 326. If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2
of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Mutual Fund: Enter the name of the mutual fund in which shares were held or acquired.
2. Shares of Mutual Funds Held or Acquired by: Check the appropriate box indicating
whether the shares in the mutual fund were held or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent
child.
3. Number of Shares of Mutual Fund: If the number of shares held or acquired fluctuated
during the year, indicate the category for the greatest number of shares held or acquired during
the year.
4. If Sold: Complete this section if you sold any of the indicated shares of the mutual fund
during the year. Check whether the sale resulted in a net gain or a net loss and indicate the
amount of the net gain or net loss by checking the appropriate monetary category. If you had
several transactions involving shares of the mutual fund, indicate the net gain or net loss
resulting from those transactions. You do not have to show the net gain or net loss from each sale
of shares of the mutual fund.
PART 5. INCOME FROM INTEREST,DIVIDENDS,ROYALTIES,AND RENTS
If you, your spouse, or a dependent child received more than $500 from any source in interest,
dividend, royalty, or rent income, identify the source of the income and the category of the
amount received. Complete a separate block for each source of interest, dividend, royalty, or rent
income. If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 12 Revised 01/08/2019
1. Source of Income: Provide the name and address of the source of income. If the source of
income is a publicly traded corporation, an address is not required (for Part 5 only). If the source
of income is a publicly traded corporation, check the "Publicly held corporation"box, and do not
include the address. If the source of income is not a publicly traded corporation, you must
include the address.
2. Received by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the income was received by you,
your spouse, or a dependent child.
3. Amount: Check the appropriate monetary category for the amount received.
PART 6. PERSONAL NOTES AND LEASE AGREEMENTS
Complete this section if at any time during the year you, your spouse, or a dependent child owed
a financial obligation in excess of$1,000 to a person or financial institution on a personal note or
notes or a lease agreement. Complete a separate block for each person or institution holding a
personal note or lease agreement covered by this section. If the requested information is not
applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Person or Institution Holding Note or Lease Agreement: Identify the person or institution
(for example, "Zebu National Bank", "Echidna Mortgage Company") holding the personal note
or lease agreement on which you, your spouse, or a dependent child owed the obligation.
2. Liability of: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the personal note or lease
agreement is the liability of you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
3. Guarantor: If the obligation was a loan, identify the guarantor of the loan, if any.
4. Amount: Check the appropriate monetary category for the amount of the liability. If the
amount of the liability fluctuated throughout the year, select the category that represents the
highest balance at any point throughout the year.
PART 7. INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY AND BUSINESS ENTITIES
This section is for reporting beneficial interests held or acquired in real property and business
entities. Part 7A pertains to interest in real property and Part 7B pertains to interest in business
entities. Refer to the following definitions when completing both Parts 7A and 7B. If the
requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Beneficial Interest. A beneficial interest may be either legal or equitable title (such as when a
creditor takes the legal title as security for the repayment of a debt). Report items held by a trust
of which you are a beneficiary under Part 9 rather than under this section.
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Business Entity. 'Business entity" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation,
holding company,joint stock company, receivership, trust, or any other entity recognized by law
through which business for profit is conducted.
PART 7A. INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Held or Acquired by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the interest is held or
acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
2. Street Address: Enter the street address of the real property, if applicable, and include the
city, county, and state where the real property is located.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
3. Description: Check whether the real property consists of lots or acres. Provide the number of
lots or acres, as applicable, and the name of each county in which the lots or acres are located.
If the real property is identifiable by a street address, you may provide that information in Item 3
of this part in lieu of filling out this item.
4. Names of Persons Retaining an Interest: List the names of any persons retaining an interest
in the real property other than you, your spouse, or a dependent child. The requirement to list the
names of persons retaining an interest in real property does not apply to a severed mineral
interest.
Example: If you own a house and make mortgage payments, you would list the house in this
section and list the mortgage holder as another person retaining an interest in the property.
5. If Sold: Complete this item only if you sold the interest during the year. Check whether the
sale resulted in a net gain or a net loss and indicate the amount of the net gain or net loss by
checking the appropriate monetary category.
PART 7B. INTERESTS IN BUSINESS ENTITIES
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Held or Acquired by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the interest is held or
acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
2. Description: Provide the name and address of the business entity.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
3. If Sold: Complete this item only if you sold the interest during the year. Check whether the
sale resulted in a net gain or a net loss and indicate the amount of the net gain or net loss by
checking the appropriate monetary category.
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PART 8. GIFTS
This section is for reporting gifts worth more than $250 received by you, your spouse, or a
dependent child, other than 1) a gift required to be reported by a lobbyist as a lobby expenditure,
2) a political contribution, or 3) a gift from a person related to you within the second degree by
consanguinity or affinity. The term "gift" in Government Code section 572.023(b)(7) is broader
than the term "gift" in Penal Code chapter 36 (bribery and gift laws) or in Government Code
chapter 305 (lobby law). See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 71. Some examples of gifts that may
require disclosure include a reception to honor a state officer (see Ethics Advisory Opinion No.
415), items of value provided to an officer at a charitable fundraiser (see Ethics Advisory
Opinion No. 71), gifts to a state officer's child for a birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, quinceaiiera, or
christening (see Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 421), and waiver of a symposium fee (see Ethics
Advisory Opinion No. 29), but not provision of facilities for use by a state officer's child for an
event that is a required part of a school-sponsored activity (see Ethics Advisory Opinion No.
428). If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Gifts from Relatives. A parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild is related to you
within the second degree by consanguinity. Individuals related to you within the second degree
by affinity include the spouse of anyone related to you within the second degree by
consanguinity, and anyone related to your spouse within the second degree by consanguinity.
You are not required to report gifts from these individuals.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Donor: Provide the name and address of the person or organization giving the gift.
2. Recipient: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the gift was given to you, your
spouse, or a dependent child. If the gift was given to more than one person, check as many boxes
as apply.
3. Description: Describe the gift. The description of a gift of cash or a cash equivalent, such as
a negotiable instrument or gift certificate, must include a statement of the value of the gift.
PART 9. TRUST INCOME
Complete this section if any income was received as a beneficiary of a trust, other than a blind
trust, the definition of which is included in the PART l0A of these instructions. Identify the trust
by name and indicate the category of the amount received. If the requested information is not
applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Source: Provide the name of the trust.
2. Beneficiary: Check the appropriate box indicating whether you, your spouse, or a dependent
child is the beneficiary of the trust.
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3. Income: Check the appropriate monetary category to indicate the amount of income received
by the beneficiary.
4. Assets: Identify each asset of the trust from which more than $500 in income was received, if
you know the identity of the asset. Accordingly, you are not required to identify the assets of a
blind trust.
PART 10. BLIND TRUSTS
This section is for reporting each blind trust, as defined by section 572.023(c) of the Government
Code, in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child is a beneficiary. If the requested
information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet for Part 10A and Part
1013.
PART 10A. BLIND TRUSTS
Section 572.023(c), Government Code. A blind trust is a trust as to which:
(1) the trustee:
(A) is a disinterested party;
(B) is not the individual;
(C) is not required to register as a lobbyist under chapter 305 [of the Government
Code];
(D) is not a public officer or public employee; and
(E) was not appointed to public office by the individual or by a public officer or public
employee the individual supervises; and
(2) the trustee has complete discretion to manage the trust, including the power to dispose
of and acquire trust assets without consulting or notifying the individual.
You must submit a statement signed by the trustee of each trust listed on this section. See Part
lOB for additional information.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Name of Trust: Provide the name of the trust.
2. Trustee: Provide the name and address of the trustee.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
3. Beneficiary: Check the appropriate box indicating whether you, your spouse, or a dependent
child is the beneficiary of the trust.
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4. Fair Market Value: Check the appropriate monetary category to indicate the fair market
value of the trust.
5. Date Created: Report the date the trust was created.
PART 10B. TRUSTEE STATEMENT
You must submit with your personal financial statement a statement signed by the trustee of each
blind trust listed on Part 10A.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Name of Trust: Provide the name of the trust.
2. Trustee Name: Provide the name of the trustee.
3. Filer on Whose Behalf Statement is Being Filed: Provide the name of the person on whose
behalf the trustee statement is being filed.
4. Trustee Statement: Signature of the trustee.
PART 11A. OWNERSHIP OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
Part IIA is required for a PFS due on or after January 8, 2019.
Complete this section if you, your spouse, or a dependent child held, acquired, or sold 5 percent
or more of the outstanding ownership of a corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership,
limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or
other business association. Part I IA is separate from Part 1113 and Part I IC of the PFS. If the
requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Business Association: Provide the name and address of the business association.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
2. Business Type: State whether the business is a corporation, firm, partnership, limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association,joint
venture, or other business association.
3. Held, Acquired, or Sold by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the ownership
was held, acquired, or sold by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
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PART 11B. ASSETS OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
Complete this section if you, your spouse, or a dependent child held, acquired, or sold 50 percent
or more of the outstanding ownership of a corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership,
limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or
other business association. Part 1113 pertains to assets of the corporation or partnership, and Part
I I C pertains to liabilities of the corporation or partnership. If the requested information is not
applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Business Association: Provide the name and address of the business association.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
2. Business Type: State whether the business is a corporation, firm, partnership, limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association,joint
venture, or other business association.
3. Held, Acquired, or Sold by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the ownership
was held, acquired, or sold by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
4. Assets: Describe each asset of each business association and check the appropriate monetary
category.
PART 11C. LIABILITIES OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
Complete this section if you, your spouse, or a dependent child held, acquired, or sold 50 percent
or more of the outstanding ownership of a corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership,
limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or
other business association. Part 11 C pertains to liabilities of the corporation or partnership, and
Part I I B pertains to assets of the corporation or partnership. If the requested information is not
applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Business Association: Provide the name and address of the business association.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
2. Business Type: State whether the business is a corporation, firm, partnership, limited
partnership, limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association,joint
venture, or other business association.
3. Held, Acquired, or Sold by: Check the appropriate box indicating whether the ownership
was held, acquired, or sold by you, your spouse, or a dependent child.
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4. Liabilities: Describe each liability of the business association and check the appropriate
monetary category.
PART 12. BOARDS AND EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
This section is for information about all boards of directors of which you, your spouse, or a
dependent child are a member and all executive positions held in corporations, firms,
partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, professional corporations,
professional associations,joint ventures, or other business associations or proprietorships. If the
requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Non-Profits. This section applies to boards of directors and executive positions with non-profit
as well as for-profit entities.
Compensated Service. If you, your spouse, or a dependent child received payment for positions
listed in this section, you may also be required to list the entity under PART IA. SOURCES OF
OCCUPATIONAL INCOME.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Organization: Provide the name of the organization.
2. Position Held: Provide the position held in the organization.
3. Position Held by: Check the appropriate box to indicate whether the position is held by you,
your spouse, or a dependent child.
PART 13. EXPENSES ACCEPTED UNDER HONORARIUM EXCEPTION
Generally, section 36.07 of the Penal Code prohibits a public servant from accepting an
honorarium in consideration for providing services he or she would not have been asked to
provide but for his or her official position. The provision does not, however, prohibit the
acceptance of necessary transportation, lodging, or meals in connection with a conference or
similar event at which the public servant renders services, such as addressing an audience or
participating in a seminar, that are more than merely perfunctory. If someone provided you with
transportation, meals, or lodging under this provision, identify the donor and provide the amount
of expenditures made. You may have to contact the donor to obtain the amount. If the requested
information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Political Contributions and Lobby Expenditures. You are not required to list items you or
another candidate have already reported on a campaign finance report or items required to be
reported by a lobbyist as lobby expenditures. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 401.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Provider: Provide the name and address of the person making the expenditures.
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2. Amount: Provide the amount of the expenditures.
PART 14. INTEREST IN BUSINESS IN COMMON WITH A LOBBYIST
Complete this section by identifying any corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership,
limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional association, joint venture, or
other business association, other than a publicly held corporation, in which both you, your
spouse, or a dependent child, and a person registered as a lobbyist under chapter 305 of the
Government Code, have an interest. If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that
on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Interest. Please note that the statute applies if you, your spouse, or a dependent child, and a
lobbyist both have "an interest" in the business. The interest does not have to be a "substantial
interest" as in Part I in order to trigger the reporting requirement. Please note that for purposes
of this section, a person who is an employee of a business entity is considered to have an interest
in that business entity.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Business Entity: Provide the name and address of the partnership, joint venture, or other
business association in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child, and a person registered as
a lobbyist have an interest.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
2. Interest Held by: Check the appropriate box to indicate whether you, your spouse, or a
dependent child have an interest with a person registered as a lobbyist.
PART 15. FEES RECEIVED FOR SERVICES RENDERED TO A LOBBYIST OR
LOBBYIST'S EMPLOYER
If you received a fee for providing services to or on behalf of a person required to be registered
as a lobbyist under chapter 305, Government Code, or for providing services to or on behalf of a
person you actually know directly compensates or reimburses such a person, you must complete
this section by providing the name of the person for whom you provided the services and the
category of the amount of the fee you received. You are not required to disclose in this section
fees received by your spouse for services rendered by your spouse although such fees may be
required to be disclosed in Section 1. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 252. You are not required
to disclose fees received from a business entity by which you are employed unless the business
entity is merely an alter ego of the state officer. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 333. If the
requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Actual Knowledge. You "actually" know that someone directly compensates or reimburses a
person required to be registered as a lobbyist if you personally know that the person does so or
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you could readily determine that fact by contacting the person or the Texas Ethics Commission.
See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 333 (1996).
Disclosing Confidential Information. State officers who are physicians are not required to
include on their financial disclosure reports a patient's identity because that information is made
confidential by the Medical Practices Act. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 21. The commission
has declined to extend this exception to accountants who would be reporting information
regulated by the Public Accountancy Act. See Ethics Advisory Opinion No. 22 (Public
Accountancy Act does not make a client's identity confidential and therefore does not conflict
with financial disclosure requirements). The commission has also indicated that this exception
would not be extended to attorneys in cases where disclosing a client's identity would not reveal
a confidential communication. See id.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Person or Entity for Whom Services Were Provided: Provide the name of the person or
entity.
2. Fee Category: Check the appropriate fee category for the amount received.
PART 16. REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATOR BEFORE STATE AGENCY
This section applies only to members of the Texas Legislature. If you represented a person for
compensation before a state agency in the executive branch, you must provide the name of the
agency, the name of the person represented, and the category of the amount of the fee received
for the representation. If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of
the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. State Agency: Provide the name of the state agency.
2. Person Represented: Provide the name of the person you represented.
3. Fee Category: Check the appropriate fee category for the amount received.
NOTE: Legislators may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state agency in
the executive branch. The prohibition does not apply if-
1. the representation is pursuant to an attorney/client relationship in a criminal law matter;
2. the representation involves the filing of documents that involve only ministerial acts on
the part of the agency; or
3. the representation is in regard to a matter for which the legislator was hired before
September 1, 2003.
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PART 17. BENEFITS DERIVED FROM FUNCTIONS HONORING PUBLIC SERVANT
Section 3 6.10 of the Penal Code provides that the gift prohibitions set out in Section 36.08 of the
Penal Code do not apply to a benefit derived from a function in honor or appreciation of a public
servant required to file a statement under chapter 572, Government Code, or title 15 of the
Election Code, if. 1) the benefit and the source of any benefit over $50 in value are reported in
the statement; and 2) the benefit is used solely to defray expenses that accrue in the performance
of duties or activities in connection with the office that are non-reimbursable by the state or a
political subdivision. If such a benefit is received and is not reported by the public servant under
title 15 of the Election Code, the benefit is reportable here. If the requested information is not
applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Source of Benefit: Provide the name and address of the person or entity that is the source of
the benefit.
2. Benefit: Describe the benefit received.
PART 18. LEGISLATIVE CONTINUANCES
This section applies only to members of the Texas Legislature. Complete this schedule if you
are a member or member-elect of the legislature licensed to practice law and represent a party to
a civil or criminal case for compensation and on behalf of that party's behalf you have applied
for or obtained a legislative continuance under section 30.003 of the Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, or under another law or rule that requires or permits a court to grant a continuance on the
grounds that an attorney for a party is a member or member-elect of the legislature. If the
requested information is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Name of Party Represented: Provide the name of the party on whose behalf you applied for
or obtained a continuance.
2. Date Retained: Provide the date on which you were retained to represent the party.
3. Style, Cause Number, Court, and Jurisdiction: Provide the style and cause number of the
action in which the continuance was sought and the court and jurisdiction in which the action
was pending when the continuance was sought.
4. Date of Continuance Application: Provide the date on which you applied for a continuance.
5. Was Continuance Granted: Indicate whether the continuance was granted.
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PART 19. CONTRACTS TO SELL GOODS OR SERVICES TO A GOVERNMENTAL
ENTITY OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY CONTRACTOR
Part 19 is required for a PFS due on or after January 8, 2019.
You must complete this part if, during the calendar year:
(1) You, your spouse, or your dependent child, or any business entity of which you, your spouse,
or your dependent child had at least 50 percent ownership interest, was a party to one or more
written contracts, AND
(2)All of the following apply to the contracts:
(A) The contracts were for the sale of goods or services in the amount of$2,500 or more.
(B) The aggregate cost of the goods or services under the contracts exceeds $10,000 in
the calendar year.
(C) The contracts were with either:
• a governmental entity, or
• a person who contracts with a governmental entity, if the individual or entity
described in (1) performed work arising out of the contract, subcontract, or
agreement for a fee.
If this part applies, you must provide the following information for each of the contracts.
NOTE: This part does not require the disclosure of an employment contract between a school
district or open-enrollment charter school and an employee of the district or school. This part
does not apply to an individual who complies with any applicable requirements of Sections
51.954 (relating to disclosure of sponsors of research in public communications) and 51.955
(Prohibited State Agency Actions Related to Disclosure of Publicly Funded Research),
Education Code, and Section 2252.908 of the Government Code (Disclosure of Interested
Parties), in an individual capacity or as a member or employee or an entity to which those
sections apply.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Filer Parties: Check the appropriate boxes to indicate whether you, your spouse, or a
dependent child were a party to the contract. If a party to the contract is a business entity of
which you, your spouse, or your dependent child had at least 50 percent ownership interest, that
entity is identified in Box 3 (see below, at"3. Business Parties").
2. Governmental Parties: Provide the name and address for each "Governmental Entity" or
"Contractor for Governmental Entity"that is a party to the contract.
• Governmental Entity. A "Governmental Entity" means the State of Texas, a political
subdivision of the state, or an agency or department of the state or a political subdivision
of the state.
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If a party to the contract is a Governmental Entity, provide the name and address for
each. Check the appropriate box to indicate that the party is a Governmental Entity.
• Contractor for Governmental Entity. A "Contractor for a Governmental Entity" is a
person who contracts with a Governmental Entity. This requirement applies if either you,
your spouse, or your dependent child, or any business entity of which you, your spouse,
or your dependent child had at least 50 percent ownership interest, performs work arising
out of the contract, subcontract, or agreement between the Contractor for a Governmental
Entity and the Governmental Entity for a fee.
If a party to the contract is a Contractor for a Governmental Entity, provide the name and
address for each. Check the appropriate box to indicate that the party is a Governmental
Entity.
3. Business Parties: If a party to the contract is a business entity of which you, your spouse, or
your dependent child had at least 50 percent ownership interest, provide the name and address of
the business entity.
Form PFS-TEC Only: If you are listing your home address here, please indicate this by
placing a check in the box provided.
PART 20. BOND COUNSEL FEES PAID TO LEGISLATOR
Part 20 is required for a PFS due on or after January 8, 2019.
This section applies only to a member of the Texas Legislature who provided bond counsel
services to an issuer as defined by Section 1201.002(1) of the Texas Government Code.
Please identify each issuance for which you served as bond counsel. If the requested information
is not applicable, indicate that on page 2 of the Cover Sheet.
Each numbered item in these instructions corresponds to the same numbered item on the form.
1. Issuer Name: Provide the name of the issuer.
2. Issuance Date: Provide the date of the issuance.
3. Issuance Amount: Provide the amount of the issuance.
4. Fees Paid to Filer: Check the appropriate fee category for the amount of fees paid to the filer.
5. Fees Paid to Filer's Firm: Check the appropriate fee category for the amount of fees paid to
the filer's firm, if applicable.
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PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT AFFIDAVIT
The law requires that the personal financial statement be verified. The verification page must
have the signature of the individual required to file the personal financial statement, as well as
the signature and stamp or seal of office of a notary public or other person authorized by law to
administer oaths and affirmations.
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PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORM PFS - LOCAL
COVER SHEET
PAGE 1
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES FILED:
Filed in accordance with chapter 572 of the Government Code.
For filings required in 2020,covering calendar year ending December31,2019.
Use FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE when completing this form. Filer ID
1 NAME TITLE;FIRST;MI OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received
NICKNAME;LAST;SUFFIX
2 ADDRESS ADDRESS /PO BOX;APT/SUITE#;CITY;STATE;ZIP CODE
Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
Receipt# Amount$
3 TELEPHONE AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER;EXTENSION Date Processed
NUMBER
Date Imaged
4 REASON
FOR FILING ❑ CANDIDATE (INDICATE OFFICE)
STATEMENT
❑ ELECTED OFFICER (INDICATE OFFICE)
❑ OTHER (INDICATE POSITION)
5 Family members whose financial activity you are reporting(see instructions).
SPOUSE
DEPENDENT CHILD 1.
2.
3.
In Parts 1 through 20, you will disclose your financial activity during the preceding calendar year. In Parts 1 through 14 and 20,
you are required to disclose not only your own financial activity,but also that of your spouse or a dependent child(see instructions).
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT COVER SHEET
PAGE 2
On this page, indicate any Parts of Form PFS that are not applicable to you. If you do not place a check in a box, then
pages for that Part must be included in the report. If you place a check in a box, do NOT include pages for that
Part in the report.
6 PARTS NOT APPLICABLE TO FILER
❑ N/A Part 1A-Sources of Occupational Income
❑ N/A Part 1 B - Retainers
❑ N/A Part 2 - Stock
❑ N/A Part 3- Bonds, Notes&Other Commercial Paper
❑ N/A Part 4- Mutual Funds
❑ N/A Part 5- Income from Interest, Dividends, Royalties& Rents
❑ N/A Part 6- Personal Notes and Lease Agreements
❑ N/A Part 7A- Interests in Real Property
❑ N/A Part 7B- Interests in Business Entities
❑ N/A Part 8- Gifts
❑ N/A Part 9-Trust Income
❑ N/A Part 10A- Blind Trusts
❑ N/A Part 10B-Trustee Statement
❑ N/A Part 11 A-Ownership of Business Associations
❑ N/A Part 11 B-Assets of Business Associations
❑ N/A Part 11 C - Liabilities of Business Associations
❑ N/A Part 12- Boards and Executive Positions
❑ N/A Part 13- Expenses Accepted Under Honorarium Exception
❑ N/A Part 14- Interest in Business in Common with Lobbyist
❑ N/A Part 15- Fees Received for Services Rendered to a Lobbyist or Lobbyist's Employer
❑ N/A Part 16- Representation by Legislator Before State Agency
❑ N/A Part 17- Benefits Derived from Functions Honoring Public Servant
❑ N/A Part 18- Legislative Continuances
❑ N/A Part 19-Contracts with Governmental Entity
❑ N/A Part 20-Bond Counsel Services Provided by a Legislator
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
SOURCES OF OCCUPATIONAL INCOME PART 1A
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
INFORMATION RELATES TO
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER/POSITION HELD
EMPLOYMENT
❑ EMPLOYED BYANOTHER
❑ SELF-EMPLOYED NATURE OF OCCUPATION
INFORMATION RELATES TO
❑ FILER El SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER/POSITION HELD
EMPLOYMENT
❑ EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER
❑ SELF-EMPLOYED NATURE OF OCCUPATION
INFORMATION RELATES TO
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER/POSITION HELD
EMPLOYMENT
❑ EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER
❑ SELF-EMPLOYED NATURE OF OCCUPATION
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
RETAINERS PART 1 B
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
This section concerns fees received as a retainer by you,your spouse,or a dependent child(or by a business in which you,
your spouse,or a dependent child have a"substantial interest")for a claim on future services in case of need,rather than for
services on a matter specified at the time of contracting for or receiving the fee. Report information here only if the value of
the work actually performed during the calendar year did not equal or exceed the value of the retainer. For more information,
see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME AND ADDRESS
FEE RECEIVED FROM
2 NAME OF BUSINESS
FEE RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER
OR FILER'S BUSINESS
❑ SPOUSE
OR SPOUSE'S BUSINESS
❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
OR CHILD'S BUSINESS
3
FEE AMOUNT ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
NAME AND ADDRESS
FEE RECEIVED FROM
NAME OF BUSINESS
FEE RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER
OR FILER'S BUSINESS
❑ SPOUSE
OR SPOUSE'S BUSINESS
❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
OR CHILD'S BUSINESS
FEE AMOUNT ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
STOCK PART 2
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
List each business entity in which you,your spouse,or a dependent child held or acquired stock during the calendar year
and indicate the category of the number of shares held or acquired. If some or all of the stock was sold, also indicate the
category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale. For more information, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
2 STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3 NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
4 IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,o0o--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,0o0 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
BONDS, NOTES & OTHER COMMERCIAL PAPER PART 3
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
List all bonds, notes, and other commercial paper held or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child during the
calendar year. If sold, indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale. For more
information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
DESCRIPTION
OF INSTRUMENT
2
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
DESCRIPTION
OF INSTRUMENT
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
DESCRIPTION
OF INSTRUMENT
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
MUTUAL FUNDS PART 4
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
List each mutual fund and the number of shares in that mutual fund that you, your spouse, or a dependent child held or
acquired during the calendar year and indicate the category of the number of shares of mutual funds held or acquired. If
some or all of the shares of a mutual fund were sold,also indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized
from the sale. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 MUTUAL FUND NAME
2 SHARES OF MUTUAL FUND
❑
HELD ORACQUIRED BY FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3 NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
OF MUTUAL FUND
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
4 IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
MUTUAL FUND NAME
SHARES OF MUTUAL FUND
HELD ORACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER El SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
OF MUTUAL FUND
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
MUTUAL FUND NAME
SHARES OF MUTUAL FUND
HELD ORACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE El DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
OF MUTUAL FUND
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
INCOME FROM INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, ROYALTIES & RENTS PART 5
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
List each source of income you, your spouse, or a dependent child received in excess of$500 that was derived from
interest,dividends,royalties,and rents during the calendar year and indicate the category of the amount of the income. For
more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF INCOME
❑ Publicly held corporation
2
RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
AMOUNT
❑ $500--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF INCOME
❑ Publicly held corporation
RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
AMOUNT ❑ $500--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF INCOME
❑ Publicly held corporation
RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
AMOUNT ❑ $500--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
PERSONAL NOTES AND LEASE AGREEMENTS PART G
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Identify each guarantor of a loan and each person or financial institution to whom you, your spouse, or
a dependent child had a total financial liability of more than $1,000 in the form of a personal note or notes or lease
agreement at any time during the calendar year and indicate the category of the amount of the liability. For more informa-
tion,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
PERSON OR INSTITUTION
HOLDING NOTE OR
LEASE AGREEMENT
2
LIABILITY OF
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
GUARANTOR
4
AMOUNT ❑ $1,000--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR INSTITUTION
HOLDING NOTE OR
LEASE AGREEMENT
LIABILITY OF
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
GUARANTOR
AMOUNT ❑ $1,000--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR INSTITUTION
HOLDING NOTE OR
LEASE AGREEMENT
LIABILITY OF
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
GUARANTOR
AMOUNT ❑ $1,000--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY PART 7A
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all beneficial interests in real property held or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child during the
calendar year. If the interest was sold,also indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale.
For an explanation of "beneficial interest" and other specific directions for completing this section, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 STREETADDRESS STREET ADDRESS,INCLUDING CITY,COUNTY,AND STATE
❑ NOTAVAILABLE
s DESCRIPTION NUMBER OF LOTS OR ACRES AND NAME OF COUNTY WHERE LOCATED
❑ LOTS
❑ ACRES
4 NAMES OF PERSONS
RETAINING AN INTEREST
❑ NOTAPPLICABLE
(SEVERED MINERAL INTEREST)
5 IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NETLOSS
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
STREETADDRESS STREET ADDRESS,INCLUDING CITY,COUNTY,AND STATE
❑ NOTAVAILABLE
NUMBER OF LOTS OR ACRES AND NAME OF COUNTY WHERE LOCATED
DESCRIPTION
❑ LOTS
❑ ACRES
NAMES OF PERSONS
RETAINING AN INTEREST
❑ NOTAPPLICABLE
(SEVERED MINERAL INTEREST)
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NETLOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
INTERESTS IN BUSINESS ENTITIES PART TB
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all beneficial interests in business entities held or acquired by you,your spouse,or a dependent child during the
calendar year. If the interest was sold,also indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale.
For an explanation of "beneficial interest" and other specific directions for completing this section, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 NAME AND ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION
3 IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
GIFTS PART 8
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Identify any person or organization that has given a gift worth more than$250 to you,your spouse,or a dependent child,and
describe the gift. The description of a gift of cash or a cash equivalent,such as a negotiable instrument or gift certificate,must
include a statement of the value of the gift. Do not include: 1)expenditures required to be reported by a person required to be
registered as a lobbyist under chapter 305 of the Government Code;2)political contributions reported as required by law;or
3)gifts given by a person related to the recipient within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity. For more information,
see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 NAME AND ADDRESS
DONOR
2 RECIPIENT ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
DESCRIPTION OF GIFT
NAME AND ADDRESS
DONOR
RECIPIENT ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
DESCRIPTION OF GIFT
NAME AND ADDRESS
DONOR
RECIPIENT ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
DESCRIPTION OF GIFT
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
TRUST INCOME PART 9
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Identify each source of income received by you,your spouse,or a dependent child as beneficiary of a trust and indicate the
category of the amount of income received. Also identify each asset of the trust from which the beneficiary received more
than$500 in income, if the identity of the asset is known. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME OF TRUST
SOURCE
2 BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
INCOME ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
4
ASSETS FROM WHICH
OVER$500 WAS RECEIVED
❑ UNKNOWN
NAME OF TRUST
SOURCE
BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
INCOME ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
ASSETS FROM WHICH
OVER$500 WAS RECEIVED
❑ UNKNOWN
NAME OF TRUST
SOURCE
BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
INCOME ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
ASSETS FROM WHICH
OVER$500 WAS RECEIVED
❑ UNKNOWN
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
BLIND TRUSTS PART 1 CIA
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Identify each blind trust that complies with section 572.023(c)of the Government Code. See FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION
GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 NAME OF TRUST
2 TRUSTEE NAMEANDADDRESS
s BENEFICIARY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
4 FAIR MARKET VALUE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
5
DATE CREATED
NAME OF TRUST
TRUSTEE NAME AND ADDRESS
BENEFICIARY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
FAIR MARKETVALUE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
DATE CREATED
NAME OF TRUST
TRUSTEE NAME AND ADDRESS
BENEFICIARY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
FAIR MARKETVALUE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
DATE CREATED
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
TRUSTEE STATEMENT PART 1 OB
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
An individual who is required to identify a blind trust on Part 10A of the Personal Financial Statement must submit a
statement signed by the trustee of each blind trust listed on Part 10A. The portions of section 572.023 of the Government
Code that relate to blind trusts are listed below.
1 NAME OF TRUST
2 TRUSTEE NAME
3 FILER ON WHOSE NAME
BEHALF STATEMENT
IS BEING FILED
4 TRUSTEE STATEMENT I affirm, under penalty of perjury,that I have not revealed any information to the beneficiary of this
trust except information that may be disclosed under section 572.023 (b)(8) of the Government
Code and that to the best of my knowledge, the trust complies with section 572.023 of the
Government Code.
Trustee Signature
§ 572.023. Contents of Financial Statement in General
(b)The account of financial activity consists of:
(8)identification of the source and the category of the amount of all income received as beneficiary of a trust,other
than a blind trust that complies with Subsection(c),and identification of each trust asset, if known to the beneficiary,
from which income was received by the beneficiary in excess of$500;
(14)identification of each blind trust that complies with Subsection (c), including:
(A)the category of the fair market value of the trust;
(B)the date the trust was created;
(C)the name and address of the trustee;and
(D)a statement signed by the trustee, under penalty of perjury, stating that:
(i)the trustee has not revealed any information to the individual,except information that may be disclosed
under Subdivision(8);and
(ii)to the best of the trustee's knowledge, the trust complies with this section.
(c)For purposes of Subsections(b)(8)and (14), a blind trust is a trust as to which:
(1)the trustee:
(A)is a disinterested party;
(B)is not the individual;
(C)is not required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305;
(D)is not a public officer or public employee; and
(E)was not appointed to public office by the individual or by a public officer or public employee the individual
supervises;and
(2)the trustee has complete discretion to manage the trust, including the power to dispose of and acquire trust
assets without consulting or notifying the individual.
(d)If a blind trust under Subsection(c)is revoked while the individual is subject to this subchapter,the individual must file an
amendment to the individual's most recent financial statement,disclosing the date of revocation and the previously unreported
value by category of each asset and the income derived from each asset.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
OWNERSHIP OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PART 1 1A
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet and DO NOT include this page in the report.
Describe each corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional
association, joint venture, or other business association in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child held, acquired, or sold 5
percent or more of the outstanding ownership. For more information,see FORM PFS-INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by providing the number
under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
2 BUSINESS TYPE ❑ Corporation ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Professional Association
❑ Firm ❑ Limited Liability Partnership ❑ Joint Venture
❑ Partnership ❑ Professional Corporation ❑ Other
3 HELD,ACQUIRED,
OR SOLD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
BUSINESS TYPE ❑ Corporation ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Professional Association
❑ Firm ❑ Limited Liability Partnership ❑ Joint Venture
❑ Partnership ❑ Professional Corporation ❑ Other
HELD,ACQUIRED,
OR SOLD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
BUSINESS TYPE ❑ Corporation ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Professional Association
❑ Firm ❑ Limited Liability Partnership ❑ Joint Venture
❑ Partnership ❑ Professional Corporation ❑ Other
HELD,ACQUIRED,
❑
OR SOLD BY FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
❑ (check if Filer's Home Address)
BUSINESS TYPE ❑ Corporation ❑ Limited Partnership ❑ Professional Association
❑ Firm ❑ Limited Liability Partnership ❑ Joint Venture
❑ Partnership ❑ Professional Corporation ❑ Other
HELD,ACQUIRED,
❑
OR SOLD BY FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
ASSETS OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PART 1 1 B
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all assets of each corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional
corporation, professional association,joint venture, or other business association in which you,your spouse,or a depen-
dent child held,acquired,or sold 50 percent or more of the outstanding ownership and indicate the category of the amount
of the assets. For more information, see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number underwhich the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS NAMEANDADDRESS
ASSOCIATION
2 BUSINESS TYPE
3 HELD,ACQUIRED,
❑
OR SOLD BY FILER El SPOUSE El DEPENDENT CHILD
4 ASSETS DESCRIPTION CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
LIABILITIES OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PART 1 1 C
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all liabilities of each corporation,firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional
corporation, professional association,joint venture,or other business association in which you,your spouse,or a depen-
dent child held,acquired,or sold 50 percent or more of the outstanding ownership and indicate the category of the amount
of the liabilities. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS
ASSOCIATION
2 BUSINESS TYPE
3 HELD,ACQUIRED,
❑
OR SOLD BY ❑ ❑FILER SPOUSE DEPENDENT CHILD
4 LIABILITIES DESCRIPTION CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000-424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY �7
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
BOARDS AND EXECUTIVE POSITIONS PART 1 2
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
List all boards of directors of which you,your spouse,or a dependent child are a member and all executive positions you,
your spouse, or a dependent child hold in corporations, firms, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partner-
ships, professional corporations, professional associations,joint ventures,other business associations,or proprietorships,
stating the name of the organization and the position held. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
ORGANIZATION
2
POSITION HELD
3 POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
EXPENSES ACCEPTED UNDER HONORARIUM EXCEPTION PART 1 3
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Identify any person who provided you with necessary transportation, meals, or lodging, as permitted under section
36.07(b) of the Penal Code, in connection with a conference or similar event in which you rendered services, such as
addressing an audience or participating in a seminar, that were more than perfunctory. Also provide the amount of the
expenditures on transportation, meals, or lodging. You are not required to include items you have already reported as
political contributions on a campaign finance report,or expenditures required to be reported by a lobbyist under the lobby
law(chapter 305 of the Government Code). For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
NAMEANDADDRESS
PROVIDER
2
AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
AMOUNT
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
INTEREST IN BUSINESS IN COMMON WITH LOBBYIST PART 14
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Identify each corporation,firm, partnership, limited partnership,limited liability partnership, professional corporation, profes-
sional association,joint venture, or other business association, other than a publicly-held corporation, in which you, your
spouse,or a dependent child,and a person registered as a lobbyist under chapter 305 of the Government Code both have an
interest. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
1 BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
2 INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
FEES RECEIVED FOR SERVICES RENDERED
TO A LOBBYIST OR LOBBYIST'S EMPLOYER PART 5
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Report any fee you received for providing services to or on behalf of a person required to be registered as a lobbyist under
chapter 305 of the Government Code,or for providing services to or on behalf of a person you actually know directly compen-
sates or reimburses a person required to be registered as a lobbyist. Report the name of each person or entity for which the
services were provided, and indicate the category of the amount of each fee. For more information, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
1
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
2
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATOR BEFORE PART 1 G
STATE AGENCY
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
This section applies only to members of the Texas Legislature. A member of the Texas Legislature who represents a person
for compensation before a state agency in the executive branch must provide the name of the agency, the
name of the person represented, and the category of the amount of the fee received for the representation. For more
information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
Note: Beginning September 1, 2003, legislators may not, for compensation, represent another person before a state
agency in the executive branch. The prohibition does not apply if: (1)the representation is pursuant to an attorney/client
relationship in a criminal law matter;(2)the representation involves the filing of documents that involve only ministerial acts
on the part of the agency; or (3) the representation is in regard to a matter for which the legislator was hired before
September 1,2003.
1
STATE AGENCY
2
PERSON REPRESENTED
3
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
STATE AGENCY
PERSON REPRESENTED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
STATE AGENCY
PERSON REPRESENTED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
STATE AGENCY
PERSON REPRESENTED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
BENEFITS DERIVED FROM FUNCTIONS HONORING PART 17
PUBLIC SERVANT
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
a e in the report.
Section 36.10 of the Penal Code provides that the gift prohibitions set out in section 36.08 of the Penal Code do not apply
to a benefit derived from a function in honor or appreciation of a public servant required to file a statement under chapter 572
of the Government Code or title 15 of the Election Code if the benefit and the source of any benefit over$50 in value are: 1)
reported in the statement and 2)the benefit is used solely to defray expenses that accrue in the performance of duties or
activities in connection with the office which are nonreimbursable by the state or a political subdivision. If such a benefit is
received and is not reported by the public servant under title 15 of the Election Code,the benefit is reportable here. For more
information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
2
BENEFIT
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
BENEFIT
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
BENEFIT
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
BENEFIT
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
LEGISLATIVE CONTINUANCES PART 18
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
This section applies only to members of the Texas Legislature. Identify any legislative continuance that you have applied
for or obtained under section 30.003 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code,or under another law or rule that requires or
permits a court to grant continuances on the grounds that an attorney for a party is a member or member-elect of the
legislature.
1
NAME OF PARTY
REPRESENTED
2
DATE RETAINED
3
STYLE,CAUSE NUMBER,
COURT&JURISDICTION
4
DATE OF CONTINUANCE
APPLICATION
5
WAS CONTINUANCE
GRANTED? ❑ YES ❑ NO
NAME OF PARTY
REPRESENTED
DATE RETAINED
STYLE, CAUSE NUMBER,
COURT,&JURISDICTION
DATE OF CONTINUANCE
APPLICATION
WAS CONTINUANCE
GRANTED? ❑ YES ❑ NO
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
CONTRACTS TO SELL GOODS OR SERVICES TO A PART 19
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
CONTRACTOR
If the requested information is not applicable,indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet and DO NOT include this page in the report.
List the parties to all contracts in the amount of$2500 or more if the aggregate of good or services sold under all written contracts
exceeds$10,000 in which you,your spouse,or a dependent child,or any business entity of which you,your spouse,or a dependent
child,independently or in conjunction with,has at least 50%ownership. For more information,see FORM PFS-INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by providing the number
under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 FILER PARTIES ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 GOVERNMENTAL NAME AND ADDRESS
PARTIES
❑ GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY ❑ CONTRACTOR FOR
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
❑ GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY ❑ CONTRACTOR FOR
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
❑ GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY ❑ CONTRACTOR FOR
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
3 BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS
PARTIES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
BOND COUNSEL SERVICES PROVIDED BY A LEGISLATOR PART20
If the requested information is not applicable,indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet and DO NOT include this page in the report.
Identify each issuance for which you served as bond counsel. For more information,see FORM PFS-INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
1 ISSUER NAME
2 ISSUANCE DATE
3 ISSUANCE AMOUNT
4 FEES PAID TO FILER ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000-$9,999 ❑ $10,000-$24,999 ❑ $25,000 OR MORE
❑ YES ❑ NO
5 FEES PAID TO NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM
FILER'S FIRM
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000-$9,999 ❑ $10,000-$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
ISSUER NAME
ISSUANCE DATE
ISSUANCE AMOUNT
FEES PAID TO FILER
❑ LESS THAN$5,0o0 ❑ $5,000-$9,999 ❑ $10,000-$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ YES ❑ NO
FEES PAID TO NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM
FILER'S FIRM
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000-$9,999 ❑ $10,000-$24,999 ❑ $25,000 OR MORE
ISSUER NAME
ISSUANCE DATE
ISSUANCE AMOUNT
FEES PAID TO FILER
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000-$9,999 ❑ $10,000-$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
FEES PAID TO NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM
FILER'S FIRM
❑ YES ❑ NO ❑ LESS THAN$5,o00 ❑ $5,000-$9,999 ❑ $10,000-$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT AFFIDAVIT
The law requires the personal financial statement to be verified. The verification page must have the signature of the
individual required to file the personal financial statement, as well as the signature and stamp or seal of office of a notary
public or other person authorized by law to administer oaths and affirmations. Without proper verification,the statement
is not considered filed.
I swear, or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that this financial
statement covers calendar year ending December 31, 2019, and is true
and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me
under chapter 572 of the Government Code.
Signature of Filer
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP/SEAL ABOVE
Sworn to and subscribed before me, by the said this the day of
,20 to certify which,witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
12/19/2019 Denton,TX Code of Ordinances
Sec. 33-16. -Temporary signs.
33.16.1. Temporarysigns.A temporary sign shall be considered a ground sign and shall be permitted only
according to the standards for ground signs except that a temporary sign not larger than thirty-two (32) square
feet in effective area need not obtain a sign permit if:
(a) The supporting structure of this sign is not larger than one in which two (2) perimeter
dimensions are greater than four(4) inches or one in which the diameter is not greater than
four(4) inches;
(b) No more than one (1) off-premises sign advertising the sale or lease of one (1) piece of real
property or one (1) real estate subdivision or development sign is placed on any one
premises;
(c) No temporary sign shall be located within any public street median or within ten (10)feet of
any curbline; and
(d) The temporary sign shall be removed or cease to be displayed within five (5) days after the
event being communicated or advertised on the sign has occurred.
33.16.2. Wind device signs.
(a) Wind device identification tag. The director or designee shall issue a registration tag to the
wind device permittee. The wind device permittee shall cause the tag to be affixed in a
conspicuous place on the permitted wind device.
(b) No permit shall be required to display one or more flags on anyone premises.
33.16.3 Limitations upon regulations applicable to signs with political content. The following limitations are
imposed upon the enforcement of these regulations with respect to signs in the following contexts only, as
provided by state law.
(a) Private real property with property owner's consent.
(1) These regulations of this chapter shall not prohibit, or impose a fee or permit approval
requirement upon, the placement of a sign containing primarily a political message on
private real property, provided that:
a. The owner of the property consents;
b. The effective area of the sign is no more than thirty-six(36) square feet;
c. The sign is no more than eight(8)feet high;
d. The sign is not illuminated;
e. The sign has no moving elements;
f. The sign is not located on real property subject to an easement or other
encumbrance that allows the city to use the property for a public purpose; and
g. The political message is not a temporary display upon a sign, including a
billboard, that is generally available for rent or purchase to carry commercial
1/3
12/19/2019 Denton,TX Code of Ordinances
advertising or other messages that are not primarily political.
(b) Political signs at public polling places during early voting periods and election periods.
(1) During early voting periods recognized under the Texas Election Code, the regulations
of this chapter shall not act to prohibit the location or display of one or more political
signs on the premises of any public building used as an early voting location, provided
that:
a. No political signs may be located or displayed within one hundred (100)feet of
any outside door, through which a voter may enter the building or structure in
which the early voting place is located. Nothing herein shall deemed to authorize
electioneering of any sort, in a manner contrary to state law.
b. No political signs may be located or displayed upon real property subject to an
easement or other encumbrance that allows the city to use the property for a
public purpose;
c. No political signs may have an effective area greater than thirty-six(36) square
feet;
d. No political signs may be more than eight(8)feet high;
e. No political signs may be illuminated, have moving elements, or otherwise have
characteristics prohibited by section 33-4; and
f. This section does not authorize the location of political signs whose political
message is a temporary display upon a permanent sign, including a billboard,
that is generally available for rent or purchase to carry commercial advertising or
other messages that are not primarily political.
(2) During election periods recognized under the Texas Election Code, these regulations
shall not act to prohibit the location or display of one (1) or more political signs on the
premises of any public building used as polling place, provided that:
a. No political signs may be located or displayed within one hundred (100)feet of
any outside door, through which a voter may enter the building or structure in
which the polling place is located. Nothing herein shall deemed to authorize
electioneering of any sort, in a manner contrary to state law.
b. No political signs may be located or displayed upon real property subject to an
easement or other encumbrance that allows the city to use the property for a
public purpose;
c. No political signs may have an effective area greater than thirty-six(36) square
feet;
d. No political signs may be more than eight(8)feet high;
e. No political signs may be illuminated, have moving elements, or otherwise have
characteristics prohibited by section 33-4; and
f. This section does not authorize the location of political signs whose political
2/3
12/19/2019 Denton,TX Code of Ordinances
message is a temporary display upon a permanent sign, including a billboard,
that is generally available for rent or purchase to carry commercial advertising or
other messages that are not primarily political.
(Ord. No. 2014-406, § 5, 12-1-14; Ord. No. 2015-086, § 2, 4-7-15
State Law reference—Texas Election Code, §§ 61.003, 85.036; Texas Local Government Code, § 216.903.
3/3
Campaign Advertising
What you need to know about political signs
A political sign can announce an upcoming election or announce a position as a
candidate for a political office or an issue in an upcoming election.
Political signs are generally exempt from permit requirements, with a few restrictions:
✓ Signs must be on private property. This means they cannot be attached to utility poles, light poles, street sign poles or
other similar structures.
✓ The area between the curb and sidewalk is usually city right-of-way: no signs allowed there. Signs may only be placed on
private property with the consent of the property owner.
✓ The sign cannot display goods, services or any other advertising message.
✓ The size limited to 36 square feet, maximum height 8 feet, not illuminated, no moving parts.
✓ The supporting structure(s) for the sign cannot be larger than a 4" x 4" or cannot be larger than 4" in diameter.
✓ Signs must be removed 30 days after the election or activity.
✓ Signs are not allowed on city property including park areas such as North Lakes Park, Denia Park and the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Recreation Center. However, during Early Voting and on Election Day, signs are allowed on city property per
Texas Election Code Section 43.031 (d).
POLITICAL SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
Section 216.903 of the Texas Local Government Code regulates a municipality's power relative to the placement of political signs on private property. Please read Section 216.903.
Summary of Section 216.903
If political signs are placed on private property with the consent of the owner and the property is not subject to any easements,the city may not do any of the following:
(1)prohibit the sign from being placed; (2) require a permit; (3) restrict the size of the sign (except that the sign cannot be greater than 36 square feet or be taller than eight feet);
(4)charge a higher fee for removal of the sign than for non-political signs.
PLEASE NOTE.
A sign that is greater than 36 square feet,taller than eight feet, is lighted or has moving elements, is located on a billboard or any other sign available for rent that generally carries
commercial messages or other non-political messages will require a permit.
Violations of the law often occur because Information is available from the Texas Ethics
someone finds it irresistible to wrap up a factual Commission by phone at (512) 463-5800 or on
explanation with a motivational slogan such as:
the Ethics Commission's web site at
IT PAYS TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE. https://www.ethics.state.txus.
or
IT'S TIME TO MOVE AHEAD. A Short Gl kte to the IPLrohikton
Another common misstep is to include"calls to Agg dnaz UaIlng Poli cal Subd.hdaton
action"such as: RecouI cea For Political Advelltts1 g
LET'S BUILD A BETTER CITY. Hn Conntaton Wfth An Elects on
or
SHOW THAT YOU CARE ABOUT OUR
FUTURE.
Remember: No matter how much factual
information about the purposes of a measure 0
election is in a communication, any amount of
advocacy is impermissible. _
* A violation of the prohibition is a Class A W�- mom
misdemeanor. This means that a violation O�
could lead to criminal prosecution. Also, the
Ethics Commission has authority to impose
fines for violations of section 255.003.
Another provision of the Texas Election Code
prohibits an officer or employee of a political
subdivision from using or authorizing the use of
an internal mail system to distribute political
advertising. An internal mail system is a system Texas Ethics Commission
operated by a political subdivision to deliver
written documents to its officers or P. 0. Box 12070
employees. A violation of this prohibition could In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Austin, Texas 78711-2070
also lead to the imposition of fines by the Ethics publications of the Texas Ethics Commission are available by
request in alternative formats. To request an accessible format,
Commission or to criminal prosecution. please contact our ADA Compliance Officer by telephone at 512- (512)463-5800
463-5800 or through RELAY Texas at 800-735-2989;or by mail
Although you may not Use political in care of the Texas Ethics Commission,P.0.Box 12070,Austin, Fax(512)463-5777
subdivision resources for political Texas 78711-2070.
advertising, you are free to campaign for or The Texas Ethics Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer Visit us at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us on the Internet.
against a proposition on your own time and with and does not discriminate in providing services or employment.
your own resources. If you do plan to become Copies of this publication have been distributed in compliance
involved in a campaign, you should educate with the State Depository Law,and are available for public use
lf about filing requirements and about the through the Texas State Publications Depository Program at the
yourself g re q Texas State Library and other state depository libraries. Revised October 13,2017
rules regarding disclosures on political
advertising.
(A) is informational rather than self-
A ,Sh®irt Cali idle to the Rroh I.blldon "Political advertising"means promotional;
Aged ESL LjJdmg P®adcal SubdMaon (1) a communication supporting or opposing a
candidate for nomination or election to a (B)does not advocate passage or defeat of a
Resources For ®Hdcal AdveRdaIIIlIlg
public office or office of a political party, a measure;and
Hn CoIh1neaton Wllt h An EecLllon political party, a public officer, that: (A) in
return for consideration, is published in a (C) does not support or oppose a candidate for
newspaper,magazine,or other periodical or is nomination or election to a public office or
broadcast by radio or television; or (B) office of political party, a political party, or
appears: (i) in a pamphlet, circular, flier, a public officer.
billboard or other sign, bumper sticker, or The prohibition applies to any "officer or
No matter how enthusiastic you are about an similar form of written communication; or (ii) employee of a political subdivision." In
election, it is important to remember that the on an Internet website;and other words, if an officer or employee of a
Texas Election Code prohibits the use of (2) a communication that advocates passage or political subdivision makes a decision to use
political subdivision resources to produce or defeat of a measure,and that: (A)in return for political subdivision resources in violation of the
distribute political advertising in connection with consideration, is published in a newspaper, prohibition, the employee could be fined by the
an election. Section 255.003 of the Election Code magazine, or other periodical or is broadcast Ethics Commission or held criminally liable.
provides as follows: by radio or television; or (B) appears: (i) in a School board members, as "officers" of a school
pamphlet, circular, flier, billboard or other district,are also subject to the prohibition.
• An officer or employee of a political subdivision sign, bumper sticker, or similar form of
may not spend or authorize the spending of written communication; or (ii) on an Internet The prohibition applies to "spending or
public funds for political advertising. website. authorizing the spending of public funds"
for political advertising. Not only does this
• This section does not apply to a communication Newsletter of Public Officer of a mean that the political subdivision may not
that factually describes the purposes of a Political Subdivision. The Ethics Commission purchase or authorize the purchase of new
measure if the communication does not advocate adopted a rule providing guidelines for when a materials for use in creating political
passage or defeat of the measure. newsletter of a public officer of a political advertising, it also means that a political
subdivision is not political advertising. Texas subdivision would violate the prohibition by
• A person who violates this section commits an Ethics Commission Rule 26.2 provides as follows: using existing paper and machinery to
offense. An offense under this section is a Class generate, display, or distribute political
A misdemeanor. For purposes of section 255.003 of the Election advertising.
Code, a newsletter of a public officer of a political
New legislation effective September 1, 2009, subdivision is not political advertising if: Also, it is not permissible to use or authorize the
further clarifies that an officer or employee of a use of the paid time of an employee of a political
political subdivision may not spend or authorize (1) It includes no more than two pictures of a subdivision to create or distribute political
the spending of public funds for a communication public officer per page and if the total amount advertising.
describing a measure if the communication of area covered by the pictures is no more ,t The prohibition does not apply to "a
contains information that: than 20 percent of the page on which the communication that factually describes
(1) the officer or employee knows is false; and pictures appear; the purposes„ of a measure election. In
(2) It includes no more than eight personally other words, it is permissible to use the
(2) is sufficiently substantial and important as to be phrased references (such as the public resources of a political subdivision to produce
reasonably likely to influence a voter for or officer's name, "I", "me", "the city council explanatory material about what is at stake in
against the measure. member") on a page that is 8 1/z" x 11" or a measure election. However, the
larger, with a reasonable reduction in the communication may not contain information
To understand the practical significance of this number of such personally phrased references that an officer or
prohibition, it is useful to look at some of the in pages smaller than 8 1/2"x 11";and employee of a political subdivision knows is
specific words and phrases used in the law. false. The information must not be sufficiently
(3) When viewed as a whole and in the proper substantial and important, such that it would
context: be reasonably likely to influence a voter to
vote a certain way.
POLITICAL ADVERTISING
What You Need to Know
y
The Texas Election Code requires certain disclosures and notices on political advertising. The
law also prohibits certain types of misrepresentation in political advertising and campaign
communications. This brochure explains what you need to know to insure that your political
advertising and campaign communications comply with the law.
If you are not sure what the law requires, do the cautious thing. Use the political advertising
disclosure statement whenever you think it might be necessary, and do not use any possibly
misleading information in political advertising or a campaign communication. If you are using
political advertising or campaign communications from a prior campaign, you should check to
see if the law has changed since that campaign.
Candidates for federal office should check with the Federal Election Commission at (800) 424-
9530 for information on federal political advertising laws.
NOTICE: This guide is intended only as a general overview of the
disclosure statements that must appear on political advertising as required under
Chapter 255 of the Election Code, which is distinct from political reporting
requirements under Chapter 254 of the Election Code.
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin, Texas 78711-2070
(512) 463-5800
TDD (800) 735-2989
Visit us at www.ethics.state.tx.us.
Revised July 16,2019
Political Advertising—What You Need to Know
REQUIRED DISCLOSURE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING
I.What Is Political Advertising?
The disclosure statement and notice requirements discussed in this section apply to "political
advertising." In the law, "political advertising" is a specifically defined term. Do not confuse this
special term with your own common-sense understanding of advertising.
To figure out if a communication is political advertising, you must look at what it says and where
it appears. If a communication fits in one of the categories listed in Part A (below) and if it fits in
one of the categories listed in Part B (below), it is political advertising.
Part A.What Does It Say?
1. Political advertising includes communications supporting or opposing a candidate for
nomination or election to either a public office or an office of a political party (including
county and precinct chairs).
2. Political advertising includes communications supporting or opposing an officeholder, a
political party, or a measure (a ballot proposition).
Part B. Where Does It Appear?
1. Political advertising includes communications that appear in pamphlets, circulars, fliers,
billboards or other signs, bumper stickers, or similar forms of written communication.
2. Political advertising includes communications that are published in newspapers, magazines,
or other periodicals in return for consideration.
3. Political advertising includes communications that are broadcast by radio or television in
return for consideration.
4. Political advertising includes communications that appear on an Internet website.
II. When Is a Disclosure Statement Required?
The law provides that political advertising that contains express advocacy is required to include a
disclosure statement. The person who causes the political advertising to be published,
distributed, or broadcast is responsible for including the disclosure statement.
The law does not define the term "express advocacy." However, the law does provide that
political advertising is deemed to contain express advocacy if it is authorized by a candidate, an
agent of a candidate, or a political committee filing campaign finance reports. Therefore, a
disclosure statement is required any time a candidate, a candidate's agent, or a political
committee authorizes political advertising.
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Political Advertising—What You Need to Know
The precise language of political advertising authorized by someone other than a candidate, the
candidate's agent, or a political committee will determine if the advertising contains express
advocacy and is therefore required to include a disclosure statement. Generally, the question is
whether the communication expressly advocates the election or defeat of an identified candidate,
or expressly advocates the passage or defeat of a measure, such as a bond election. The inclusion
of words such as "vote for," "elect," "support," "defeat," "reject," or "Smith for Senate" would
clearly constitute express advocacy, but express advocacy is not limited to communications that
use those words. Similar phrases, such as "Cast your ballot for X,"would also constitute express
advocacy. Additionally, in 2007, the United States Supreme Court held that an advertisement
included express advocacy or its functional equivalent "if the ad is susceptible to no reasonable
interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate." FEC v. Wis.
Right to Life, Inc., 551 U.S. 449 (2007). It is a question of fact whether a particular
communication constitutes express advocacy. If you are not sure whether political advertising
contains express advocacy, do the cautious thing and include the disclosure statement. That way,
there is no need to worry about whether you have violated the law.
Remember: The concept of "express advocacy" is relevant in determining whether political
advertising is required to include a disclosure statement. However, the political advertising laws
governing the right-of-way notice, misrepresentation, and use of public funds by political
subdivisions will apply to political advertising regardless of whether the advertising contains
express advocacy.
III.What Should the Disclosure Statement Say?
A disclosure statement must include the following:
1. the words "political advertising" or a recognizable abbreviation such as "pol. adv."; and
2. the full name of one of the following: (a)the person who paid for the political advertising; (b)the
political committee authorizing the political advertising; or (c) the candidate or specific-purpose
committee supporting the candidate,if the political advertising is authorized by the candidate.
The disclosure statement must appear on the face of the political advertising or be clearly spoken
if the political advertising is audio only and does not include written text.
The advertising should not be attributed to entities such as "Committee to Elect John Doe" unless a
specific-purpose committee named "Committee to Elect John Doe" has filed a campaign treasurer
appointment with the Ethics Commission or a local filing authority.
IV.Are There Any Exceptions to the Disclosure Statement Requirement?
The following types of political advertising do not need the disclosure statement:
1. t-shirts, balloons, buttons, emery boards, hats, lapel stickers, small magnets, pencils, pens,
pins, wooden nickels, candy wrappers, and similar materials;
2. invitations or tickets to political fundraising events or to events held to establish support for a
candidate or officeholder;
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Political Advertising—What You Need to Know
3. an envelope that is used to transmit political advertising, provided that the political
advertising in the envelope includes the disclosure statement;
4. circulars or fliers that cost in the aggregate less than $500 to publish and distribute;
5. political advertising printed on letterhead stationery, if the letterhead includes the name of
one of the following: (a) the person who paid for the advertising, (b) the political committee
authorizing the advertising, or, (c) the candidate or specific-purpose committee supporting
the candidate, if the political advertising is authorized by the candidate. (Note: There is also
an exception for holiday greeting cards sent by an officeholder, provided that the
officeholder's name and address appear on the card or the envelope.)
6. postings or re-postings on an Internet website if the person posting or re-posting is not an
officeholder, candidate, or political committee and did not make an expenditure exceeding
$100 in a reporting period for political advertising beyond the basic cost of hardware
messaging software and bandwidth;
7. an Internet social media profile webpage of a candidate or officeholder, if the webpage
clearly and conspicuously displays the full name of the candidate or officeholder; and
8. postings or re-postings on an Internet website if the advertising is posted with a link to a
publicly viewable Internet webpage that either contains the disclosure statement or is an
Internet social media profile webpage of a candidate or officeholder that clearly and
conspicuously displays the candidate's or officeholder's full name.
V. What Should I Do If I Discover That My Political Advertising Does Not Contain a
Disclosure Statement?
The law prohibits a person from using, causing or permitting to be used, or continuing to use
political advertising containing express advocacy if the person knows it does not include the
disclosure statement. A person is presumed to know that the use is prohibited if the Texas Ethics
Commission notifies the person in writing that the use is prohibited. If you receive notice from
the Texas Ethics Commission that your political advertising does not comply with the law, you
should stop using it immediately.
If you learn that a political advertising sign designed to be seen from the road does not contain a
disclosure statement or contains an inaccurate disclosure statement, you should make a good
faith attempt to remove or correct those signs that have been distributed. You are not required to
attempt to recover other types of political advertising that have been distributed with a missing or
inaccurate disclosure statement.
VI. The Fair Campaign Practices Act.
The Fair Campaign Practices Act sets out basic rules of decency, honesty, and fair play to be
followed by candidates and political committees during a campaign. A candidate or political
committee may choose to subscribe to the voluntary code by signing a copy of the code and
filing it with the authority with whom the candidate or committee is required to file its campaign
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Political Advertising—What You Need to Know
treasurer appointment. A person subscribing to the code may indicate that fact on political
advertising by including the following or a substantially similar statement:
(Name of the candidate or political committee, as appropriate) subscribes to the
Code of Fair Campaign Practices.
VII. Special Notice to Political Subdivisions and School Districts.
You may not use public funds or resources for political advertising. Please see our "Publications
and Guides" section of our website for more information.
ROAD SIGNS
I.When Is the "Right-Of-Way" Notice Required?
All written political advertising that is meant to be seen from a road must carry a "right-of-way"
notice. It is a criminal offense to omit the "right-of-way"notice in the following circumstances:
1. if you enter into a contract or agreement to print or make written political advertising meant
to be seen from a road; or
2. if you instruct another person to place the written political advertising meant to be seen from
a road.
II. What Should the "Right-Of-Way"Notice Say?
Section 259.001 of the Texas Election Code prescribes the exact language of the notice:
NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393,
TRANSPORTATION CODE) TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-
WAY OF A HIGHWAY.
III.Do Yard Signs Have to Have the "Right-Of-Way" Notice?
Yes. The "right-of-way"notice requirement applies to signs meant to be seen from any road. The
notice requirement assures that a person responsible for placing signs is aware of the restriction
on placing the sign in the right-of-way of a highway.
IV.What About Bumper Stickers?
Bumper stickers do not need the "right-of-way" notice. They do, however, need a political
advertising disclosure statement.
V. Where May I Place My Signs and How Long May Signs Be Posted?
For information about exactly where you may or may not place signs, or for information
regarding the length of time your signs may be posted, check with your city or county
government or your homeowner's association. The Texas Ethics Commission does not have
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Political Advertising—What You Need to Know
jurisdiction over matters involving the location of signs, and the length of time that they may be
posted.
MISREPRESENTATION
I.Are There Restrictions on the Contents of Political Advertising?
Political advertising and campaign communications may not misrepresent a person's identity or
official title, nor may they misrepresent the true source of the advertising or communication. The
election law does not address other types of misrepresentation in political advertising or
campaign communications.
Note that the misrepresentation rules apply to both political advertising and campaign
communications. "Campaign communication" is a broader term than"political advertising."
A "campaign communication" means "a written or oral communication relating to a campaign
for nomination or election to public office or office of a political party or to a campaign on a
measure."
II. Misrepresentation of Office Title.
A candidate may not represent that he or she holds an office that he or she does not hold at the
time of the representation. If you are not the incumbent in the office you are seeking, you
must make it clear that you are seeking election rather than reelection by using the word
"for" to clarify that you don't hold that office. The word "for" must be at least one-half the
type size as the name of the office and should appear immediately before the name of the office.
For example, a non-incumbent may use the following formats:
Vote John Doe John Doe
for Attorney General For
Attorney General
A non-incumbent may not be allowed to use the following verbiage:
Elect John Doe John Doe
Attorney General Attorney General
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Political Advertising—What You Need to Know
III. Misrepresentation of Identity or Source.
A person violates the law if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an
election, the person misrepresents the source of political advertising or a campaign
communication or if the person misrepresents his or her own identity or the identity of his or her
agent in political advertising or in a campaign communication. (If someone else is doing
something for you, that person is your agent.) For example, you may not take out an ad in favor
of your opponent that purports to be sponsored by a notoriously unpopular group.
IV. Use of State Seal.
Only current officeholders may use the state seal in political advertising.
V. Criminal Offenses.
Be aware that many violations of the Election Code are criminal offenses. For example,
unlawfully using public funds for political advertising can be a Class A misdemeanor. So can
misrepresenting one's identity or office title in political advertising. For more details on these
offenses and political advertising in general, see Chapter 255 of the Election Code.
Texas Ethics Commission Page 6 Revised 07/16/2019
12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 255. REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 15 . REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 255 . REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
Sec. 255 . 001 . REQUIRED DISCLOSURE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING. (a) A
person may not knowingly cause to be published, distributed, or broadcast
political advertising containing express advocacy that does not indicate in
the advertising:
(1) that it is political advertising; and
(2) the full name of:
(A) the person who paid for the political advertising;
(B) the political committee authorizing the political
advertising; or
(C) the candidate or specific-purpose committee supporting
the candidate, if the political advertising is authorized by the candidate.
(b) Political advertising that is authorized by a candidate, an agent
of a candidate, or a political committee filing reports under this title
shall be deemed to contain express advocacy.
(c) A person may not knowingly use, cause or permit to be used, or
continue to use any published, distributed, or broadcast political
advertising containing express advocacy that the person knows does not
include the disclosure required by Subsection (a) . A person is presumed to
know that the use of political advertising is prohibited by this subsection
if the commission notifies the person in writing that the use is
prohibited. A person who learns that political advertising signs, as
defined by Section 259 . 001, that have been distributed do not include the
disclosure required by Subsection (a) or include a disclosure that does not
comply with Subsection (a) does not commit a continuing violation of this
subsection if the person makes a good faith attempt to remove or correct
those signs . A person who learns that printed political advertising other
than a political advertising sign that has been distributed does not
include the disclosure required by Subsection (a) or includes a disclosure
that does not comply with Subsection (a) is not required to attempt to
recover the political advertising and does not commit a continuing
violation of this subsection as to any previously distributed political
advertising.
(d) This section does not apply to:
(1) tickets or invitations to political fund-raising events;
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 255.REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
(2) campaign buttons, pins, hats, or similar campaign materials;
or
(3) circulars or flyers that cost in the aggregate less than $500
to publish and distribute.
(e) A person who violates this section is liable to the state for a
civil penalty in an amount determined by the commission not to exceed
$4, 000 .
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 249, Sec. 2 . 23, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 824 (H.B. 2554) , Sec. 5, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 255 . 002 . RATES FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING. (a) The rate charged
for political advertising by a radio or television station may not exceed:
(1) during the 45 days preceding a general or runoff primary
election and during the 60 days preceding a general or special election,
the broadcaster' s lowest unit charge for advertising of the same class, for
the same time, and for the same period; or
(2) at any time other than that specified by Subdivision (1) , the
amount charged other users for comparable use of the station.
(b) The rate charged for political advertising that is printed or
published may not exceed the lowest charge made for comparable use of the
space for any other purposes .
(c) In determining amounts charged for comparable use, the amount and
kind of space or time used, number of times used, frequency of use, type of
advertising copy submitted, and any other relevant factors shall be
considered.
(d) Discounts offered by a newspaper or magazine to its commercial
advertisers shall be offered on equal terms to purchasers of political
advertising from the newspaper or magazine .
(e) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly demands or
receives or knowingly pays or offers to pay for political advertising more
consideration than permitted by this section.
(f) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Sec . 255 . 003 . UNLAWFUL USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING.
(a) An officer or employee of a political subdivision may not knowingly
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 255.REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
spend or authorize the spending of public funds for political advertising.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a communication that factually
describes the purposes of a measure if the communication does not advocate
passage or defeat of the measure.
(b-1) An officer or employee of a political subdivision may not spend
or authorize the spending of public funds for a communication describing a
measure if the communication contains information that:
(1) the officer or employee knows is false; and
(2) is sufficiently substantial and important as to be reasonably
likely to influence a voter to vote for or against the measure.
(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) or (b-1) commits an offense.
An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for an offense under
this section or the imposition of a civil penalty for conduct under this
section that an officer or employee of a political subdivision reasonably
relied on a court order or an interpretation of this section in a written
opinion issued by:
(1) a court of record;
(2) the attorney general; or
(3) the commission.
(e) On written request of the governing body of a political
subdivision that has ordered an election on a measure, the commission shall
prepare an advance written advisory opinion as to whether a particular
communication relating to the measure does or does not comply with this
section.
(f) Subsections (d) and (e) do not apply to a port authority or
navigation district.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 644 (H.B . 1720) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 843 (S .B. 2085) , Sec. 1, eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 255 . 0031 . UNLAWFUL USE OF INTERNAL MAIL SYSTEM FOR POLITICAL
ADVERTISING. (a) An officer or employee of a state agency or political
subdivision may not knowingly use or authorize the use of an internal mail
system for the distribution of political advertising.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to:
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 255.REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
(1) the use of an internal mail system to distribute political
advertising that is delivered to the premises of a state agency or
political subdivision through the United States Postal Service; or
(2) the use of an internal mail system by a state agency or
municipality to distribute political advertising that is the subject of or
related to an investigation, hearing, or other official proceeding of the
agency or municipality.
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An
offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) In this section:
(1) "Internal mail system" means a system operated by a state
agency or political subdivision to deliver written documents to officers or
employees of the agency or subdivision.
(2) "State agency" means :
(A) a department, commission, board, office, or other agency
that is in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of state
government;
(B) a university system or an institution of higher education
as defined by Section 61 . 003, Education Code; or
(C) a river authority created under the constitution or a
statute of this state.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 229, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 2003 .
Sec. 255 . 004 . TRUE SOURCE OF COMMUNICATION. (a) A person commits an
offense if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an
election, the person enters into a contract or other agreement to print,
publish, or broadcast political advertising that purports to emanate from a
source other than its true source.
(b) A person commits an offense if, with intent to injure a candidate
or influence the result of an election, the person knowingly represents in
a campaign communication that the communication emanates from a source
other than its true source.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person, with intent to injure
a candidate or influence the result of an election:
(1) creates a deep fake video; and
(2) causes the deep fake video to be published or distributed
within 30 days of an election.
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12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 255.REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
(e) In this section, "deep fake video" means a video, created with
the intent to deceive, that appears to depict a real person performing an
action that did not occur in reality.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987 .
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1339 (S .B. 751) , Sec . 1, eff.
September 1, 2019 .
Sec. 255 . 005 . MISREPRESENTATION OF IDENTITY. (a) A person commits
an offense if, with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of
an election, the person misrepresents the person' s identity or, if acting
or purporting to act as an agent, misrepresents the identity of the agent ' s
principal, in political advertising or a campaign communication.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 249, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 255 . 006 . MISLEADING USE OF OFFICE TITLE. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person knowingly enters into a contract or other
agreement to print, publish, or broadcast political advertising with the
intent to represent to an ordinary and prudent person that a candidate
holds a public office that the candidate does not hold at the time the
agreement is made.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly represents in
a campaign communication that a candidate holds a public office that the
candidate does not hold at the time the representation is made .
(c) For purposes of this section, a person represents that a
candidate holds a public office that the candidate does not hold if:
(1) the candidate does not hold the office that the candidate
seeks; and
(2) the political advertising or campaign communication states
the public office sought but does not include the word "for" in a type size
that is at least one-half the type size used for the name of the office to
clarify that the candidate does not hold that office.
(d) A person other than an officeholder commits an offense if the
person knowingly uses a representation of the state seal in political
advertising.
(e) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
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Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 899, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 300, Sec . 30, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 864, Sec . 250, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch.
1134, Sec . 9, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 62, Sec . 5 . 17,
eff. Sept . 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg. , ch. 737, Sec . 1, eff. Sept . 1,
1999 .
Sec . 255 . 008 . DISCLOSURE ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING FOR JUDICIAL
OFFICE . (a) This section applies only to a candidate or political
committee covered by Subchapter F, Chapter 253 .
(b) Political advertising by a candidate who files a declaration of
intent to comply with the limits on expenditures under Subchapter F,
Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a
candidate may include the following statement : "Political advertising paid
for by (name of candidate or committee) in compliance with the voluntary
limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act . "
(c) Political advertising by a candidate who files a declaration of
intent to comply with the limits on expenditures under Subchapter F,
Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a
candidate that does not contain the statement prescribed by Subsection (b)
must comply with Section 255 . 001 .
(d) Political advertising by a candidate who files a declaration of
intent to exceed the limits on expenditures under Subchapter F, Chapter
253, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate must
include the following statement : "Political advertising paid for by (name
of candidate or committee) , (who or which) has rejected the voluntary
limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act . "
(e) The commission shall adopt rules providing for:
(1) the minimum size of the disclosure required by this section
in political advertising that appears on television or in writing; and
(2) the minimum duration of the disclosure required by this
section in political advertising that appears on television or radio .
(f) A person who violates this section or a rule adopted under this
section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed:
(1) $15, 000, for a candidate for a statewide judicial office or a
specific-purpose committee for supporting such a candidate;
(2) $10, 000, for a candidate for chief justice or justice, court
of appeals, or a specific-purpose committee for supporting such a
candidate; or
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(3) $5, 000, for a candidate for any other judicial office covered
by Subchapter F, Chapter 253, or a specific-purpose committee for
supporting such a candidate.
(g) Section 253 . 176 applies to the imposition and disposition of a
civil penalty under this section.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 763, Sec . 6, eff . Sept . 1, 1995 .
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POLITICAL
, 1 AND
CAMPAIGN
P 1
NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS VISIBLE TO PUBLIC HIGHWAYS
PRIMARY HIGHWAYS
During campaign season, the landscape blooms with a special kind of flower-the political ONLINE INFORMATION
sign. Unlike wildflowers which are welcome anywhere,putting campaign signs on public lands This same information is
is illegal. So before you plant that sign, learn the law and keep Texas beautiful. availiable online on
TxDOT's website and can
TxDOT only controls the location of commercial signs, and never controls the content of any be accessed by the below
signage. If you have questions about what may be on a political sign,please contact the method:
Texas Ethics Commission at(512)463-5800. Go to
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: wwwAxdot.gov
y
Where can I place political signs? Select Inside TxDOT
You can place your signs anywhere so long as they are not in the highway right of way or y
in a location that poses a safety hazard (e.g. blocking sight to a driveway).Always make
sure to check with local authorities(Cities, Counties, Homeowner's Associations, etc.)as Select Divisions
they may have their own restrictions.
y
When can I place political signs? Select Right of Way
Cities and counties may have their own time restrictions for political signs, however y
TxDOT does not enforce any timing restrictions.
Rules for Posting
There is a sign on private property posing a safety hazard Campaign Signs
If you believe a sign or signs create a safety hazard, contact local law enforcement as
they can have the owner remove or relocate their sign(s). OR
There are signs located on the Right of Way(ROW) Search Online:
Signs cannot be placed on the ROW as per Texas Transportation Code(TTC) §393.002. "TxDOT Campaign Signs"
"A sheriff, constable, or other trained volunteer authorized by the commissioners court
of a county may confiscate a sign placed in violation of Section 393.002." (TTC
§393.003). For state-maintained highways,your local TxDOT district office also has the
authority to remove signs located on state owned right of way.
Where is the ROW?
If you are unsure where the ROW starts or ends,you should contact your local TxDOT
district office.
CONTACT US
The contact information for your local TxDOT office can be found online at:
www.txdot.gov 4 Inside TxDOT-> Districts
Then use the map or the drop-down list to select your county for specific contact information.
For any other questions concerning political signs along Texas highways, contact the TxDOT Commercial Signs Regulatory
Program by email at:
ROW-OutdoorAdvertising@txdot.gov
or by phone at:
(512)416-3030
DepartmentAw Texas
TxDOT Rules for Posting Campaign Signs
During campaign season, the landscape blooms with a special kind of flower- the political sign.
Unlike wildflowers that are welcome anywhere, putting campaign ns on lands is
illy. So before you plant that sign, learn the law and keep Texas beautiful.
You Need to Know
• It is illegal to place any signs on or within the right of way. This includes posting signs
on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way.
• Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner's
permission.
• Signs must be made of lightweight material and be no larger than 50 square feet.
• Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election(no earlier) and
must be removed within 10 days after the election.
• Before placing a sign inside of incorporated city limits, check with the city for applicable
ordinances.
Sign Removal
If you've placed your sign in the right of way or it's posing a traffic hazard, TxDOT will remove
it without prior notice. All costs associated with sign removal will be paid by the sign owner.
Contact TxDOT
For more information about the rules governing campaign signs, please call (512)416-2901.
http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/right-of-way/campaign-signs.htmI
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ELECTION CODE
TITLE 3 . ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
CHAPTER 33 . WATCHERS
SUBCHAPTER A. APPOINTMENT
Sec . 33 . 001 . WATCHER DEFINED. In this code, "watcher" means a person
appointed under this subchapter to observe the conduct of an election on
behalf of a candidate, a political party, or the proponents or opponents of
a measure.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 33 . 002 . APPOINTMENT BY CANDIDATE . (a) Watchers may be
appointed by each candidate whose name appears on the ballot or the list of
declared write-in candidates in an election for:
(1) a public office other than the office of vice-president of
the United States; or
(2) an office of a political party.
(b) In an election for an office of the state government that is
filled by voters of more than one county, watchers may also be appointed by
the candidate ' s campaign treasurer.
(c) In an election for an office of the federal government that is
filled by voters of more than one county, watchers may also be appointed by
the chair or treasurer of the candidate ' s principal campaign committee or
by a designated agent of the chair or treasurer.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 32, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 1349, Sec. 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 33 . 003 . APPOINTMENT BY POLITICAL PARTY. (a) The county chair
of each political party that has one or more nominees on the ballot may
appoint watchers .
(b) If the county chair does not make an authorized appointment, any
three members of the county executive committee may make the appointment.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 33, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
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Sec. 33 . 004 . APPOINTMENT FOR WRITE-IN CANDIDATE. (a) A group of
registered voters may appoint watchers on behalf of a write-in candidate in
an election in which a declaration of write-in candidacy is not required to
be filed.
(b) To be eligible to participate in the appointment under this
section of a watcher for a precinct polling place, a person must be a
registered voter of the precinct. To be eligible to participate in the
appointment under this section of a watcher for an early voting polling
place, the meeting place of an early voting ballot board, or a central
counting station, a person must be a registered voter of the territory
served by that facility.
(c) The minimum number of voters required to make an appointment
under this section is the lesser of :
(1) 15; or
(2) five percent of the registered voters of the appropriate
territory as determined from the list of registered voters to be used for
the election.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 203, Sec. 2 . 38; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec.
9, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1349, Sec. 16, eff. Sept.
1, 1997 .
Sec. 33 . 005 . APPOINTMENT FOR ELECTION ON MEASURE. (a) In an
election on a measure, watchers may be appointed by the campaign treasurer
or an assistant campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose political
committee that supports or opposes the measure.
(b) This section does not apply to a referendum measure submitted at
a primary election.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec . 33 . 006 . CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT. (a) For an appointment of
a watcher to be effective, the appointing authority must issue a
certificate of appointment to the appointee.
(b) A certificate of appointment must :
(1) be in writing and signed by the appointing authority or, for
an appointment for a write-in candidate under Section 33 . 004, by each of
the voters making the appointment;
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(2) indicate the capacity in which the appointing authority is
acting;
(3) state the name, residence address, and voter registration
number of the appointee and be signed by the appointee;
(4) identify the election and the precinct polling place or other
location at which the appointee is to serve;
(5) in an election on a measure, identify the measure if more
than one is to be voted on and state which side of the measure the
appointee represents; and
(6) contain an affidavit executed by the appointee stating that
the appointee will not have possession of a device capable of recording
images or sound or that the appointee will disable or deactivate the device
while serving as a watcher.
(c) In addition to complying with Subsection (b) , a certificate
issued to a watcher appointed for a write-in candidate under Section 33 . 004
must :
(1) include the residence address and voter registration number
of eligible signers in the required number;
(2) include the signed statement of the candidate, or a person
who would be authorized to make appointments on the candidate ' s behalf if
the candidate ' s name appeared on the ballot, that the appointment is made
with the signer' s consent; and
(3) state the residence or office address of the signer under
Subdivision (2) and the capacity in which the signer signs, if the
statement is not signed by the candidate.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 498, Sec. 1, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg. , ch. 728, Sec . 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864,
Sec. 34, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1349, Sec . 17, eff .
Sept. 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817) , Sec . 11, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
Sec. 33 . 007 . NUMBER AND PLACE OF SERVICE OF WATCHERS . (a) Each
appointing authority may appoint not more than two watchers for each
precinct polling place, meeting place for an early voting ballot board, or
central counting station involved in the election.
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(b) Each appointing authority may appoint not more than seven
watchers for each main or branch early voting polling place involved in the
election. Not more than two watchers appointed by the same authority may
be on duty at the same early voting polling place at the same time.
(c) In an election in which the election officers serving at a
precinct polling place also serve as an early voting ballot board, a
watcher who is appointed for the precinct polling place may observe the
processing of early voting ballots by the early voting ballot board, or
separate watchers may be appointed to observe only that activity.
(d) The number of watchers accepted for service on each side of a
measure may not exceed the number authorized by this section. If the
number of appointments exceeds the authorized number, the authority
accepting the watchers for service shall accept the watchers in the order
in which they present their certificates of appointment.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 203, Sec. 2 . 39; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec.
10, eff. Sept. 1, 1991 .
SUBCHAPTER B. ELIGIBILITY
Sec. 33 . 031 . GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS . (a) To be eligible
to serve as a watcher, a person must be a qualified voter:
(1) of the county in which the person is to serve, in an election
ordered by the governor or a county authority or in a primary election;
(2) of the part of the county in which the election is held, in
an election ordered by the governor or a county authority that does not
cover the entire county of the person' s residence; and
(3) of the political subdivision, in an election ordered by an
authority of a political subdivision other than a county.
(b) Repealed by Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1235, Sec. 26 (3) ,
eff. September 1, 2009 .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1235 (S .B. 1970) , Sec. 26 (3) , eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 33 . 032 . INELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE. (a) A
person is ineligible to serve as a watcher in an election if the person is
a candidate for a public office in an election to be held on the same day.
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(b) In this section, "candidate" means a person who has taken
affirmative action, as described by the law regulating political funds and
campaigns, for the purpose of gaining nomination or election.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff . Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 33 . 033 . INELIGIBILITY OF EMPLOYEE OR RELATIVE OF ELECTION
OFFICER. (a) A person is ineligible to serve as a watcher at a particular
location if the person is the employer of or is employed by or related
within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity, as determined under
Chapter 573, Government Code, to an election judge, an election clerk, an
early voting clerk, or a deputy clerk serving at that location.
(b) For purposes of this section, a person is employed by an election
officer in the same circumstances that a person is employed by a candidate
under Section 32 . 054 (b) .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 203, Sec. 2 . 40; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec.
11, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 561, Sec. 16, eff. Aug.
26, 1991; Acts 1995, 74th Leg. , ch. 76, Sec. 5 . 95 (27) , eff. Sept. 1, 1995 .
Sec . 33 . 034 . INELIGIBILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICER. (a) A person who
holds an elective public office is ineligible to serve as a watcher in an
election.
(b) For purposes of this section, a deputy or assistant serving under
a public officer does not hold a public office.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec . 33 . 035 . INELIGIBILITY OF PERSON CONVICTED OF ELECTION OFFENSE.
A person is ineligible to serve as a watcher in an election if the person
has been finally convicted of an offense in connection with conduct
directly attributable to an election.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 1349, Sec . 18, eff. Sept . 1, 1997 .
SUBCHAPTER C. SERVICE
Sec . 33 . 051 . ACCEPTANCE OF WATCHER. (a) A watcher appointed to
serve at a precinct polling place, a meeting place for an early voting
ballot board, or a central counting station must deliver a certificate of
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appointment to the presiding judge at the time the watcher reports for
service. A watcher appointed to serve at an early voting polling place
must deliver a certificate of appointment to the early voting clerk or
deputy clerk in charge of the polling place when the watcher first reports
for service.
(b) The officer presented with a watcher' s certificate of appointment
shall require the watcher to countersign the certificate to ensure that the
watcher is the same person who signed the certificate. Except as provided
by Subsection (c) , a watcher who presents himself or herself at the proper
time with a certificate of appointment shall be accepted for service unless
the person is ineligible to serve or the number of appointees to which the
appointing authority is entitled have already been accepted.
(c) A watcher may not be accepted for service if the watcher has
possession of a device capable of recording images or sound unless the
watcher agrees to disable or deactivate the device. The presiding judge
may inquire whether a watcher has possession of any prohibited recording
device before accepting the watcher for service.
(d) The certificate of a watcher serving at an early voting polling
place shall be retained at the polling place until voting at the polling
place is concluded. At each subsequent time that the watcher reports for
service, the watcher shall inform the clerk or deputy in charge . The
officer may require the watcher to sign the watcher' s name in the officer' s
presence, for comparison with the signature on the certificate, if the
officer is uncertain of the watcher' s identity.
(e) If a watcher is not accepted for service, the certificate of
appointment shall be returned to the watcher with a signed statement of the
reason for the rejection.
(f) On accepting a watcher for service, the election officer shall
provide the watcher with a form of identification, prescribed by the
secretary of state, to be displayed by the watcher during the watcher' s
hours of service at the polling place.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 498, Sec. 2, eff. Sept . 1, 1987; Acts 1991, 72nd
Leg. , ch. 203, Sec . 2 . 41; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec. 12, eff .
Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 728, Sec. 9, eff. Sept . 1, 1993;
Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 35, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 1164 (H.B. 2817) , Sec . 12, eff.
September 1, 2011 .
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Acts 2013, 83rd Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 188 (S .B. 160) , Sec. 1, eff. September
1, 2013 .
Sec. 33 . 052 . HOURS OF SERVICE AT PRECINCT POLLING PLACE. (a) A
watcher at a precinct polling place may begin service at any time after the
presiding judge arrives at the polling place on election day and may remain
at the polling place until the presiding judge and the clerks complete
their duties there. A watcher that serves for more than five continuous
hours may serve at the polling place during the hours the watcher chooses,
except that if the watcher is present at the polling place when ballots are
counted, the watcher may not leave until the counting is complete.
(b) For purposes of this section, a watcher is considered to have
served continuously if the watcher leaves the polling place for the purpose
of using a wireless communication device prohibited from use in the polling
place under Section 61 . 014 and the watcher promptly returns .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1987, 70th Leg. , ch. 472, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 36, eff. Sept . 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg. , ch. 254,
Sec. 1, 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003 .
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 697 (H.B. 1921) , Sec. 3, eff.
September 1, 2007 .
Acts 2009, 81st Leg. , R. S . , Ch. 87 (S .B. 1969) , Sec. 27 . 002 (2) , eff.
September 1, 2009 .
Sec. 33 . 053 . HOURS OF SERVICE AT EARLY VOTING POLLING PLACE. A
watcher serving at an early voting polling place may be present at the
polling place at any time it is open and until completion of the securing
of any voting equipment used at the polling place that is required to be
secured on the close of voting each day. The watcher may serve during the
hours the watcher chooses .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff . Jan . 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 203, Sec . 2 . 42; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec.
13, eff. Sept . 1, 1991; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 37, eff. Sept.
1, 1997 .
Sec . 33 . 054 . HOURS OF SERVICE AT EARLY VOTING BALLOT BOARD MEETING.
(a) A watcher serving at the meeting place of an early voting ballot board
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may be present at any time the board is processing or counting ballots and
until the board completes its duties . The watcher may serve during the
hours the watcher chooses, except as provided by Subsection (b) .
(b) A watcher may not leave during voting hours on election day
without the presiding judge ' s permission if the board has recorded any
votes cast on voting machines or counted any ballots, unless the board has
completed its duties and has been dismissed by the presiding judge.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 203, Sec. 2 . 43; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec.
14, eff. Sept . 1, 1991; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec . 38, eff. Sept.
1, 1997 .
Sec. 33 . 055 . HOURS OF SERVICE AT CENTRAL COUNTING STATION. (a) A
watcher serving at a central counting station may be present at any time
the station is open for the purpose of processing or preparing to process
election results and until the election officers complete their duties at
the station. The watcher may serve during the hours the watcher chooses,
except as provided by Subsection (b) .
(b) A watcher may not leave during voting hours on election day
without the presiding judge ' s permission if the counting of ballots at the
central counting station has begun.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 39, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 33 . 056 . OBSERVING ACTIVITY GENERALLY. (a) Except as provided
by Section 33 . 057, a watcher is entitled to observe any activity conducted
at the location at which the watcher is serving. A watcher is entitled to
sit or stand conveniently near the election officers conducting the
observed activity.
(b) A watcher is entitled to sit or stand near enough to the member
of a counting team who is announcing the votes to verify that the ballots
are read correctly or to a member who is tallying the votes to verify that
they are tallied correctly.
(c) A watcher is entitled to inspect the returns and other records
prepared by the election officers at the location at which the watcher is
serving.
(d) A watcher may not be prohibited from making written notes while
on duty. Before permitting a watcher who made written notes at a precinct
polling place to leave while the polls are open, the presiding officer may
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require the watcher to leave the notes with another person on duty at the
polling place, selected by the watcher, for retention until the watcher
returns to duty.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff . Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 33 . 057 . OBSERVING PREPARATION OF VOTER' S BALLOT. (a) A watcher
is entitled to be present at the voting station when a voter is being
assisted by an election officer, and the watcher is entitled to examine the
ballot before it is deposited in the ballot box to determine whether it is
prepared in accordance with the voter' s wishes .
(b) A watcher may not be present at the voting station when a voter
is preparing the voter' s ballot or is being assisted by a person of the
voter' s choice.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg. , ch. 864, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 33 . 058 . RESTRICTIONS ON WATCHER' S ACTIVITIES . (a) While on
duty, a watcher may not:
(1) converse with an election officer regarding the election,
except to call attention to an irregularity or violation of law;
(2) converse with a voter; or
(3) communicate in any manner with a voter regarding the
election.
(b) A watcher may call the attention of an election officer to any
occurrence that the watcher believes to be an irregularity or violation of
law and may discuss the matter with the officer. An officer may refer the
watcher to the presiding officer at any point in the discussion. In that
case, the watcher may not discuss the occurrence further with the
subordinate officer unless the presiding officer invites the discussion.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec. 33 . 059 . OBSERVING SECURING OF VOTING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT BEFORE
ELECTION. (a) A watcher appointed to serve at a polling place in an
election using voting system equipment that is required to be delivered to
the polling place in a secured condition is entitled to observe the
inspection and securing of the equipment in the jurisdiction of the
authority responsible for distributing election supplies to the polling
place at which the watcher is appointed to serve .
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(b) On request of a watcher, the authority responsible for
distributing the election supplies shall inform the watcher of the place,
date, and hour of the inspection. A watcher shall be admitted on
presentation of a certificate of appointment . The person admitting the
watcher shall return the certificate to the watcher .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec. 33 . 060 . OBSERVING DELIVERY OF ELECTION RECORDS . (a) On request
of a watcher, an election officer who delivers election records from a
precinct polling place, an early voting polling place, a meeting place for
an early voting ballot board, or a central counting station shall permit
the watcher appointed to serve at that location to accompany the officer in
making the delivery.
(b) If delivery is made in a vehicle, an election officer complies
with this section if the officer permits the watcher to follow in a
different vehicle and drives in a manner that enables the watcher to keep
the vehicle in sight.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 203, Sec. 2 . 44; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg. , ch. 554, Sec.
15, eff. Sept. 1, 1991 .
Sec. 33 . 061 . UNLAWFULLY OBSTRUCTING WATCHER. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person serves in an official capacity at a location at
which the presence of watchers is authorized and knowingly prevents a
watcher from observing an activity the watcher is entitled to observe.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.33.htm 10/10
POLL WATCHER'S GUIDE
A E o
w
CIO
Issued by the
SECRETARY OF STATE
ELECTIONS DIVISION
P.O.Box 12060
Austin, Texas 78711-2060
www.sos.state.tx.us
(512)463-5650
1-800-252-VOTE (8683)
Dial 7-1-1 for Relay Services
Updated: January 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................2
QUICK POINTS TO REMEMBER.............................................................................................................2
VOTER ID UPDATE................................. ......................................................................... 3
QUALIFICATIONS OF WATCHER..........................................................................................................4
APPOINTMENT OF WATCHER................................................................................................................5
Appointment of watcher by political parties:................................................................................................5
Appointment of watcher by a candidate: ......................................................................................................5
Appointment of watcher for elections on measures:.....................................................................................6
Maximum number of watchers: ....................................................................................................................6
Activities a poll watcher may observe:.........................................................................................................6
ACCEPTANCEOF WATCHER..................................................................................................................7
Time for reporting to the polling place:........................................................................................................7
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT..........................................................................................................8
Issuance of certificate:..................................................................................................................................8
DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF WATCHER............................................................................................9
MISCELLANEOUS...................................................................................................................................12
Possibleillegal activities:...........................................................................................................................12
Persons allowed in the polling place:......................................................................................................... 13
ProvisionalVoting:..................................................................................................................................... 14
Using English and interpreters:.................................................................................................................. 19
Castingthe ballot:.......................................................................................................................................20
RecountWatcher.........................................................................................................................................20
Recount Watcher Qualifications.................................................................................................................20
Permitted Number of Recount Watchers.....................................................................................................21
Recount Watcher Appointment....................................................................................................................21
RecountWatcher's Duties...........................................................................................................................21
CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................................................21
1
INTRODUCTION
This "Poll Watcher's Guide" has been designed to familiarize poll watchers with their basic
rights and responsibilities. The integrity of elections is a concern of all citizens, and although
poll watchers may represent particular candidates, political parties or specific-purpose political
action committees, their main interest is in the conduct of a fair and honest election.
A poll watcher's role in an election is established by Chapter 33 of the Texas Election Code
and is defined as follows:
Poll Watcher—a person appointed to observe the conduct of an election on behalf o£
• a candidate,
• a political party, or
• the proponents or opponents of a measure (specific-purpose political action committees).
Throughout this guide, all references are made to appropriate sections in the Texas Election
Code, unless otherwise noted.
QUICK POINTS TO REMEMBER
• In order to serve as a poll watcher, you must show up with a certificate of appointment
that includes:
o Name, residence address, and voter registration number of the poll watcher;
o The signature of the person(s)making the appointment;
o The election and the number of the precinct where the poll watcher is to serve;
o An indication of the capacity in which the appointing authority is acting;
o In an election on a measure, an identification of the measure (if more than one is
to be voted on) and a statement of which side the appointee represents;
o An affidavit to be executed by the poll watcher that the poll watcher will not have
possession of any mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound
while serving as a watcher unless the poll watcher disables or deactivates the
device; and
o The signature of the poll watcher.
• Be ready to counter-sign the certificate of appointment in front of the election judge.
This serves not only to certify that the person presenting themselves as a poll watcher is
the person named on the appointment, but also as the execution of the affidavit that the
watcher does not have possession of any prohibited recording devices.
• If you are serving on election day and want to vote in a different precinct (from the
location of service), we recommend voting during the early voting period, before your
service as a poll watcher.
2
VOTER ID UPDATE AND PROCEDURES
Pursuant to Senate Bill 5 (85th Legislative Session, 2017), a voter who possesses an acceptable
form of photo ID listed below and in Section 63.0101(a) of the Texas Election Code must
present such acceptable form of photo ID. Voters who do not possess one of the forms of
acceptable photo identification listed below, and cannot reasonably obtain one of the forms of
acceptable photo identification listed below, may present a supporting form of identification of
the voter and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, noting the voter's reasonable
impediment to obtaining an acceptable form of photo identification, stating that the information
contained in the declaration is true, that the voter is the same individual personally appearing at
the polling place to sign the declaration, and that the voter faces a reasonable impediment to
procuring an acceptable form of photo identification.
Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:
• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety("DPS")
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
• United States Military Identification Card containing the person's photograph
• United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person's photograph
• United States Passport (book or card)
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, the identification
must be current or, for voters aged 18-69, have expired no more than 4 years before being
presented for voter qualification at the polling place. A person 70 years of age or older may use a
form of identification listed above that has expired if the identification is otherwise valid.
NOTE: This is a change from the previous statute. The previous statute required that the photo
ID not be expired for more than 60 days.
If a voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo identification listed above, and the voter
cannot reasonably obtain such identification,the voter may execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration
and present one of the following supporting forms of identification:
• copy or original of a government document that shows the voter's name and an address, including
the voter's voter registration certificate;
• copy of or original current utility bill;
• copy of or original bank statement;
• copy of or original government check;
• copy of or original paycheck; or
• copy of or original of(a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory)birth certificate or(b)
a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter's identity
(which may include a foreign birth document).
The voter must execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a supporting form of
identification to complete the procedure. The election judge, election clerk, or poll watcher
cannot question the reasonableness of the impediment claimed by the voter. The poll
watcher is not permitted to converse with any voter or communicate in any manner with
any voter regarding the election, including, but not necessarily limited to, the Reasonable
Impediment Declaration procedures or the presentation of voter identification.
3
On the Reasonable Impediment Declaration, the voter must enter their name, indicate the voter's
reasonable impediment to obtaining one of the seven forms of acceptable photo ID, and then sign
and date the form in the presence of the election judge. The election judge must then indicate
that the form was signed and sworn before the judge by also signing and dating the form. Either
the poll worker or the election judge should also check the box listing the form of supporting
documentation the voter presented, fill in the Date of Election and Location fields, and fill in the
voter's Voter Unique Identification Number ("VUID") in the appropriate box or affix a sticker
that contains that information across the box, and note on the Combination Form that the
declaration was used by the voter.
NOTE: The address on either an acceptable form of photo identification, or, if applicable, a
supporting form of identification, does not need to match the address on the list of registered
voters.
Substantially Similar Name Affidavit
Finally, note that, as was the case under the prior statute, if the voter's name on the list of
registered voters does not match exactly to the ID presented (either an acceptable form of photo
ID or, if applicable, a supporting form of identification), the voter must complete the
"Substantially Similar Name Affidavit" on the Combination Form.
QUALIFICATIONS OF WATCHER
Q. What are the qualifications of a watcher?
A. A watcher must:
1. be a registered voter of the territory (e.g., city, school district) covered by the election
and of the county for November general elections for state and county officers (held
on even-years),primary elections, or other countywide elections; [Sec. 33.031]
2. NOT be a candidate for public office in an election held on the day the watcher seeks
to serve; [Sec. 33.032]
3. NOT hold an elective public office; [Sec. 33.034]
4. NOT be an employee of an election judge or clerk serving at the same polling place;
[Sec. 33.033]
5. NOT been finally convicted of an offense in connection with conduct directly
attributable to an election; [Sec. 33.035] and
6. NOT be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity (as determined
by Tex. Govt. Code, Chapter 573, Subchapter B, Secs. 573.022 - 573.025)1 to an
election judge or clerk serving at that polling place. A watcher may be related to the
candidate the watcher is representing. [Sec. 33.033]
Q: Can a person who has been finally convicted of an election offense serve as a
watcher?
A: No. A person convicted of any election offense cannot serve as a watcher. [Sec. 33.035]
' These include spouses,siblings,grandparents,and grandchildren.
4
Q. Does a poll watcher need to live within the election precinct in which the watcher is
serving?
A. No.
Q. Can a person serve as a watcher in an election if they are a candidate running for a
public office?
A. No. A person is ineligible to serve as a watcher in an election if the person is a candidate
for public office in an election to be held on the same day. [Sec. 33.032].
Q. Are elected public officials allowed to serve as watchers in any election?
A. No. A person who holds elected public office is ineligible to serve as a watcher.
[Sec. 33.034].
Q. Can officers of a political party serve as watchers?
A. Yes. They may serve because they are not elected public officers, as political parties are
not public entities. [Sec. 33.034].
Q. Can a watcher work for or be related to any of the election officials?
A. No. The watcher cannot be an employer of or employee of or related within the second
degree to an election judge, election clerk, early voting clerk or deputy clerk. [Sec. 33.033].
Q. Can a candidate's spouse or child serve as a watcher?
A. Yes.
APPOINTMENT OF WATCHER
APPOINTMENT OF WATCHER BY POLITICAL PARTIES:
Q. Who appoints a watcher on behalf of political parties?
A. 1. The county chair of each political party that has a nominee(s) on the official ballot may
appoint watchers. [Sec. 33.003(a)].
2. Any three members of the county executive committee may appoint watchers, if the
county chair fails to act. [Sec. 33.003(b)].
APPOINTMENT OF WATCHER BY A CANDIDATE:
Q. Who appoints a watcher on behalf of candidates?
A. 1. A candidate whose name appears on the official ballot or on the list of declared write-in
candidates in an election for any office (other than the office of Vice-President of the
United States) may appoint a watcher. In other words, watchers may be appointed by any
candidate whose name appears on the ballot other than the candidate for Vice President.
For a state office that is filled by voters of more than one county, the candidate's
campaign treasurer also may appoint a watcher. [Sec. 33.002(a) & (b)].
5
2. For a federal office that is filled by voters of more than one county, the chair or treasurer
of the candidate's principal campaign committee or a designated agent of the campaign
chair or treasurer may appoint a watcher. [Sec. 33.002(c)].
3. A group of registered voters may appoint watchers on behalf of a write-in candidate in an
election in which declarations of write-in candidacy are not required to be filed. The
minimum number of voters required to make an appointment under this section is the
lesser of 15 or five percent of the registered voters of the appropriate territory as
determined from the list of registered voters to be used for the election.
• To be eligible to sign an appointment of a watcher to a precinct polling place, a person
must be a registered voter of the precinct.
• To be eligible to appoint a watcher to an early voting polling place, early ballot board
meeting, or a central counting station, a person must be a registered voter of the county,
city, school district or other political subdivision conducting the election. [Sec. 33.004].
APPOINTMENT OF WATCHER FOR ELECTIONS ON MEASURES:
Q. Who appoints a watcher for elections on measures?
A. The campaign treasurer or an assistant campaign treasurer of a specific purpose political
action committee that supports or opposes a measure may appoint watchers. [Sec.
33.005(a)]. For information on establishing a specific purpose political action committee,
please contact the Texas Ethics Commission at 1-512-463-5800 or www.ethics.state.tx.us.
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WATCHERS:
Q. What is the maximum number of watchers that can be appointed by each appointing
authority?
A. 1. A maximum of seven (7) watchers may be appointed for each early voting polling place
(No more than two may be on duty at the same location and at the same time); and
2. A maximum of two (2) watchers may be appointed for each precinct polling place,
meeting place for an early voting ballot board, or central counting station involved in the
election. [Sec. 33.007].
ACTIVITIES A POLL WATCHER MAY OBSERVE:
A poll watcher is entitled to observe the following activities at early voting by personal
appearance locations and election day locations:
1. Early voting by personal appearance polling place activities, including time before and after
the polls close.
NOTE: If present, a poll watcher should sign ballot box seals placed on early
voting ballot boxes.
2. Election day polling place activities, including time before and after the polls close.
3. Early voting ballot board meeting activities.
4. Central counting station activities.
5. Central accumulation station activities.
6. Signature verification committee activities.
6
7. Voter being assisted by an election official.
NOTE: A watcher may not be present at the voting station when a voter is
preparing the voter's ballot or is being assisted by a person of the voter's
choice, including by a person also serving as an interpreter at the voting
station.
8. Inspecting and securing the voting equipment. [Sec. 33.059]. (Must present certificate of
appointment; certificate must be returned to the watcher.)
9. Delivery of election results from polling place. [Sec. 33.060]
ACCEPTANCE OF WATCHER
TIME FOR REPORTING TO THE POLLING PLACE:
Q. What time do watchers need to report to the polling place, and how long do they need to
stay at that polling place?
A. 1. At the polling place on election day, a poll watcher:
• may begin service at any time after the presiding judge arrives and may stay at the
polling place until election officials complete their duties.
• may come and go after watcher has served 5 consecutive hours. [Sec. 33.052].
NOTE: If watcher leaves polling area temporarily to use cell phone or other
wireless device, this temporary absence does not affect his 5 hours of
consecutive service.
2. At an early voting polling place, a poll watcher:
• may be present at the polling place at any time it is open and until voting equipment is
secured on the close of voting each day.
• may serve during the hours the watcher chooses. [Sec. 33.053].
NOTE: A poll watcher may be appointed to observe early voting by personal
appearance only; a poll watcher is not entitled to observe the procedures
related to early voting by mail.
NOTE: NEW LAW (HB 2559 (85th Regular Session)): A poll watcher cannot
obtain a copy of an application for a ballot to be voted by mail from the
early voting clerk until the first business day after the election day of the
earliest election for which the application is valid. Therefore, an Annual
ABBM will not be available for public inspection or copying until the first
business day after the election day of the earliest election held each
calendar year for which the application is valid. The information placed on
the early voting roster of people who voted by mail is not available for
public inspection by anyone until the first business day after election day
or the day following the day the voter's ballot is received by the early
voting clerk, except to the voter seeking to verify that the information is
accurate. [Sec. 87.121].
3. At an early voting ballot board meeting (includingthe he signature verification committee), a
poll watcher:
7
• may be present at any time the board is processing or counting ballots and until the
board completes its duties.
• may not leave during voting hours on election day without the early voting ballot board
judge's permission once the board has begun counting the ballots. [Sec. 33.054].
4. At the central counting station, a poll watcher:
• may be present at any time the central counting station is open and has convened for the
purpose of processing or preparing to process election results and until the election
officers complete their duties at the station.
• may not leave during voting hours without the presiding judge's permission, if the
counting of ballots at the central counting station has begun. [Sec. 33.055].
NOTE: The presiding judge of the central counting station, in cooperation with the
county clerk/elections administrator, may to choose to withhold the release
of vote totals until the last voter has voted.
CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT
ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE:
The appointing authority must issue a certificate of appointment to the watcher. [Sec. 33.006(a)].
Q. What information needs to be on the certificate?
A. The certificate of appointment must be in writing and must include the following:
1. Name, residence address, voter registration number, and signature of the watcher;
2. The election and the number of the precinct (or other location, for example, early voting
ballot board meeting) at which the watcher is appointed to serve;
3. The signature of the person(s)making the appointment;
4. An indication of the capacity in which the appointing authority is acting, (example: as a
candidate, a campaign treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer of a specific-purpose
political action committee);
5. In an election on a measure, an identification of the measure (if more than one is to be
voted on) and a statement identifying which side the appointee represents; and [Sec.
33.006(b)].
6. An affidavit executed by the poll watcher that the poll watcher will not have possession
of any mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound while serving as a
watcher unless the poll watcher disables or deactivates the device. (This affidavit is
signed in the presence of the presiding judge; that signature also serves as the
countersignature, which is discussed below.)
NOTE: Officially-prescribed poll watcher appointment forms may be
found at this link:
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/index.shtml.
Q. What are the requirements for a certificate of a watcher appointed on behalf of a non-
declared write-in candidate?
A. Additional requirements necessary for a certificate of appointment of a watcher for a non-
declared write-in candidate include:
8
1. the residence address and voter registration number of the lesser of 15 voters or 5
percent of the registered voters in the precinct or political subdivision, as applicable;
2. the signed statement of the candidate, or a person who would be authorized to make
appointments on the candidate's behalf if the candidate's name appeared on the
ballot, that the appointment is made with the signer's consent [Sec. 33.004(b)]; and
3. the residence or office address of the write-in candidate or the person who would be
authorized to make appointments on the candidate's behalf if the candidate's name
appeared on the ballot. If the candidate does not sign, the signer must indicate his or
her relationship to the candidate. [Sec. 33.006(c)].
Q. How does one present a certificate of appointment?
A. 1. A watcher must deliver a certificate of appointment to the presiding judge at the time the
watcher reports for service. [Sec. 33.051(a)].
2. The officer presented with a watcher's certificate of appointment must require the watcher
to countersign the certificate in the officer's presence to verify that the watcher is the same
person who originally signed the certificate. The watcher's signature is in the portion of
the certificate containing the affidavit that the watcher does not have possession of any
prohibited recording devices; this serves both as the acknowledgement of the affidavit and
as the countersignature. [Sec. 33.051(b)].
3. A watcher may not be accepted for service unless an affidavit executed by the poll
watcher that the poll watcher will not have possession of any mechanical or electronic
means of recording images or sound while serving as a watcher unless the poll watcher
disables or deactivates the device.
4. The judge must keep the certificate in envelope no. 2 (or other designated container)
which is returned to the custodian of election records after the election. [Sec. 66.023(7)].
5. The certificate of a watcher serving at an early voting polling place must be retained at the
polling place until voting is concluded at the polling place. At each subsequent time that
the watcher reports for service at that location, the watcher shall inform the clerk or
deputy in charge. The officer may require the watcher to sign the watcher's name in the
officer's presence, for comparison with the signature on the certificate, if the officer is
uncertain of the watcher's identity. [Sec. 33.051(d)].
6. If the watcher is rejected, the certificate should be returned to the watcher with a signed
statement of the reason for the rejection. [Sec. 33.051(e)].
DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES OF WATCHER
Q. What are a watcher's duties?
A. The primary duty of a watcher is to observe the conduct of the election at the location where
the watcher has been appointed. A watcher may point out to an election judge or clerk any
observed irregularity or violation of the Texas Election Code. However, if the clerk refers
the watcher to the judge, the watcher may not discuss the matter further with the clerk unless
the presiding judge invites the discussion. [Sec. 33.058(b)].
Q: May watchers wear name tags?
9
A: In fact, they must. A poll watcher MUST wear a form of identification prescribed by the
Secretary of State and provided by the presiding judge or other election officer. [Sec.
33.051(f)].
Q. What are watchers NOT allowed to do while on duty?
A. 1. Talk with an election officer regarding the election except to call attention to an
irregularity or violation. [Sec. 33.058(a)(1)].
2. Converse with a voter. [Sec. 33.058(a)(2)].
3. Communicate in any manner with a voter regarding the election. [Sec. 33.058(a)(3)].
4. Leave during voting hours on election day without the presiding judge's permission unless
the watcher has completed 5 consecutive hours of service at the polling place. If the
watcher leaves without permission and prior to completing the 5 hours of service, the
presiding judge may refuse to readmit the watcher.
NOTE: The watcher must be allowed to leave to use a wireless communication
device and be readmitted to the polling place, if the watcher returns
promptly. This does not constitute an interruption in the watcher's 5 hours
of consecutive service. [Sec. 33.052(b)].
5. Reveal the following information before the polls close:
• How a voter has voted; this offense is a third degree felony. [Sec. 61.006(b)].
• The number of votes that have been received for a candidate or for or against a measure;
this offense is a Class C misdemeanor. [Sec. 61.007(a)(1)].
• A candidate's position relative to other candidates in the tabulation of the votes; this
offense is a Class C misdemeanor. [Sec. 61.007(a)(2)].
• Whether a measure is passing or failing; this offense is a Class C misdemeanor. [Sec.
61.007(a)(3)].
• The names of persons who have or have not voted in the election; this offense is a Class
C misdemeanor. [Sec. 61.007(a)(4)].
Q. What is a watcher permitted to do while on duty?
A. A watcher must be permitted, but is not required to:
I. Witness the installation of voting system equipment at the polling place. [Sec.33.059].
2. Observe the securing of voting system equipment before the election. [Sec. 33.059].
3. A poll watcher may leave the polling place temporarily in order to use a cell phone or
other wireless communication device. If the poll watcher promptly returns, he or she is
considered to have served continuously as that term is used for calculating his or her
continuous 5 hours, which allows the watcher to come and go. [Sec. 62.011].
4. Observe any activity conducted at the location at which the watcher is serving, and sit or
stand conveniently near the election officials to observe the activities of the election.
[Sec. 33.056(a)].
5. Make written notes while on duty. However, if the watcher is permitted to leave the
polling place while the polls are open, the watcher may be required to leave his or her
10
written notes with another person selected by the watcher who is on duty at the polling
place. [Sec. 33.056(d)].
6. Observe assistance given to voters by election officials and inspect the ballot before it is
deposited in the ballot box to determine if it was prepared in accordance with the voter's
wishes. [Sec. 33.057(a)].
NOTE: A watcher may not be present at the voting station when a voter is
preparing the voter's ballot or is being assisted by a person of the voter's
choice, including by a person also serving as an interpreter at the voting
station. [Sec. 33.057(b); U.S.D.C. W.D. Tex. Civil Action No. 1:15-cv-00679-
RP (Docket Nos. 60, 66) (as affirmed in part by the United States Court of
Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (No. 16-51126); Docket No. 81) (hereinafter
"Docket Nos. 60, 66")]].]
7. Inspect the returns and other records prepared by the election officers. [Sec. 33.056(c)].
8. A watcher may not participate but may observe the tallying and counting of the votes to
verify that the votes are tallied and read correctly. [Sec. 33.056(b)].
9. Accompany authorized election officials in delivering election records from a precinct
polling place, an early voting polling place, a meeting place for an early voting ballot
board, or a central counting station. [Sec. 33.060(a)].
NOTE: Poll watcher and election officials do not need to ride in the same vehicle.
[Sec. 33.060(b)].
10. Witness securing of the voting system equipment at the time the polls close. [Sec.
125.063].
11. Receive an English translation of any language spoken other than English between an
election official and a voter. [Sec. 61.036].
Q. Can a watcher leave the election day polling place temporarily during the time the polls
are open?
A. Yes. Once a watcher has served more than 5 consecutive hours at the polling place, the
watcher gains the privilege to leave the polling place and return at the hours he or she
chooses, except that if the watcher is present when ballots are being counted, the watcher
may not leave until the counting is complete. Additionally, the watcher may briefly leave the
polling place to use his or her cell phone or other wireless device, and this does not interrupt
the watcher's 5 hours of continuous service, if the watcher returns promptly. [Sec.
33.052(a)].
Q. Can a watcher leave in order to vote at another polling place?
A. The watcher may leave to vote and return if the watcher has served more than 5 consecutive
hours at the polling place. If the watcher has not yet served 5 consecutive hours, whether he
or she will be allowed back into the polling place is at the judge's discretion. [Sec.
33.052(a)]. We recommend voting during the early voting period, before your service as a
poll watcher.
Q. Can a watcher leave the polling place after the time for closing the polls without
obtaining permission from the presiding judge?
11
A. The watcher may leave without permission from the judge; however, if the watcher wishes to
return to the polling place, the watcher must have served at least 5 consecutive hours at the
polling place. If not, once the watcher leaves, he or she may return only at the discretion of
the judge. Additionally, if the watcher is present at the polling place when ballots are being
counted, the watcher may not leave until the counting is complete. [Sec. 33.052(a)]
MISCELLANEOUS
POSSIBLE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES:
Q. What illegal activities should a watcher look for?
A. The election judge may be notified of any activity that appears to be prohibited by law.
If any of the following activities occur, bring it to the election judge's attention and note the
individual(s) involved, including time and place of occurrence:
1. Election workers allowing voters to vote a regular ballot who do not (1) present an
acceptable form of photo identification; or (2) if a voter does not possess and cannot
reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo identification, present a supporting form of
ID and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration; or (3) present a Voter Registration
Certificate with an"E"notation on it [Sec. 63.001]
Pursuant to SB 5 (85th Regular Session), a voter who possesses an acceptable form of
photo ID, from the list referenced on page 3, must present it in order to vote in person.
Voters who do not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo identification from the
list referenced on page 3, and cannot reasonably obtain one of the forms of acceptable
photo identification, may present a supporting form of identification and execute a
Reasonable Impediment Declaration, noting the voter's reasonable impediment to
obtaining an acceptable form of photo identification, stating that the information
contained in the declaration is true, that the voter is the same individual personally
appearing at the polling place to sign the declaration, and that the voter faces a reasonable
impediment to procuring an acceptable form of photo identification.
Please see Page 3 for a list of acceptable forms of photo ID and a list of supporting forms
of ID.
2. Electioneering and loitering within 100 feet of the entrance of the building in which a
polling place is located. [Sec. 61.003]. Examples of electioneering include, but are not
limited to the following:
a. wearing or exhibiting a badge, insignia, emblem, or other similar communicative
device item relating to a candidate, measure or political party. [Sec. 61.010].
NOTE: An election judge, an election clerk, a state or federal election inspector, a
certified peace officer, or a special peace officer appointed for the polling
place by the presiding judge shall wear while on duty in the area is
required to wear a tag or official badge that indicates their name and title
or position. [Sec. 61.010] A poll watcher must also wear a badge
12
indicating the person is a poll watcher. The badge will be issued to the
poll watcher by the election judge.
b. unauthorized posting of signs,posters or other similar items. [Sec. 62.013]
NOTE: A candidate in an election commits a Class C misdemeanor if he or she is
in the polling place for a purpose other than (1) voting or (2) official
business in the building in which the polling place is located; however, a
candidate may assist a voter without violating this section. [Sec.
61.001(b)]
EXCEPTION: It is a defense to prosecution under Section 61.001(b) if the
candidate is (1) not in plain view of persons in the voting area or
the area where voters are being qualified and (2) not engaged in
campaign activity. [Sec. 61.001(c)].
c. Unlawful operation of a sound amplification device or soundtruck used for
campaigning purposes within 1,000 feet of a building in which a polling place is
located. [Sec. 61.004];
d. Bribing voters [Sec. 36.02, Penal Code];
e. Tampering with a direct recording electronic voting machine [Sec. 33.05, Penal
Code];
f. Unlawfully influencing voters [Sec. 61.008];
g. Coercing voters [Sec. 36.03, Penal Code];
h. Unlawfully telling another person information that was obtained at the polling
place about how a voter has voted [Sec. 61.006];
i. Unlawfully giving information about the status of the vote count or the names of
people who have voted before the polls close [Sec. 61.007];
j. Tampering with voting equipment [Sec. 127.127];
k. Voting illegally [Sec. 64.012];
1. Unlawfully removing ballots from ballot box [Sec. 276.003];
in. Harassing the election officials [Sec. 32.075];
n. Unlawfully assisting voters [Sec. 64.036];
o. Unlawfully accepting or refusing to accept voters [Sec. 63.012];
p. Using a wireless communication device within 100 feet of polling place [Secs.
33.052(b) and 61.014];
q. Interfering with the voting process; and/or
r. Violating any other Texas election laws.
PERSONS ALLOWED IN THE POLLING PLACE:
Q. Who is allowed inside the polling place?
13
A. 1. Election judge and clerks. [Secs. 32.071 & 32.072].
2. Poll watchers and Secretary of State inspectors. [Secs. 33.052 & 34.002].
3. Persons admitted to vote. [Sec. 63.001].
4. Children under 18 years old who are accompanying a parent who is admitted to vote.
[Sec. 64.002(b)].
5. Persons providing assistance to (including interpreting) for a voter who is entitled to
assistance, including an interpreter. [Secs. 61.032 & 64.032; 42 U.S.C. § 1973aa-6; 42
U.S.C.A. § 1973aa-6; Docket Nos. 60, 66].
6. Federal inspectors appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
7. Persons summoned or appointed by the presiding election judge to act as special peace
officers to preserve order. [Sec. 32.075].
8. Voting system technician on the request of the authority holding the election. [Sec.
125.010].
9. During the primary or primary runoff elections only, the County Chair is allowed in the
polling place to perform "administrative functions related to the conduct of the election."
[Sec. 172.1113]
PROVISIONAL VOTING:
Provisional voting is available in multiple scenarios. Provisional ballots must be offered to voters
when required by the situations described below. Provisional ballots are important because they
help the voter.
If a voter (a) does not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo identification,
which, for voters aged 18-69, is not expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and
older, may be expired for any length of time but is otherwise valid, and the voter can reasonably
obtain one of these forms of identification or(b)possesses, but did not bring to the polling place,
one of the seven forms of acceptable photo identification, which, for voters aged 18-69, is not
expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length
of time but is otherwise valid, or(c) does not possess one of the seven forms of acceptable photo
identification, which, for voters aged 18-69, is not expired for more than four years, or, for
voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length of time but is otherwise valid, could
otherwise not reasonably obtain one, but did not bring a supporting form of identification to the
polling place; and the voter does not have a permanent disability exemption indicated on their
voter registration certificate, the voter may cast a provisional ballot at the polls.
However, in order to have the provisional ballot counted, the voter will be required to visit the
voter registrar's office within six calendar days of the date of the election to (1) present one of
the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo identification, which, for voters aged 18-69, is not
expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length
of time but is otherwise valid; (2) if the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one
of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo identification, which, for voters aged 18-69, is not
expired for more than four years, or, for voters aged 70 and older, may be expired for any length
of time but is otherwise valid, present one of the supporting forms of ID and execute a
14
Reasonable Impediment Declaration, OR, (3) if applicable, submit one of the temporary forms
(e.g., religious objection or natural disaster) in the presence of the county voter registrar, OR (4)
if applicable, qualify for the disability exemption to presenting an acceptable form of photo
identification or following the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls.
Specifically, forms are available for voters who have a consistent religious objection to being
photographed and for voters who do not present a form of acceptable photo identification or
follow the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure because of certain natural disasters as
declared by the President of the United States or the Texas Governor within 45 days of the day
the ballot was cast. In addition, voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar
for a permanent exemption to presenting an acceptable form of photo identification or following
the Reasonable Impediment Declaration procedure at the polls. The application must contain
written documentation from either the U.S. Social Security Administration evidencing the
applicant's disability, or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evidencing a disability
rating of at least 50 percent. In addition, the applicant must state that he or she has no valid form
of photo identification prescribed by Section 63.0101 of the Texas Election Code.
See Voter ID Update—New Procedures at the beginning of this publication for more information
on voter identification procedures at the polling place.
NOTE: If a voter has continued access to their acceptable form of photo ID, but, for example,
forgets to bring their acceptable form of photo ID to the polling place and/or left it, for example,
at home or in their car, the voter still possesses the acceptable photo ID and must use it to vote.
Accordingly, if a voter possesses an acceptable form of photo ID but does not have it with them
at the polling place and there is enough time left when polls are open, the voter may choose to
return at a later time with an acceptable form of photo ID, or the voter may vote provisionally. A
voter who does not possess an acceptable form of photo ID, and could not otherwise reasonably
obtain one, but just did not bring a form of supporting ID to the polling place, may also opt to
leave the polling place, and return at a later time with their acceptable form of supporting ID and
vote a regular ballot after executing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, or the voter may vote
provisionally.
Provisional ballots are not counted until the voter registrar and early voting ballot board verify
the voter's eligibility. The affidavit that provisional voters must sign also acts as a voter
registration application, ensuring that those individuals who are not actual registered voters will
be registered for future elections for which they are eligible.
Q. Who is eligible to cast a provisional ballot?
A. The following individuals are eligible to cast a provisional ballot:
• A voter who states they do not possess an acceptable form of photo ID, and that they can
reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo ID;
• A voter who states that they do not possess an acceptable form of photo ID, and that they
cannot otherwise reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo ID, but they did not
bring their form of supporting ID to the polling place.
15
• NOTE: A voter who does not possess and could otherwise not
reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo ID but just did not
bring a form of supporting ID to the polling place may opt to
leave the polling place, and return at a later time with their
acceptable form of supporting ID and vote a regular ballot after
executing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
• A voter who states they possess an acceptable form of photo ID, but do not have it with
them to present at the polling place. NOTE: If a voter has continued access to their
acceptable form of photo ID, but, for example, forgets to bring their acceptable form of
approved photo ID to the polling place and/or left it, for example, at home or in their car,
the voter still possesses the acceptable photo ID and must use it to vote. NOTE: This
voter may opt to leave the polling place, and return at a later time with their acceptable
form of photo ID and vote a regular ballot.
• A voter who does not present an acceptable form of photo ID or follow the Reasonable
Impediment Declaration procedure and has a religious objection to being photographed
and the voter has consistently refused to be photographed for any governmental purpose
from the time the voter has held this belief. [Sec. 65.054(b)(2)(B)]
• A voter does not present an acceptable form of photo ID or follow the Reasonable
Impediment Declaration procedure because of a natural disaster that was declared by the
president of the United states or the Texas governor, occurred not earlier than 45 days
before the date the ballot was cast, and caused the destruction of or inability to access the
voter's identification. [Sec. 65.054(b)(2)(C)]
• A voter whose name on the form of identification presented (acceptable form of photo
identification, or, if the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an
acceptable form of photo identification, the supporting form of identification presented
in connection with a Reasonable Impediment Declaration) is determined by the election
officer not to exactly match or be substantially similar to the name as it appears on the
election precinct list of registered voters.
NOTE: A voter's name as listed on the identification the voter presents (either an
acceptable form of photo ID or, if applicable, a supporting form of ID in connection with
a Reasonable Impediment Declaration) for voting is considered substantially similar to
the form of the name as listed on the list of registered voters if one or more of the
following circumstances applies: 1) The name on the presented ID is slightly different
from one or more of the name fields on the official list of registered voters; 2) The name
on the presented ID or on the list of registered voters is a customary variation of the
voter's formal name (for example, Bill for William, or Beto for Alberto); 3) the voter's
name contains an initial, middle name, or former name that is either not on the official list
of registered voters or on the presented ID; 4) a first name, middle name, former name or
initial of the voter's name occupies a different filed on the presented ID than it does on
the list of registered votes. In considering whether a name is substantially similar,
16
election officials will also look at whether information on the presented ID matches
elements of the voter's information on the official list of registered voters such as the
voter's residence address or date of birth.
• A voter who presented a form of identification (acceptable form of photo identification,
or, if the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable form of
photo identification, the supporting form of identification presented in connection with a
Reasonable Impediment Declaration) but whose identity cannot be verified by the
identification presented, as determined by the polling place official per Section
63.001(d) of the Code..
• A voter who has received a disability exemption under 13.002(i) of the Code, but does
not have or otherwise fails to present the voter's voter registration certificate at the
polling place indicating such exemption, or a voter who is eligible for a disability
exemption under 13.002(i) of the Code, but has not yet submitted the documentation
required to receive a disability exemption under 13.002(i) of the Code.
• A voter who claims to be properly registered and eligible to vote at the election precinct
where the voter presents himself or herself to vote, but the voter's name does not appear
on the precinct list of registered voters and the voter does not present a voter registration
certificate indicating that the voter is currently registered as described in Section 63.006
of the Code.
NOTE: If the provisional voter indicates he or she is registered, the election officer
must ask the person if they registered at DPS. If the person states they did register at
DPS, the election officer must ask the person if he or she knows the approximate date
that the person went to DPS. The election officer must then note that the voter went
to DPS and, if the person knows, the approximate date the person went to DPS, on the
Provisional Ballot Affidavit Envelope in the "Other"line.
• A voter who has applied for a ballot by mail, but has not yet cancelled the mail ballot
application with the early voting clerk at the main early voting location or cancelled the
mail application by returning the ballot to be voted by mail to the election judge at the
voter's election day precinct polling place.
• A voter who votes during the polling hours that are extended by a state or federal court.
• A voter who is registered to vote but attempting to vote in a precinct other than the one
in which the voter is registered.
• A voter who is on the election precinct list of registered voters, but whose registered
residence address is outside the political subdivision in which the voter is presenting
himself or herself to vote.
• Other: (with an explanation). [See, e.g., Sec. 63.011; 1 T.A.C.
§§81.17281.176; Texas Water Code § 49.1025]
17
Q. Who makes the determination if an individual is qualified to vote provisionally?
A. The election judge at the precinct makes that determination. If a voter is eligible to cast a
provisional ballot, then the election judge immediately informs the voter of that right.
In order to vote provisionally, the voter must complete and sign an "Affidavit of Provisional
Voter," a form which will also serve as a voter registration application in the event the voter
is not registered or as an update to the voter's registration record in the event the information
is different.
Q. Are there cases when a provisional ballot will not be counted? When is a voter notified?
A. While a provisional voter may be allowed to vote at the polling place, there are certain
circumstances in which they will immediately be informed that their ballot will not be
counted. For example, the election judge will notify the voter that their ballot will not be
counted if:
• The voter does not present an acceptable form of photo identification, or, if the voter does
not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable form of photo identification, the
voter does not execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present one of the
acceptable forms of supporting identification, or submit one of the temporary forms
(religious objection or natural disaster exemption), or submit the paperwork required to
obtain a permanent disability exemption, to the county voter registrar within 6 calendar
days from election day, or
• the ballot is cast at a precinct in which the voter is not registered (regardless of whether
the voter is registered in another precinct in same political subdivision).
Q. If a voter applied for a ballot by mail, may the voter vote provisionally at the election
day precinct polling place without returning the mail ballot to the election judge?
A. Yes. A voter who appears on the list of registered voters as having applied for and/or
received a ballot by mail may go to the polling place and vote. If the voter does not have the
ballot to return to the judge, he will have to vote a provisional ballot. If the mail ballot does
not arrive at the ballot board before the provisional ballot, the provisional ballot will be
counted. If the mail ballot does arrive at the ballot board before the provisional ballot, the
mail ballot will be counted. [Sec. 63.011].
Q. How are provisional ballots reviewed and handled?
A. At the polling place, the election judge provides the provisional voter written notice
informing the voter that they will be notified within 10 days after the local canvass as to
whether or not their ballot was counted and, if not, why it was not counted. The notice also
includes instructions and additional details regarding the provisional voting process.
Q. How is the secrecy of the ballot preserved?
18
A. The voter places the voted provisional ballot in a plain white ballot secrecy envelope which
in turn is placed inside the Provisional Affidavit Ballot Envelope. Provisional ballots are
placed either in a designated, secure container or Ballot Box No. 4 until the voter registrar
and early voting ballot board complete their review. The transfer and tabulation of these
ballots are handled with the same care, secrecy and security as other ballots and voting
system equipment. Note: If the voter is casting an electronic provisional ballot, the voter
completes the affidavit on the provisional envelope but does not include a ballot.
Q. What is the deadline for reviewing provisional affidavits?
A. The early voting ballot board must complete the processing and counting, where applicable,
of the provisional ballots by the ninth day after the election (131h day after election day in the
general election for state and county officers). Notice must be delivered to provisional voters
regarding whether their ballot was counted, noting a reason, if their ballot was not counted.
This notice must be delivered no later than the loth day after the local canvass. [Sec, 65.051,
T.A.C. §§ 81.172-81.174, 81.176]
USING ENGLISH AND INTERPRETERS:
All election officials, while performing their duties at the polling place, must use English, except
when helping a voter who does not understand English. [Sec. 61.031(a)].
Q. What is an interpreter and when is one used?
A. 1. If a voter cannot communicate in English, an election official may communicate with the
voter in a language both the election official and the voter (or the voter's interpreter)
understands. [Sec. 61.031(b)].
2. The voter may also select an interpreter to communicate with the election officer(s)
attending to the voter in a language that is not English, regardless of whether the election
officer who attempts to communicate with the voter understands or does not understand
the language used by the voter, as long as the interpreter meets the qualifications in
paragraphs 3 and 4 below. [Sec. 61.032; Docket Nos. 60, 66)]
3. Upon taking the oath of interpreter, any person selected by the voter other than the voter's
employer, an agent of the voter's employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's labor
union, may act as an interpreter for one or more voters. [Sec. 61.035; Docket Nos. 60, 66]
4. The interpreter may be a person provided by the authority conducting the election.
However, even if an interpreter is provided, a voter may use his own interpreter. [Sec.
61.032].
5. The interpreter may also accompany the voter to the voting station for the purpose of
translating the ballot to the voter. [Sec. 61.034].
6. A watcher may request and receive an English translation of a language spoken other than
English between an election official and a voter. [Sec. 61.036].
19
CASTING THE BALLOT:
Q. If voters make a mistake marking their ballot, can they start over?
A. Yes, however, there is a limit to how many times a voter may attempt to cast a ballot. Voters
who make mistakes while marking their paper or optical scan ballots may take the spoiled
ballot to an election official and exchange it for a new ballot. A voter may only receive up to
two replacement ballots (the original ballot, plus two replacement ballots yields a total of
three possible ballots per voter). [Sec. 64.007(a) & (b)].
Q: If a voter is voting provisionally on paper or optical scan ballot, does he or she use the
same type of ballot as a regular voter?
A: Yes, but the election officials may have a few ballots pre-stamped "provisional" in a separate
stack from regular ballots. The following steps must occur:
(1) the voter votes the ballot;
(2) seals the ballot in the ballot secrecy envelope;
(3) seals the privacy envelope in the provisional ballot affidavit envelope; and
(4) casts the ballot in the regular ballot box or other designated secured container as
directed by the election officials.
NOTE: Some electronic voting systems allow the voter to cast a provisional ballot
directly on the machine.
Q. If a voter leaves a voted ballot in the voting station or elsewhere in the polling place
rather than putting it in the ballot box, or if a voter voting on an electronic voting
system leaves without finally casting his or her ballot, is the ballot counted?
A. No. The ballot cast by a "fleeing" voter is not cast. The judge should treat it as a cancelled
ballot. [65.010(a)(4)] On an electronic voting system, the ballot is cancelled.
RECOUNT WATCHER
Similarly to a poll watcher, a recount watcher (formerly termed a representative) is a person
appointed to observe the conduct of the recount on behalf o£
• a candidate,
• a political party, or
• the proponents or opponents of a measure (specific-purpose political action committees).
[Sec. 213.0131.
RECOUNT WATCHER QUALIFICATIONS
Unlike a poll watcher, a recount watcher is not required to meet any particular qualifications to
serve. The recount watcher is not required to be a registered voter of the territory in which the
election was held. The recount watcher does not have age or citizenship requirements. Public
officials are not prohibited from serving as recount watchers, nor is the recount watcher's
eligibility affected by the familial relationship of a watcher to a person serving on the recount
committee.
20
PERMITTED NUMBER OF RECOUNT WATCHERS
As the recount is conducted, each authority eligible to appoint a recount watcher is permitted to
have watchers present in a number corresponding to the number of counting teams designated for
the recount; however, if there is a single counting team, two recount watchers may be present.
[Sec. 213.013(b)].
RECOUNT WATCHER APPOINTMENT
The watcher must deliver a certificate of appointment to the recount chair at the time the watcher
reports for service. The certificate must be in writing and must contain:
(1) the printed name and the signature of the recount watcher
(2) the election subject to the recount
(3) the time and place of the recount
(4) the measure, candidate, or political party being represented
(5) the signature and the printed name of the person making the appointment
(6) an indication of the capacity in which the appointing authority is acting.
[Sec. 213.013(f)].
NOTE: No one entitled to be present at a recount may be in possession of
a device capable of recording images or sound,unless the person
agrees to disable or deactivate the device while present at the
recount. [213.013(i)].
The officially prescribed recount watcher appointment form may be found at this link:
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/fon-ns/pol-sub/14-2f.pdf
A recount watcher who submits a valid appointment form to the recount chair must be admitted
to the recount unless the specific authority's maximum number of watchers have already been
accepted. [Sec. 213.013(e)].
RECOUNT WATCHER'S DUTIES
Similarly to a poll watcher, a recount watcher is entitled to observe any activity conducted in
connection with the recount. Watchers are entitled to stand or sit conveniently near the officers
engaged in the observed activity or near the officers counting or processing the ballots to verify
that they are being counted correctly. Rules on the watcher's rights, duties, and privileges are
otherwise the same as for a poll watcher to the extent applicable. [Sec. 213.013(h)].
Recount watchers may also be present in the same numbers prescribed under Section 213.013(b)
to observe the printing of ballot images cast on direct recording electronic voting systems prior
to the recount. [Sec. 213.016].
CONCLUSION
As a poll watcher or a recount watcher, you are entitled to observe the conduct of the election at
the location to which you are assigned or the activities at a recount. You must keep in mind your
responsibility to ensure the fair conduct of elections. Please remember, however, that the
21
presiding officers are responsible for maintaining control and order. You should establish a
cooperative relationship with these presiding officers and work with them to ensure that the
voting process works smoothly. Remember that you are not allowed to address voters
directly.
If any questions arise during your service that the presiding officer cannot answer or you
question the accuracy of the information provided, you may call the Elections Division at our
toll-free number, 1-800-252-VOTE(8683). The Elections Division is open Monday through
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and during all uniform election dates from before the polls
open until after they close. If you desire to learn more about the election process, please call our
office to request one of our handbooks for election day officials and the early voting ballot board
or our detailed recount procedures. You may also wish to review our online poll worker training
at www.texaspollworkertraining.com.
Thank you for your participation in the election process!
22
AW4-16
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Sections 33.002,33.006,Texas Election Code
5/12
APPOINTMENT OF POLL WATCHER BY CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT
OR DECLARED WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
To the Presiding Judge:
The following person has been appointed to serve as a poll watcher on my behalf.
Name of Poll Watcher Name of Candidate
Residence Address of Poll Watcher Name and Date of Election
Voter Registration VUID Number of Poll Watcher Precinct or other location Poll Watcher is to serve
Signature of Candidate or Other Approving Authority Title of Approving Authority
Signature of the Watcher
AFFIDAVIT OF POLL WATCHER
a poll watcher for the above appointing authority, do hereby swear or
affirm that I do not have in my possession any type of mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound while
serving as a watcher at this precinct or I will disable or deactivate the device while serving as a watcher.
Signature of Poll Watcher
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day of
Signature of Election Judge
Printed Name of Election Judge
INSTRUCTIONS
The following persons have the authority to appoint a poll watcher on behalf of a candidate whose name appears
on the ballot.
a. In an election for an office of the state government that is filled by voters of more than one
county, by the candidate's campaign treasurer.
b. In an election for an office of the federal government that is filled by voters of more than one
county, by the chair or treasurer of the candidate's principal campaign committee or by a designated
agent of the chair or treasurer.
AW4-16
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Sections 33.002,33.006,Texas Election Code
5/12
NOMBRAMIENTO DE OBSERVADOR(A) POR CANDIDATO EN LA BOLETA O CANDIDATO
DECLARADO ELEGIBLE PARA RECIBIR VOTO POR INSERCION ESCRITA
Al Juez Presidente:
La siguiente persona ha sido nombrada para servir como observador(a)por mi.
Nombre del/de la Observador(a) Nombre del Candidato
Direccibn Residencial del/de la Observador(a) Tipo y Fecha de Eleccibn
Mm. de VUID del/de la Observador(a) Precinto a otro sitio en que servira el/la Observador(a)
Firma del Candidato o de la Autoridad Aprobadora Titulo de la Autoridad Aprobadora
Firma del/de la Observador(a)
DECLARACION JURADA DE OBSERVADOR(A)
Yo, , observador(a) de eleccion designado/a por la autoridad citada, por el presente
juro o protesto que no tendre en mi poder, durante mi gestion de observador(a) en este precinto electoral, ningun
dispositivo mecanico o electronico, de cualquier tipo, para la grabacion de imagenes o de sonidos, o que
inhabilitare o desactivare el dispositivo al servir como Observador(a).
Firma de Observador(a)
Jurado y suscrito ante mi, a los dias del mes de de
Firma del/de la Juez Electoral
Nombre del/de la Juez Electoral, en letras de molde
INSTRUCCIONES
Las siguientes personas estan autorizadas para nombrar a un observador a favor del candidato cuyo nombre
aparece sobre la boleta.
a. En una eleccion en que se ocupa un puesto oficial del gobierno estatal por los votantes de mas de
un condado, el/la tesorero(a) de la campana electoral de cualquier candidato podra nombrar a un observador.
b. En una eleccion en que se ocupa un puesto oficial del gobierno federal por los votantes de mas de
un condado, un observador podra nombrarse por el presidente o el tesorero del comite principal de la campana
electoral de cualquier candidato o por un agente designado de dicho presidente o tesorero.
12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 34.STATE INSPECTORS
ELECTION CODE
TITLE 3 . ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
CHAPTER 34 . STATE INSPECTORS
Sec. 34 . 001 . APPOINTMENT OF STATE INSPECTORS . (a) The secretary of
state may appoint one or more state inspectors for an election .
(b) The secretary of state shall appoint one or more inspectors for
an election if the secretary receives a written request for the appointment
from 15 or more registered voters :
(1) of the county for which the inspector is requested, for an
election ordered by the governor or a county authority or for a primary
election; or
(2) of the political subdivision in which the election specified
by the request is held, for an election ordered by an authority of a
political subdivision other than a county.
(c) A request under Subsection (b) must be received by the secretary
of state not later than the fourth regular business day before the date of
the election for which the inspectors are requested. The request is not
available for public inspection until the day after election day.
(d) State inspectors are responsible to the secretary of state and
subject to the secretary' s direction. The secretary may terminate an
appointment at any time.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 . Amended by Acts
1993, 73rd Leg. , ch. 728, Sec . 10, eff. Sept . 1, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th
Leg. , ch. 864, Sec . 41, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg. , ch.
1349, Sec. 19, eff. Sept. 1, 1997 .
Sec. 34 . 002 . DUTIES AND PRIVILEGES . (a) Except as provided by
Subsection (b) , a state inspector is entitled to be present at and observe
any function or activity at a polling place, central counting station,
place of canvass, or other place at which official election or voter
registration functions or activities take place. An inspector may take
reasonable steps to obtain evidence of the manner in which a function or
activity is being performed.
(b) A state inspector may not observe the preparation of the ballot
of a voter not being assisted by an election officer.
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.34.htm 1/2
12/19/2019 ELECTION CODE CHAPTER 34.STATE INSPECTORS
(c) A state inspector shall report to the secretary of state any
violation of law that the inspector observes .
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff . Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec. 34 . 003 . TRAVEL EXPENSES . Subject to specific legislative
appropriation, the secretary of state may reimburse state inspectors for
travel expenses in an amount determined by the secretary but not to exceed
travel expenses allowable to state employees generally.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
Sec. 34 . 004 . INSPECTIONS BY SECRETARY OF STATE. The secretary of
state or a member of the secretary' s staff may make inspections in the same
manner as state inspectors whether or not a violation of election laws is
suspected.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986 .
Sec . 34 . 005 . ACTION BY SECRETARY OF STATE. The secretary of state
may refer a reported violation of law for appropriate action to the
attorney general, if the attorney general has jurisdiction, or to a
prosecuting attorney having jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, 69th Leg. , ch. 211, Sec . 1, eff. Jan . 1, 1986 .
https:Hstatutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/EL/htm/EL.34.htm 2/2
AW4-19
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 34.001,Texas Election Code
03/07
REQUEST FOR INSPECTORS
To the Secretary of State:
We, the 15 undersigned registered voters of the County/Political Subdivision of
hereby petition the Secretary of State to appoint an inspector for the
to be held on using
(name of election) (date of election) (type of voting device)
We understand that this petition is due in the Secretary of State's Office not later than 4 regular business days before
the election. (Please submit petition as soon as possible so an inspector can be appointed in a timely manner.)
Signature Voter RegistrationVUID No. Signature Voter Registration VUID.No.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (It is very important that petitioner provide the information required below.
Please make sure that all information is correct.)
We request inspection of the following precinct(s)where the problems listed below are anticipated:
Precinct Number Physical Address Problem(s)
If additional information is needed,the Secretary of State can contact:
(W)
Name of person submitting petition Telephone number
(H)
Address Telephone number
City, State,Zip Code
AW4-19
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 34.001,Texas Election Code
3-07
PETICIONPARA INSPECTORES
Al Secretario de Estado:
Nosotros, los quince infrascritos ciudadanos siendo residentes del Condado/Subdivision Politica de
por la presente pedimos que el Secretario de Estado nombre un inspector para la
que se celebrara el en la cual se usara
(nombre de eleccion) (fecha de eleccion) (modo de votar)
Nosotros entendemos que esta peticion debera registrarse en la oficina del Secretario de Estado a to menos 4 dias
laborales regulares antes de la eleccion. (Favor de presentar la peticion a la oficina del Secretario de Estado to
mas pronto posible para poder designar al inspector de una manera oportuna)
Firma Nicm. de MID de Registro Firma Num. de MID de Registro
INFORMA CIONADICIONAL: (Es importante que la persona presentando la peticion incluya toda la informacion
abajo solicitada. Favor de verificar que la informacion este correcta)
Solicitamos inspeccion de los siguientes precintos donde anticipamos los problemas registrados aqui abajo:
Numero de Precinto Direccion Problema(s)
Si se necesita mas informacion, el Secretario de Estado se comunicara con la siguiente persona.
Nombre de la persona que presenta la peticion Numero de telefono (en el trabajo)
Domicilio: Calle y Numero Numero de telefono (en casa)
Ciudad, Estado, Zona Postal
Print Reset
2-22
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 141.031,Chapters 143 and 144,Texas Election Code
1/2017
ALL INFORMATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED UNLESS INDICATED OPTIONAL
APPLICATION FOR A PLACE ON THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT
TO:City Secretary/Secretary of Board
I request that my name be placed on the above-named official ballot as a candidate for the office indicated below.
OFFICE SOUGHT(Include any place number or other distinguishing number,if any.)
FULL NAME(First, Middle, Last) PRINT NAME AS YOU WANT IT TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOTI
PERMANENT RESIDENCE ADDRESS(Do not include a P.O. Box or Rural PUBLIC MAILING ADDRESS(Campaign mailing address,if available.)
Route. If you do not have a residence address, describe the address
at which you receive personal mail and location of residence.)
CITY STATE ZIP CITY STATE ZIP
PUBLIC EMAIL ADDRESS(If available) OCCUPATION(Do not leave blank) DATE OF BIRTH VOTER REGISTRATION VUID
NUMBER(Optional)2
TELEPHONE CONTACT INFORMATION (Optional) LENGTH OF CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE AS OF DATE APPLICATION SWORN
Home: IN STATE IN TERRITORY FROM WHICH THE
OFFICE SOUGHT IS ELECTED3
Work: year(s) year(s)
Cell:
month(s) month(s)
If using a nickname as part of your name to appear on the ballot,you are also signing and swearing to the following statements: I further swear
that my nickname does not constitute a slogan nor does it indicate a political, economic, social, or religious view or affiliation. I have been
commonly known by this nickname for at least three years prior to this election.
Before me,the undersigned authority,on this day personally appeared (name) who being by me
here and now duly sworn, upon oath says:
"I, (name) of County, Texas, being a
candidate for the office of swear that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws
of the United States and of the State of Texas. I am a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of
this state. I have not been finally convicted of a felony for which I have not been pardoned or had my full rights of citizenship restored by other
official action. I have not been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or
partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. I am aware of the nepotism law,Chapter 573,Government Code.
I further swear that the foregoing statements included in my application are in all things true and correct."
X
SIGNATURE OF CANDIDATE
Sworn to and subscribed before me at this the day of
SEAL
Signature of Officer Administering Oath Title of Officer Administering Oath
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY SECRETARY OR SECRETARY OF BOARD:
(See Section 1.007)
Date Received Signature of Secretary
Voter Registration Status Verified ❑
2-22
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 141.031,Chapters 143 and 144,Texas Election Code
1/2017
INSTRUCTIONS
A special election can be used to fill a vacancy only if authorized by law.
An application for a special election may not be filed until after the election is ordered.The filing deadline is governed by Section
201.054 of the Texas Election Code, and by the date the special election was ordered.The filing deadline should be stated in the
election order. Please review the Secretary of State's election law calendars for Section 201.054 deadlines.
If you have questions about the application, please contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at 800-252-8683.
NEPOTISM LAW
The candidate must sign this statement indicating his awareness of the nepotism law. The nepotism prohibitions of chapter 573,
Government Code, are summarized below:
No officer may appoint, or vote for or confirm the appointment or employment of any person related within the second degree
by affinity (marriage) or the third degree by consanguinity (blood) to himself, or to any other member of the governing body or
court on which he serves when the compensation of that person is to be paid out of public funds or fees of office. However,
nothing in the law prevents the appointment, voting for, or confirmation of anyone who has been continuously employed in the
office or employment for the following period prior to the election or appointment of the officer or member related to the
employee in the prohibited degree: six months, if the officer or member is elected at the general election for state and county
officers.
No candidate may take action to influence an employee of the office to which the candidate is seeking election or an employee or
officer of the governmental body to which the candidate is seeking election regarding the appointment or employment of a
person related to the candidate in a prohibited degree as noted above. This prohibition does not apply to a candidate's actions
with respect to a bona fide class or category of employees or prospective employees.
Examples of relatives within the third degree of consanguinity are as follows:
(1) First degree: parent, child;
(2) Second degree: brother, sister,grandparent,grandchild;
(3) Third degree:great-grandparent,great-grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece.
These include relatives by blood, half-blood, and legal adoption. Examples of relatives within the second degree of affinity are as
follows:
(1) First degree: spouse,spouse's parent, son-in-law,daughter-in-law;
(2) Second degree: brother's spouse,sister's spouse, spouse's brother, spouse's sister, spouse's grandparent.
Persons related by affinity (marriage) include spouses of relatives by consanguinity, and, if married, the spouse and the spouse's
relatives by consanguinity.These examples are not all inclusive.
FOOTNOTES
1For rules concerning the form of a candidate's name or nickname on the ballot, see subchapter B, chapter 52 of the Texas
Election Code.
2Inclusion of a candidate's VUID is optional. However, many candidates are required to be registered voters in the territory from
which the office is elected at the time of the filing deadline. Please visit the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's website
for additional information. http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/hb484-fag.shtml
3This refers to the length of residence inside the district or territory from which the office is elected. For example, length of
residence in a school district,for a school trustee office elected at large.This field MUST BE COMPLETED.
4All oaths, affidavits, or affirmations made within this State may be administered and a certificate of the fact given by a judge,
clerk, or commissioner of any court of record, a notary public, a justice of the peace, city secretary (for a city office), and the
Secretary of State of Texas.
2-22
Prescrito por el Secretario de Estado
Secci6n 141.031,Capitulos 143 y 144,C6digo Electoral de Texas
1/2017
DEBE PROPORCIONARSE LA INFORMACION REQUERIDA A MENOS QUE SE INDIQUE QUE ES OPCIONAL
SOLICITUD PARA FIG URAR EN LA BOLETA DE LA CIUDAD DE DENTON,TEXAS ELECCION ESPECIAL
A:Secretario(a)de la Ciudad/Secretario del Consejo
Solicito que mi nombre figure en la boleta oficial indicada mas arriba como candidato/a al cargo a continuaci6n.
PUESTO OFICIAL SOLICITADO(Incluya cualquier numero de cargo u otro numero distintivo,si el cargo to tiene).
NOMBRE COMPLETO(Primer nombre,segundo nombre,apellido) ESCRIBA SU NOMBRE COMO DESEA QUE FIGURE EN LA BOLETA'
DIRECCION RESIDENCIAL PERMANENTE (No incluya una casilla postal DIRECCION POSTAL PUBLICA (Direcci6n en la que recibira
o una ruta rural. Si usted no tiene una direcci6n residencial, describa correspondencia relacionada a su campana,si es disponible.)
el lugar en que recibe correspondencia personal y la ubicaci6n de su
residencia.)
CIUDAD ESTADO CODIGO POSTAL CIUDAD ESTADO CODIGO POSTAL
CORREO ELECTRONICO PUBUCO(Si esta EMPLEO(No deje este espacio en FECHA DE NACIMIENTO VOID—NUMERO UNICO DE
disponible.) blanco.) IDENTIFICACION DE
VOTANTE(Opcional)2
INFORMACION DE CONTACTO(Opcional) DURACION DE RESIDENCIA CONTINUA AL MOMENTO DE JURAMENTAR ESTA
Tel.residencial: SOLICITUD
EN EL ESTADO EN EL TERRITORIO POR EL CUAL SERIA
Tel. la bora I: E LECTO/A3
ano(s) ano(s)
Tel.celular: mes(es) mes(es)
En caso de usar un apodo como parte de su nombre en la boleta, usted tambien firma y jura to siguiente: Asimismo, juro que mi apodo no
constituye un lema politico ni tampoco es una indicaci6n de mis creencias o afiliaciones politicas, econ6micas, sociales o religiosas. Se me ha
conocido por este apodo durante al menos tres anos antes de esta elecci6n.
Ante mi,la autoridad suscrita,compareci6(nombre) quien frente a mi y bajo juramento debido,
declara:
"Yo, (nombre) del condado de Texas, siendo
candidato para el cargo oficial de juro solemnemente que apoyare y defendere la
Constituci6n y las leyes de los Estados Unidos y del Estado de Texas. Soy ciudadano de los Estados Unidos elegible para ocupar tal cargo oficial
bajo la Constitucion y las leyes de este Estado. No se me ha condenado por un delito mayor por el cual no haya sido absuelto o por el cual no se
me hayan restituido enteramente mis derechos de ciudadania por medio de otra acci6n oficial. No existe un fallo final de un tribunal
testamentario que me declare total o parcialmente incapacitado mentalmente sin derecho a votar. Yo tengo conocimiento de la ley sobre el
nepotismo segun el Capitulo 573 del C6digo de Gobierno.
Ademas,juro que las declaraciones anteriores que incluyo en mi solicitud son verdaderas y correctas".
X
FIRMA DEL CANDIDATO
Jurado y suscrito ante mi en este dia de
SELLO
Firma del oficial que administra el juramento' Titulo del oficial que administra el juramento
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY SECRETARY OR SECRETARY OF BOARD:
(See Section 1.007)
Date Received Signature of Secretary
Voter Registration Status Verified
2-22
Prescrito por el Secretario de Estado
Secci6n 141.031,Capitulos 143 y 144,C6digo Electoral de Texas
1/2017
INSTRUCCIONES
Una elecci6n especial puede ser usada para Ilenar una vacante solamente si estA autorizado por la ley.
Una solicitud para una elecci6n especial no puede ser presentada hasta que la elecci6n sea ordenada. La fecha limite de presentaci6n
se rige por la Secci6n 201.054 del C6digo Electoral de Texas, y por la fecha en que se orden6 la elecci6n especial. La fecha limite de
presentaci6n deberia ser indicada en la orden de elecci6n. Por favor revise el calendario de leyes electorales del Secretario de Estado
para la fechas limite de la Secci6n 201.054.
Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la solicitud, por favor p6ngase en contacto con la divisi6n de elecciones del Secretario de Estado al 800-
252-8683.
LEY SOME EL NEPOTISMO
El candidato deberA firmar esta declaraci6n para indicar que tiene conocimiento sobre la ley sobre el nepotismo. A continuaci6n figuran
las prohibiciones del nepotismo segun el capitulo 573 de C6digo Gobierno:
Ningun funcionario podrA nombrar, votar por o confirmar el nombramiento o empleo de ninguno de sus parientes en segundo grado
por afinidad (matrimonio) o en tercer grado por consanguinidad (sangre), o de los parientes de cualquier otro integrante del cuerpo
directivo o tribunal en que el funcionario celebre sesi6n cuando la compensaci6n para esa persona se pagare con fondos publicos u
honorarios de su puesto oficial. Sin embargo, la ley no prohibe el nombramiento,el votar por o la confirmaci6n de ninguna persona que
haya trabajado en la oficina de manera continua o el empleo para el siguiente periodo antes de la elecci6n o el nombramiento del
funcionario o miembro emparentado con el empleado en el grado prohibido: seis meses, si el funcionario o miembro se elige en una
elecci6n general de funcionarios de estado y condado.
Ningun candidato podrA influir sobre un empleado relacionado al puesto oficial al cual el candidato aspira o un empleado o funcionario
del cuerpo fiscal al cual el candidato aspira respecto del nombramiento o el empleo de un pariente del candidato en un grado prohibido
segun se indica arriba. Esta restricci6n no se dirige a las acciones de un candidato respecto de una clase o categoria de empleados o
posibles empleados de buena fe.
Los ejemplos de parentesco en tercer grado por consanguinidad son los siguientes:
(1) Primer grado: padre, madre, hijo(a);
(2) Segundo grado: hermano(a), abuelo(a), nieto(a);
(3) Tercer grado: bisabuelo(a), bisnieto(a),tio(a),sobrino(a).
Los siguientes incluyen parentescos de consanguinidad, medios hermanos y adopci6n legal. Los ejemplos de parentescos en segundo
grado por afinidad son los siguientes:
(1) Primer grado:c6nyuge,suegro(a),yerno, nuera;
(2) Segundo grado:cunado(a), abuelo(a)del c6nyuge.
Las personas que estan emparentadas por afinidad (matrimonio) incluyen los c6nyuges de parientes emparentados por consanguinidad,
y,si casados, el c6nyuge y los parientes del c6nyuge por consanguinidad. No todos estos ejemplos son inclusivos.
N OTAS
'Para reglas sobre la forma del nombre de un candidato o apodo en la boleta electoral, vea el subcapitulo B, Capitulo 52 del C6digo
Electoral de Texas.
La inclusi6n del numero unico de identificaci6n de votante (VUID, por sus siglas en Ingles) es opcional. Sin embargo, para muchos
candidatos, es un requisito estar registrados como votantes en el territorio por el cual serian elector a partir de la fecha limite de la
solicitud. Puede encontrar informaci6n adicional sobre el requisito de registro de votante en nuestra
pagina: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/hb484-fag.shtml
3Esto se refiere a la duraci6n de la residencia dentro del distrito o territorio de que se elige la oficina. Por ejemplo, la duraci6n de
residencia en un distrito escolar, para una oficina del consejero escolar elegida en general. Este campo DEBE SER COMPLETADO.
'Los juramentos, las declaraciones juradas o las afirmaciones que se efectuen dentro de este Estado podran ser administradas por un
juez, escribano o comisionado de alguna corte de registro, por un notario publico, un juez de paz, un secretario de la ciudad o el
Secretario de Estado de Texas,quienes cuentan con la capacidad de proporcionar un certificado del hecho.
APPOINTMENT OF A CAMPAIGN TREASURER FORM CTA
BY A CANDIDATE PG 1
See CTA Instruction Guide for detailed instructions. 1 Total pages filed:
2 CANDIDATE MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI OFFICE USE ONLY
NAME
Filer ID#
.............. _..............
Date Received
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
3 CANDIDATE ADDRESS /PO BOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
MAILING
ADDRESS
Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked
4 CANDIDATE AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION Receipt# Amount$
PHONE
( ) Date Processed
5 OFFICE Date Imaged
HELD
(if any)
6 OFFICE
SOUGHT
(if known)
7 CAMPAIGN MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
TREASURER
NAME
8 CAMPAIGN STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
TREASURER
STREET
ADDRESS
(residence or business)
9 CAMPAIGN AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
TREASURER
PHONE \
10 CANDIDATE
SIGNATURE I am aware of the Nepotism Law, Chapter 573 of the Texas Government Code.
I am aware of my responsibility to file timely reports as required by title 15 of
the Election Code.
I am aware of the restrictions in title 15 of the Election Code on contributions
from corporations and labor organizations.
Signature of Candidate Date Signed
GO TO PAGE 2
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
CANDIDATE MODIFIED FORM CTA
REPORTING DECLARATION PG 2
11 CANDIDATE
NAME
12 MODIFIED REPORTING COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU ARE
DECLARATION CHOOSING MODIFIED REPORTING
•• This declaration must be filed no later than the 30th day before
the first election to which the declaration applies. •-
•• The modified reporting option is valid for one election cycle only. ••
(An election cycle includes a primary election,a general election,and any related runoffs.)
•• Candidates for the office of state chair of a political party
may NOT choose modified reporting. --
I do not intend to accept more than $500 in political contributions or
make more than $500 in political expenditures (excluding filing fees)
in connection with any future election within the election cycle.
I understand that if either one of those limits is exceeded, I will be
required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff
report.
Year of election(s)or election cycle to Signature of Candidate
which declaration applies
This appointment is effective on the date it is filed with the appropriate filing authority.
TEC Filers may send this form to the TEC electronically at treasappointp_ethics.state.tx.us
or mail to
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin,TX 78711-2070
Non-TEC Filers must file this form with the local filing authority
DO NOT SEND TO TEC
For more information about where to file go to:
https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/QuickFileAReport.php
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/5/2019
AMENDMENT: APPOINTMENTOFA FORMACTA
CAMPAIGN TREASURER BYA CANDIDATE PG 1
1 CANDIDATE 2 FILERID# 3 Total pages filed:
NAME
See ACTA Instruction Guide for detailed instructions.
Use this form for changes to existing information only. Do not provide information previously disclosed.
4 CANDIDATE NEW MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI
OFFICE USE ONLY
NAME
Date Received
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
5 CANDIDATE NEW ADDRESS /POBOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
MAILING
ADDRESS Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked
Receipt# Amounts
Date Processed
6 CANDIDATE NEW AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
PHONE ( l Date Imaged
7 OFFICE HELD NEw
(if any)
8 OFFICE NEW
SOUGHT
(if known)
9 CAMPAIGN NEW MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
TREASURER
NAME
10 CAMPAIGN NEW STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
TREASURER
STREET
ADDRESS
(residence or business)
11 CAMPAIGN NEW j AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
TREASURER ( l
PHONE ` J
12 CANDIDATE
SIGNATURE I am aware of the Nepotism Law, Chapter 573 of the Texas Government Code.
I am aware of my responsibility to file timely reports as required by title 15 of
the Election Code.
I am aware of the restrictions in title 15 of the Election Code on contributions
from corporations and labor organizations.
Signature of Candidate Date Signed
GO TO PAGE 2
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/5/2019
AMENDMENT: FORMACTA
CANDIDATE MODIFIED REPORTING DECLARATION PG 2
13 CANDIDATE
NAME
14 MODIFIED NEW
REPORTING COMPLETE THIS SECTION ONLY IF YOU ARE
DECLARATION
CHOOSING MODIFIED REPORTING
•• This declaration must be filed no later than the 30th day before
the first election to which the declaration applies. •-
•• The modified reporting option is valid for one election cycle only. •-
(An election cycle includes a primary election,a general election,and any related runoffs.)
•• Candidates for the office of state chair of a political party
may NOT choose modified reporting. --
I do not intend to accept more than $500 in political contributions
or make more than $500 in political expenditures (excluding filing
fees) in connection with any future election within the election cycle.
I understand that if either one of those limits is exceeded, I will be
required to file pre-election reports and, if necessary, a runoff
report.
Year of election(s)or election cycle to Signature of Candidate
which declaration applies
This appointment is effective on the date it is filed with the appropriate filing authority.
TEC Filers may send this form to the TEC electronically at treasappoint(o)_ethics.state.tx.us
or mail to
Texas Ethics Commission
P.O. Box 12070
Austin,TX 78711-2070
Non-TEC Filers must file this form with the local filing authority
DO NOT SEND TO TEC
For more information about where to file go to:
https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/QuickFileAReport.php
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/5/2019
Texas Ethics Commission P.O.Box 12070 Austin,Texas 78711-2070 (512)463-5800 (TDD 1-800-735-2989)
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN FORM CFCP
PRACTICES COVER SHEET
OFFICE USE ONLY
Pursuant to chapter 258 of the Election Code, every candidate and Date Received
political committee is encouraged to subscribe to the Code of Fair
Campaign Practices. The Code may be filed with the proper filing
authority upon submission of a campaign treasurer appointment
form. Candidates or political committees that already have a
current campaign treasurer appointment on file as of September 1,
199/, may subscribe to the code at any time. Date Hand-delivered or Postmarked
Date Processed
Subscription to the Code of Fair Campaign Practices is voluntary.
Date Imaged
1 ACCOUNT NUMBER 2 TYPE OF FILER
(Ethics Commission Filers)
CANDIDATE ❑ POLITICAL COMMITTEE
If filing as a candidate, complete boxes 3- 6, If filing for a political committee, complete
then read and sign page 2. boxes 7 and 8, then read and sign page 2.
3 NAME OF CANDIDATE TITLE(Dr.,Mr.,Ms.,etc.) FIRST MI
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX(SR.,JR.,III,etc.)
4 TELEPHONE NUMBER AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
OF CANDIDATE r
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
5 ADDRESS OF CANDIDATE STREET/PO BOX; APT SUITE CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
6 OFFICE SOUGHT
BY CANDIDATE
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
7 NAME OF COMMITTEE
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
8 NAME OF CAMPAIGN TITLE(Dr.,Mr.,Ms.,etc.) FIRST MI
TREASURER
(PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT)
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX(SR.,JR.,III,etc.)
GO TO PAGE 2
www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/23/2010
Texas Ethics Commission P.O.Box 12070 Austin,Texas 78711-2070 (512)463-5800 (TDD 1-800-735-2989)
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
There are basic principles of decency,honesty,and fair play that every candidate and political committee in this state
has a moral obligation to observe and uphold,in order that,after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns,
our citizens may exercise their constitutional rights to a free and untrammeled choice and the will ofthe people may be
fully and clearly expressed on the issues.
THEREFORE:
(1) I will conduct the campaign openly and publicly and limit attacks on my opponent to legitimate challenges to my
opponent's record and stated positions on issues.
(2) 1 will not use or permit the use of character defamation,whispering campaigns,libel,slander,or scurrilous attacks
on any candidate or the candidate's personal or family life.
(3) I will not use or permit any appeal to negative prejudice based on race,sex,religion,or national origin.
(4) I will not use campaign material of any sort that misrepresents,distorts,or otherwise falsifies the facts,nor will I
use malicious or unfounded accusations that aim at creating or exploiting doubts,without justification,as to the
personal integrity or patriotism of my opponent.
(5) 1 will not undertake or condone any dishonest or unethical practice that tends to corrupt or undermine our system
of free elections or that hampers or prevents the full and free expression of the will of the voters,including any
activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.
(6) I will defend and uphold the right of every qualified voter to full and equal participation in the electoral process,
and will not engage in any activity aimed at intimidating voters or discouraging them from voting.
(7) I will immediately and publicly repudiate methods and tactics that may come from others that I have pledged not
to use or condone. I shall take firm action against any subordinate who violates any provision of this code or the
laws governing elections.
I,the undersigned,candidate for election to public office in the State of Texas or campaign treasurer of a political
committee,hereby voluntarily endorse,subscribe to, and solemnly pledge myself to conduct the campaign in accordance
with the above principles and practices.
Signature Date
www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/23/2010
AW4-16
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Sections 33.002,33.006,Texas Election Code
5/12
APPOINTMENT OF POLL WATCHER BY CANDIDATE ON THE BALLOT
OR DECLARED WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
To the Presiding Judge:
The following person has been appointed to serve as a poll watcher on my behalf.
Name of Poll Watcher Name of Candidate
Residence Address of Poll Watcher Name and Date of Election
Voter Registration VUID Number of Poll Watcher Precinct or other location Poll Watcher is to serve
Signature of Candidate or Other Approving Authority Title of Approving Authority
Signature of the Watcher
AFFIDAVIT OF POLL WATCHER
a poll watcher for the above appointing authority, do hereby swear or
affirm that I do not have in my possession any type of mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound while
serving as a watcher at this precinct or I will disable or deactivate the device while serving as a watcher.
Signature of Poll Watcher
Sworn to and subscribed before me this the day of
Signature of Election Judge
Printed Name of Election Judge
INSTRUCTIONS
The following persons have the authority to appoint a poll watcher on behalf of a candidate whose name appears
on the ballot.
a. In an election for an office of the state government that is filled by voters of more than one
county, by the candidate's campaign treasurer.
b. In an election for an office of the federal government that is filled by voters of more than one
county, by the chair or treasurer of the candidate's principal campaign committee or by a designated
agent of the chair or treasurer.
AW4-16
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Sections 33.002,33.006,Texas Election Code
5/12
NOMBRAMIENTO DE OBSERVADOR(A) POR CANDIDATO EN LA BOLETA O CANDIDATO
DECLARADO ELEGIBLE PARA RECIBIR VOTO POR INSERCION ESCRITA
Al Juez Presidente:
La siguiente persona ha sido nombrada para servir como observador(a)por mi.
Nombre del/de la Observador(a) Nombre del Candidato
Direccibn Residencial del/de la Observador(a) Tipo y Fecha de Eleccibn
Mm. de VUID del/de la Observador(a) Precinto a otro sitio en que servira el/la Observador(a)
Firma del Candidato o de la Autoridad Aprobadora Titulo de la Autoridad Aprobadora
Firma del/de la Observador(a)
DECLARACION JURADA DE OBSERVADOR(A)
Yo, , observador(a) de eleccion designado/a por la autoridad citada, por el presente
juro o protesto que no tendre en mi poder, durante mi gestion de observador(a) en este precinto electoral, ningun
dispositivo mecanico o electronico, de cualquier tipo, para la grabacion de imagenes o de sonidos, o que
inhabilitare o desactivare el dispositivo al servir como Observador(a).
Firma de Observador(a)
Jurado y suscrito ante mi, a los dias del mes de de
Firma del/de la Juez Electoral
Nombre del/de la Juez Electoral, en letras de molde
INSTRUCCIONES
Las siguientes personas estan autorizadas para nombrar a un observador a favor del candidato cuyo nombre
aparece sobre la boleta.
a. En una eleccion en que se ocupa un puesto oficial del gobierno estatal por los votantes de mas de
un condado, el/la tesorero(a) de la campana electoral de cualquier candidato podra nombrar a un observador.
b. En una eleccion en que se ocupa un puesto oficial del gobierno federal por los votantes de mas de
un condado, un observador podra nombrarse por el presidente o el tesorero del comite principal de la campana
electoral de cualquier candidato o por un agente designado de dicho presidente o tesorero.
AW4-19
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 34.001,Texas Election Code
03/07
REQUEST FOR INSPECTORS
To the Secretary of State:
We, the 15 undersigned registered voters of the County/Political Subdivision of
hereby petition the Secretary of State to appoint an inspector for the
to be held on using
(name of election) (date of election) (type of voting device)
We understand that this petition is due in the Secretary of State's Office not later than 4 regular business days before
the election. (Please submit petition as soon as possible so an inspector can be appointed in a timely manner.)
Signature Voter RegistrationVUID No. Signature Voter Registration VUID.No.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (It is very important that petitioner provide the information required below.
Please make sure that all information is correct.)
We request inspection of the following precinct(s)where the problems listed below are anticipated:
Precinct Number Physical Address Problem(s)
If additional information is needed,the Secretary of State can contact:
(W)
Name of person submitting petition Telephone number
(H)
Address Telephone number
City, State,Zip Code
AW4-19
Prescribed by Secretary of State
Section 34.001,Texas Election Code
3-07
PETICIONPARA INSPECTORES
Al Secretario de Estado:
Nosotros, los quince infrascritos ciudadanos siendo residentes del Condado/Subdivision Politica de
por la presente pedimos que el Secretario de Estado nombre un inspector para la
que se celebrara el en la cual se usara
(nombre de eleccion) (fecha de eleccion) (modo de votar)
Nosotros entendemos que esta peticion debera registrarse en la oficina del Secretario de Estado a to menos 4 dias
laborales regulares antes de la eleccion. (Favor de presentar la peticion a la oficina del Secretario de Estado to
mas pronto posible para poder designar al inspector de una manera oportuna)
Firma Nicm. de MID de Registro Firma Num. de MID de Registro
INFORMA CIONADICIONAL: (Es importante que la persona presentando la peticion incluya toda la informacion
abajo solicitada. Favor de verificar que la informacion este correcta)
Solicitamos inspeccion de los siguientes precintos donde anticipamos los problemas registrados aqui abajo:
Numero de Precinto Direccion Problema(s)
Si se necesita mas informacion, el Secretario de Estado se comunicara con la siguiente persona.
Nombre de la persona que presenta la peticion Numero de telefono (en el trabajo)
Domicilio: Calle y Numero Numero de telefono (en casa)
Ciudad, Estado, Zona Postal
Print Reset
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER FORM C/OH
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT COVER SHEET PG 1
1 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers) 2 Total pages filed:
The C/OH Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
3 CANDIDATE/ MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI
OFFICE USE ONLY
OFFICEHOLDER
NAME
Date Received
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
4 CANDIDATE/ ADDRESS /PO BOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
OFFICEHOLDER
MAILING
ADDRESS
❑ Change of Address
5 CANDIDATE/ AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
OFFICEHOLDER Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
PHONE
6 CAMPAIGN MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI Receipt# Amount$
TREASURER
NAME _ Date Processed
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
Date Imaged
7 CAMPAIGN STREET ADDRESS (NO PO BOX PLEASE); APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
TREASURER
ADDRESS
(Residence or Business)
8 CAMPAIGN AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER EXTENSION
TREASURER
PHONE
9 REPORT TYPE
January 15 El 30th day before election F-1 Runoff � 15th day after campaign
treasurer appointment
(Officeholder Only)
❑ July 15 8th day before election ❑ Exceeded$500limit Final Report(Attach C/OH-FIR)
10 PERIOD Month Day Year Month Day Year
COVERED THROUGH
11 ELECTION ELECTION DATE ELECTION TYPE
Month Day Year ❑ Primary ❑ Runoff ❑ Other
Description
❑ General ❑ Special
12 OFFICE OFFICE HELD (if any) 13 OFFICE SOUGHT (if known)
GO TO PAGE 2
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER FORM C/OH
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT COVER SHEET PG 2
14 C/OH NAME 15 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
16 NOTICE FROM THIS BOX IS FOR NOTICE OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS ACCEPTED OR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE BY POLITICAL COMMITTEES TO
POLITICAL SUPPORT THE CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER. THESE EXPENDITURES MAY HAVE BEEN MADE WITHOUT THE CANDIDATES OR OFFICEHOLDER S
COMMITTEE(S) KNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT. CANDIDATES AND OFFICEHOLDERS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT THIS INFORMATION ONLY IF THEY RECEIVE NOTICE
OF SUCH EXPENDITURES.
COMMITTEE TYPE COMMITTEE NAME
❑GENERAL
COMMITTEE ADDRESS
SPECIFIC
COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN TREASURER NAME
❑ Additional Pages
COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN TREASURER ADDRESS
17 CONTRIBUTION 1. TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF $50 OR LESS (OTHER THAN TOTALS PLEDGES, LOANS, OR GUARANTEES OF LOANS, OR $
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE ELECTRONICALLY), UNLESS ITEMIZED
2. TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
(OTHER THAN PLEDGES, LOANS, OR GUARANTEES OF LOANS)
TOTALS EXPENDITURE 3. TOTAL POLITICAL EXPENDITURES OF $100 OR LESS,
UNLESS ITEMIZED
4. TOTAL POLITICAL EXPENDITURES $
CONTRIBUTION 5. TOTAL POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAINTAINED AS OF THE LAST DAYBALANC $
OF REPORTING PERIOD
OUTSTANDING 6. TOTAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF ALL OUTSTANDING LOANS AS OF THE
LOAN TOTALS LAST DAY OF THE REPORTING PERIOD $
18 AFFIDAVIT
I swear,or affirm,under penalty of perjury,that the accompanying report is
true and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me
under Title 15,Election Code.
Signature of Candidate or Officeholder
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP/SEALABOVE
Sworn to and subscribed before me, by the said this the
day of 120 to certify which,witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
SUBTOTALS - C/OH FORM C/OH
COVER SHEET PG 3
19 FILER NAME 20 Filer ID(Ethics Commission Filers)
21 SCHEDULE SUBTOTALS SUBTOTAL
NAME OF SCHEDULE AMOUNT
1. SCHEDULEA1: MONETARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
2. SCHEDULEA2: NON-MONETARY(IN-KIND)POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
3. SCHEDULE B: PLEDGED CONTRIBUTIONS $
4. El SCHEDULE E: LOANS $
5. SCHEDULE F1: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
6. SCHEDULE F2: UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS $
7 SCHEDULE F3: PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
8. SCHEDULE F4: EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD $
9. SCHEDULE G: POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM PERSONAL FUNDS $
10. SCHEDULE H: PAYMENT MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUSINESS OF C/OH $
11. SCHEDULE I: NON-POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
12. SCHEDULE K: INTEREST, CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS,AND CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED $
TO FILER
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
MONETARY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE Al
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule Al:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) 7 Amount of contribution ($)
6 Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
8 Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) g Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of contribution ($)
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
Principal occupation/Job title (See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of contribution ($)
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of contribution ($)
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
Principal occupation/Job title (See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULEAS NEEDED
If contributor is out-of-state PAC,please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
NON-MONETARY (IN-KIND) POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE A2
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule A2:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED IN-KIND POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS $
5 Date 6 Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) 8 Amount of g In-kind contribution
Contribution $ description
7 Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
10 Principal occupation/Job title (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions) 11 Employer (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
12 Contributor's principal occupation (FOR JUDICIAL) 13 Contributor's job title (FOR JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
14 Contributor's employer/law firm (FOR JUDICIAL) 15 Law firm of contributor's spouse (if any) (FOR JUDICIAL)
16 If contributor is a child, law firm of parent(s)(if any)(FOR JUDICIAL)
I
Date Full name of contributor ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of In-kind contribution
Contribution $ description
Contributor address; City; State; Zip Code
[-]Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions) Employer (FOR NON-JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
Contributor's principal occupation (FOR JUDICIAL) Contributor's job title(FOR JUDICIAL)(See Instructions)
Contributor's employer/law firm (FOR JUDICIAL) Law firm of contributor's spouse (if any) (FOR JUDICIAL)
If contributor is a child, law firm of parent(s)(if any)(FOR JUDICIAL)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
If contributor is out-of-state PAC, please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
PLEDGED CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE B
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule B:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED PLEDGES $
5 Date 6 Full name of pledger ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: $ Amount 19 In-kind contribution
of Pledge $ description
7 Pledger address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
10 Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) 11 Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of pledger ❑ out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount I In-kind contribution
of Pledge $ description
Pledgor address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of pledgor ❑ out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) Amount of I In-kind contribution
Pledge$ description
Pledgor address; City; State; Zip Code
[:]Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
Date Full name of pledger ❑out-of-state PAC pD#: - - )
Amount of I In-kind contribution
Pledge$ description
Pledger address; City; State; Zip Code
❑Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Principal occupation/Job title(See Instructions) Employer(See Instructions)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
If contributor is out-of-state PAC, please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
LOANS SCHEDULE E
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule E:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED LOANS $
5 Date of loan 7 Name of lender ❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: ) 9 Loan Amount($)
6 Is lender 8 Lender address; City; State; Zip Code 10 Interest rate
a financial
Institution?
11 Maturity date
Y N
12 Principal occupation / Job title (See Instructions) 13 Employer (See Instructions)
14 Description of Collateral 15
❑ Check if personal funds were deposited into political
❑ none account (See Instructions)
16 GUARANTOR 17 Name of guarantor 19 Amount Guaranteed($)
INFORMATION
18 Guarantor address; City; State; Zip Code
not applicable
20 Principal Occupation (See Instructions) 21 Employer (See Instructions)
Date of loan Name of lender
❑out-of-state PAC(ID#: Loan Amount) ($)
Is lender Lender address; City; State; Zip Code Interest rate
a financial
Institution?
Maturity date
Y N
Principal occupation / Job title (See Instructions) Employer (See Instructions)
Description of Collateral
❑ Check if personal funds were deposited into political
❑ none account (See Instructions)
GUARANTOR Name of guarantor Amount Guaranteed($)
INFORMATION
Guarantor address; City; State; Zip Code
not applicable
Principal Occupation (See Instructions) Employer (See Instructions)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
If lender is out-of-state PAC, please see Instruction guide for additional reporting requirements.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
POLITICAL EXPENDITURES MADE
FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE F1
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 8(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services SalariesNVages/Contract Labor Other(enter a category not listed above)
Credit Card Payment
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule F1: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Payee name
6 Amount ($) 7 Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
8 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(C) Check if travel outside of Texas.CompleteScheduleT ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
9 Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check iftravel outside ofTexas.Complete Schedule T. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check iftravel outside ofTexas.Complete Schedule T. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS SCHEDULE F2
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 10(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule F2: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED UNPAID INCURRED OBLIGATIONS $
5 Date 6 Payee name
7 Amount ($) 8 Payee address, City; State; Zip Code
9 TYPE OF
Political Non-Political
EXPENDITURE ❑
10 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(c) ❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete ScheduleT. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
11 Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
TYPE OF
EXPENDITURE ❑ Political Non-Political
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
Check iftravel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule T. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
PURCHASE OF INVESTMENTS MADE
FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE F3
1 Total pages Schedule F3:
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Name of person from whom investment is purchased
6 Address of person from whom investment is purchased; City; State; Zip Code
7 Description of investment
8 Amount of investment($)
Date Name of person from whom investment is purchased
Address of person from whom investment is purchased; City; State; Zip Code
Description of investment
Amount of investment($)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
EXPENDITURES MADE BY CREDIT CARD SCHEDULE F4
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 10(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule F4: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 TOTAL OF UNITEMIZED EXPENDITURES CHARGED TOACREDIT CARD $
5 Date 6 Payee name
7 Amount ($) 8 Payee address; City, State; Zip Code
9 TYPE OF
EXPENDITURE ❑ Political ❑ Non-Political
10 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(a) ❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete ScheduleT. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
11 Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
Complete ONLY if direct
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
TYPE OF
EXPENDITURE Political Non-Political
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
Complete ONLY if direct
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
POLITICAL EXPENDITURES
MADE FROM PERSONAL FUNDS SCHEDULE G
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 8(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By GifUAWards/MemorialS Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
Credit Card Payment
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule G: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Payee name
6 Amount ($) 7 Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Reimbursement from
political contributions
intended
8 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(c) Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete ScheduleT. ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
9 Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
Complete ONLY if direct
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
❑ Reimbursement from
political contributions
intended
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address, City; State, Zip Code
Reimbursement from
❑ political contributions
intended
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
PAYMENT MADE FROM POLITICAL
CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BUSINESS OF C/OH SCHEDULE H
EXPENDITURE CATEGORIES FOR BOX 8(a)
Advertising Expense Event Expense Loan Repayment/Reimbursement Solicitation/Fundraising Expense
Accounting/Banking Fees Office Overhead/Rental Expense Transportation Equipment&Related Expense
Consulting Expense Food/Beverage Expense Polling Expense Travel In District
Contributions/Donations Made By Gift/Awards/Memorials Expense Printing Expense Travel Out Of District
Candidate/Officeholder/Political Committee Legal Services Salaries/Wages/Contract Labor Other(entera category not listed above)
Credit Card Payment
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule H: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Business name
6 Amount ($) 7 Business address; City; State; Zip Code
8 (a) Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) (b) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
(c) ❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
9 Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Business name
Amount ($) Business address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
Date Business name
Amount ($) Business address; City; State; Zip Code
Category (See Categories listed at the top of this schedule) Description
PURPOSE
OF
EXPENDITURE
❑ Check if travel outside of Texas.Complete Schedule ❑ Check if Austin,TX,officeholder living expense
Complete ONLY if direct Candidate/Officeholder name Office sought Office held
expenditure to benefit C/OH
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
NON-POLITICAL EXPENDITURES
MADE FROM POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEDULE I
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
1 Total pages Schedule I: 2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Payee name
6 Amount ($) 7 Payee address; City State Zip Code
8 (a)Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable (b)Description (See instructions regarding type of information
PURPOSE categories.) required.)
OF
EXPENDITURE
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City State Zip Code
Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable Description (See instructions regarding type of information
PURPOSE categories.) required.)
OF
EXPENDITURE
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City State Zip Code
PURPOSE Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable Description (See instructions regarding type of information
OF categories.) required.)
EXPENDITURE
Date Payee name
Amount ($) Payee address; City State Zip Code
Category (See instructions for examples of acceptable Description (See instructions regarding type of information
PURPOSE categories.) required.)
OF
EXPENDITURE
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
INTEREST, CREDITS, GAINS, REFUNDS, AND
CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED TO FILER SCHEDULE K
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule K:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Date 5 Name of person from whom amount is received 8 Amount($)
6 Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
7 Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
Date Name of person from whom amount is received Amount($)
Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
Date Name of person from whom amount is received Amount($)
Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
Date Name of person from whom amount is received Amount($)
Address of person from whom amount is received; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose for which amount is received ❑ Check if political contribution returned to filer
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS OR POLITICAL EXPENDITURES SCHEDULE T
FOR TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF TEXAS
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form. 1 Total pages Schedule T:
2 FILER NAME 3 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
4 Name of Contributor/Corporation or Labor Organization/Pledgor/Payee
5 Contribution/Expenditure reported on:
❑ Schedule A2 ❑ Schedule B ❑ Schedule B(J) ❑ Schedule C2 ❑ Schedule D ❑ Schedule F1
❑ Schedule F2 ❑ Schedule F4 ❑ Schedule G ❑ Schedule H ❑ Schedule COH-UC ❑ Schedule B-SS
6 Dates of travel 7 Name of person(s)traveling
8 Departure city or name of departure location
9 Destination city or name of destination location
10 Means of transportation 11 Purpose of travel(including name of conference,seminar,or other event)
Name of Contributor/Corporation or Labor Organization/Pledgor/Payee
Contribution/Expenditure reported on:
❑ Schedule A2 ❑ Schedule B ❑ Schedule B(J) ❑ Schedule C2 ❑ Schedule D ❑ Schedule F1
❑ Schedule F2 ❑ Schedule F4 ❑ Schedule G ❑ Schedule H ❑ Schedule COH-UC Schedule B-SS
Dates of travel Name of person(s)traveling
Departure city or name of departure location
Destination city or name of destination location
Means of transportation Purpose of travel(including name of conference,seminar,or other event)
Name of Contributor/Corporation or Labor Organization/Pledgor/Payee
Contribution/Expenditure reported on:
❑ Schedule A2 ❑ Schedule B ❑ Schedule B(J) ❑ Schedule C2 ❑ Schedule D ❑ Schedule F1
❑ Schedule F2 ❑ Schedule F4 ❑ Schedule G ❑ Schedule H ❑ Schedule COH-UC ❑ Schedule B-SS
Dates of travel Name of person(s)traveling
Departure city or name of departure location
Destination city or name of destination location
Means of transportation Purpose of travel(including name of conference,seminar,or other event)
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS SCHEDULE AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER REPORT:
DESIGNATION OF FINAL REPORT FORM C/OH - FR
The Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
•• Complete only if "Report Type" on page 1 is marked "Final Report" ••
1 C/OH NAME 2 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
3 SIGNATURE
I do not expect any further political contributions or political expenditures in connection with my candidacy. I understand that designat-
ing a report as a final report terminates my campaign treasurer appointment. I also understand that I may not accept any campaign
contributions or make any campaign expenditures without a campaign treasurer appointment on file.
Signature of Candidate/Officeholder
4 FILER WHO IS NOT AN OFFICEHOLDER
•• Complete A & B below only if you are not an officeholder. ••
A. CAMPAIGN FUNDS
Check only one:
0 I do not have unexpended contributions or unexpended interest or income earned from political contributions.
0 I have unexpended contributions or unexpended interest or income earned from political contributions. I understand that I
may not convert unexpended political contributions or unexpended interest or income earned on political contributions to
personal use. I also understand that I must file an annual report of unexpended contributions and that I may not retain
unexpended contributions or unexpended interest or income earned on political contributions longer than six years after filing
this final report. Further, I understand that I must dispose of unexpended political contributions and unexpended interest or
income earned on political contributions in accordance with the requirements of Election Code, §254.204.
B. ASSETS
Check only one:
0 1 do not retain assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions.
0 I do retain assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions. I understand
that I may not convert assets purchased with political contributions or interest or other income from political contributions to
personal use. I also understand that I must dispose of assets purchased with political contributions in accordance with the
requirements of Election Code, §254.204.
Signature of Candidate
5 OFFICEHOLDER
•• Complete this section only if you are an officeholder ••
0 I am aware that I remain subject to filing requirements applicable to an officeholder who does not have a campaign treasurer on
file. I am also aware that I will be required to file reports of unexpended contributions if,after filing the last required report as an
officeholder, I retain political contributions,interest or other income from political contributions,or assets purchased with politi-
cal contributions or interest or other income from political contributions.
Signature of Officeholder
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 9/26/2019
CORRECTION/AMENDMENT AFFIDAVIT
FOR CANDIDATE/OFFICEHOLDER FORM COR-C/OH
1 Filer ID(Ethics Commission Filers) 2 Total pages filed:
OFFICE USE ONLY
3 CANDIDATE/ MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI Date Received
OFFICEHOLDER
NAME
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
4 ORIGINAL REPORT ❑ January 15 Runoff Other(specify)
TYPE
July 15 El Exceeded$500 limit
❑ 30th day before election ❑ 15th day after treasurer Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
appointment(officeholder only)
8th day before election Final report Receipt# Amount $
5 ORIGINAL PERIOD Month Day Year Month Day Year Date Processed
COVERED
THROUGH Date Imaged
6 EXPLANATION OF CORRECTION
7 AFFIDAVIT I swear,or affirm, under penalty of perjury,that this corrected
report is true and correct.
Check ONLY if applicable:
❑ Semiannual reports: I swear, or affirm, that the original report was
made in good faith and without an intent to mislead or to misrepre-
sent the information contained in the report.
❑ Other reports: I swear, or affirm, that I am filing this corrected
report not later than the 14th business day after the date I learned
that the report as originally filed is inaccurate or incomplete. I swear,
or affirm, that any error or omission in the report as originally filed
was made in good faith.
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP / SEAL ABOVE Signature of Candidate or Officeholder
Sworn to and subscribed before me,by the said this the day of
20 ,to certify which,witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Remember To Attach Any Part Of The Campaign Finance Report Form
Needed To Report And Explain Corrections
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 04/27/2015
CORRECTION/AMENDMENT AFFIDAVIT
FOR CAN
All Reports: Afiler who files a corrected report must submit a correction affidavit. The affidavit must identify
the information that has changed.
Reports filed with Texas Ethics Commission: A corrected report (other than a report due 8 days before
an election or a special report near election) filed with the Ethics Commission after its due date is not
considered late for purposes of late-filing penalties if: (1)any error or omission in the report as originally filed
was made in good faith, and (2)the person filing the report files a corrected report and a good-faith affidavit
not later than the 14th business day after the date the person learns that the report as originally filed is
inaccurate or incomplete.
Semiannual Reports: Effective September 1, 2011, a semiannual report(due January 15 or July 15)that is
amended/corrected before the eighth day after the original report was filed is considered to have been filed
on the date the original report was filed. A semiannual report that is amended/corrected on or after the eighth
day after the original report was filed is considered to have been filed on the date the original report was filed
if: (1) the amendment/correction is made before any complaint is filed with regard to the subject of the
amendment/correction; and (2) the original report was made in good faith and without intent to mislead or
misrepresent the information contained in the report.
Attach additional pages as necessary.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM
The following numbers correspond to the numbered boxes on the other side.
1. Filer ID. If you file with the Ethics Commission,you should have received a letter acknowledging receipt of
your campaign treasurer appointment and assigning you a Filer ID. Put that number in this box. If you do not
file with the Ethics Commission, skip this box.
2. Total Pages Filed. After completing this form and any attachments, count the number of pages. Enter
that number in this box. Each side of a two-sided form counts as a page. In other words, this form is two
pages.
3. Candidate/Officeholder Name. Put your full name here. Enter your name in the same way as on the
report you are correcting.
4. Original Report Type. Mark the type of report you are correcting.
5.Original Period Covered. Enter the period covered by the report you are correcting. The year is important
because filers sometimes correct reports years after filing the original.
6. Explanation of Correction. Attach any part of the campaign finance report form needed to report and
explain corrections. Explain why there was an error on the original report. Also explain what information is
being corrected and how the new information is different from the information on the original report. (Use
additional pages if you need more space.) You may also use this area to request a waiver or reduction of a
late-filing penalty and state the basis of your request.
7. Affidavit. Read the affidavit before signing. You must sign the affidavit in the presence of an individual
authorized to take oaths. If signed before a notary public, the affidavit must include the notary's signature and
seal.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 04/27/2015
CANDIDATE / OFFICEHOLDER FORM C/OH-UC
REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS COVER SHEET PG 1
1 Filer ID (Ethics Commission Filers)
The C/OH-UC Instruction Guide explains how to complete this form.
2 CANDIDATE/ MS/MRS/MR FIRST MI OFFICE USE ONLY
OFFICEHOLDER
NAME Date Received
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NICKNAME LAST SUFFIX
3 CAN DI DATE/ ADDRESS /PO BOX; APT/SUITE#; CITY; STATE; ZIP CODE
OFFICEHOLDER
ADDRESS Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
❑ change of address Receipt# Amount$
4 REPORT Date Processed
TYPE ❑ Annual ❑ Final Disposition
5 PERIOD Month Day Year Month Day Year Date Imaged
COVERED THROUGH
6 TOTALS
1. TOTAL AMOUNT OF UNEXPENDED POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AS OF
DECEMBER 31 OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
2. TOTAL AMOUNT OF INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME EARNED ON
UNEXPENDED POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
7 AFFIDAVIT
I swear,or affirm,under penalty of perjury, that the accompanying
report is true and correct and includes all information required to be
reported by me under Title 15, Election Code.
Signature of Candidate or Officeholder
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP/SEAL ABOVE
Sworn to and subscribed before me, by the said this the
day of 20 to certify which, witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/3/2015
C/OH REPORT OF UNEXPENDED CONTRIBUTIONS FORM C/OH-UC
EXPENDITURES PG 2
8 C/OH NAME 9 Filer ID(Ethics Commission Filers)
10 Date 11 Payee name 13 Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
14 Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.) 15
Is expenditure a contribution E::] Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Date Payee name Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.)
Is expenditure a contribution � Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Date Payee name Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.)
Is expenditure a contribution Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
Date Payee name Amount
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payee address; City; State; Zip Code
Purpose of expenditure(See instructions regarding type of information required.)
Is expenditure a contribution � Yes
to a candidate,officeholder,or
political committee? 0 No
0 Check if travel outside of Texas. Complete Schedule T.
ATTACH ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS FORM AS NEEDED
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 11/3/2015
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORM PFS-LOCAL
Note:A PFS filed with the Texas Ethics Commission must be filed electronically. COVER SHEET
The only exception is for individuals appointed to office. See the PFS Instruction Guide for more information. PAGE
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES FILED:
Filed in accordance with chapter 572 of the Government Code.
For filings required in 2020,covering calendar year ending December 31,2019.
Use FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE when completing this form. Filer ID
1 NAME TITLE;FIRST;MI OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NICKNAME;LAST;SUFFIX
2 ADDRESS ADDRESS /PO BOX;APT/SUITE#;CITY;STATE;ZIP CODE
Date Hand-delivered or Date Postmarked
Receipt# Amount$
3 TELEPHONE AREA CODE PHONE NUMBER;EXTENSION Date Processed
NUMBER
Date Imaged
4 REASON
FOR FILING ❑ CANDIDATE (INDICATE OFFICE)
STATEMENT
ELECTED OFFICER (INDICATE OFFICE)
❑ OTHER
(INDICATE POSITION)
5 Family members whose financial activity you are reporting(see instructions).
SPOUSE
DEPENDENT CHILD 1.
2.
3.
In Parts 1 through 20, you will disclose your financial activity during the preceding calendar year. In Parts 1 through 14 and 20,
you are required to disclose not only your own financial activity,but also that of your spouse or a dependent child(see instructions).
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT COVER SHEET
PAGE 2
On this page, indicate any Parts of Form PFS that are not applicable to you. If you do not place a check in a box, then
pages for that Part must be included in the report. if you place a check in a box, do NOT include pages for that
Partin the report.
6 PARTS NOT APPLICABLE TO FILER
N/A Part 1A-Sources of Occupational Income
N/A Part 1 B- Retainers
N/A Part 2 - Stock
N/A Part 3- Bonds, Notes &Other Commercial Paper
N/A Part 4- Mutual Funds
N/A Part 5- Income from Interest, Dividends, Royalties& Rents
N/A Part 6-Personal Notes and Lease Agreements
N/A Part 7A- Interests in Real Property
N/A Part 7B- Interests in Business Entities
N/A Part 8 - Gifts
N/A Part 9 -Trust Income
N/A Part 10A- Blind Trusts
N/A Part 10B-Trustee Statement
N/A Part 11 A-Ownership of Business Associations
N/A Part 11 B-Assets of Business Associations
N/A Part 11 C - Liabilities of Business Associations
N/A Part 12- Boards and Executive Positions
N/A Part 13- Expenses Accepted Under Honorarium Exception
N/A Part 14- Interest in Business in Common with Lobbyist
N/A Part 15- Fees Received for Services Rendered to a Lobbyist or Lobbyist's Employer
N/A Part 16- Representation by Legislator Before State Agency
N/A Part 17-Benefits Derived from Functions Honoring Public Servant
N/A Part 18-Legislative Continuances
N/A Part 19-Contracts with Governmental Entity
N/A Part 20- Bond Counsel Services Provided by a Legislator
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
SOURCES OF OCCUPATIONAL INCOME PART 1A
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
INFORMATION RELATES TO
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER/POSITION HELD
EMPLOYMENT (Check If Filer's Home Address)
❑ EMPLOYED BYANOTHER
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ SELF-EMPLOYED NATURE OF OCCUPATION
INFORMATION RELATES TO
❑ FILER El SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER/POSITION HELD
EMPLOYMENT
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
❑ EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ SELF-EMPLOYED NATURE OF OCCUPATION
INFORMATION RELATES TO
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS OF EMPLOYER/POSITION HELD
EMPLOYMENT
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
❑ EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ SELF-EMPLOYED NATURE OF OCCUPATION
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
RETAINERS PART 1 B
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
This section concerns fees received as a retainer by you, your spouse, or a dependent child (or by a business in which you,
your spouse, or a dependent child have a"substantial interest")for a claim on future services in case of need, rather than for
services on a matter specified at the time of contracting for or receiving the fee. Report information here only if the value of
the work actually performed during the calendar year did not equal or exceed the value of the retainer. For more information,
see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME AND ADDRESS
FEE RECEIVED FROM
NAME OF BUSINESS
FEE RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER
OR FILER'S BUSINESS
❑ SPOUSE
OR SPOUSE'S BUSINESS
❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
OR CHILD'S BUSINESS
FEE AMOUNT ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
NAME AND ADDRESS
FEE RECEIVED FROM
NAME OF BUSINESS
FEE RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER
OR FILER'S BUSINESS
❑ SPOUSE
OR SPOUSE'S BUSINESS
❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
OR CHILD'S BUSINESS
FEE AMOUNT ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
STOCK PART 2
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
List each business entity in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child held or acquired stock during the calendar year
and indicate the category of the number of shares held or acquired. If some or all of the stock was sold, also indicate the
category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale. For more information, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
2 STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3 NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
4 IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME
STOCK HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
BONDS, NOTES & OTHER COMMERCIALPAPER PART 3
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
List all bonds, notes, and other commercial paper held or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child during the
calendar year. If sold, indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale. For more
information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
DESCRIPTION
OF INSTRUMENT
2
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
DESCRIPTION
OF INSTRUMENT
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
DESCRIPTION
OF INSTRUMENT
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
MUTUAL FUNDS PART 4
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
List each mutual fund and the number of shares in that mutual fund that you, your spouse, or a dependent child held or
acquired during the calendar year and indicate the category of the number of shares of mutual funds held or acquired. If
some or all of the shares of a mutual fund were sold, also indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized
from the sale. For more information, see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 MUTUAL FUND NAME
2 SHARES OF MUTUAL FUND
❑
HELD ORACQUIRED BY FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3 NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
OF MUTUAL FUND
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
4 IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
MUTUAL FUND NAME
SHARES OF MUTUAL FUND
HELD ORACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER El SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
OF MUTUAL FUND
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
MUTUAL FUND NAME
SHARES OF MUTUAL FUND ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
HELD ORACQUIRED BY
NUMBER OF SHARES ❑ LESS THAN 100 ❑ 100 TO 499 ❑ 500 TO 999 ❑ 1,000 TO 4,999
OF MUTUAL FUND
❑ 5,000 TO 9,999 ❑ 10,000 OR MORE
IF SOLD ❑ NET GAIN
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
INCOME FROM INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, ROYALTIES & RENTS PART 5
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
List each source of income you, your spouse, or a dependent child received in excess of$500 that was derived from
interest,dividends, royalties, and rents during the calendar year and indicate the category of the amount of the income. For
more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF INCOME
Publicly held corporation
2
RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
AMOUNT ❑ $500--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF INCOME
Publicly held corporation
RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
AMOUNT
❑ $500--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF INCOME
Publicly held corporation
RECEIVED BY
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
AMOUNT ❑ $500--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
PERSONAL NOTES AND LEASE AGREEMENTS PART G
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify each guarantor of a loan and each person or financial institution to whom you, your spouse, or
a dependent child had a total financial liability of more than $1,000 in the form of a personal note or notes or lease
agreement at any time during the calendar year and indicate the category of the amount of the liability. For more informa-
tion,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
PERSON OR INSTITUTION
HOLDING NOTE OR
LEASE AGREEMENT
2
LIABILITY OF
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
GUARANTOR
4
AMOUNT ❑ $1,000--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR INSTITUTION
HOLDING NOTE OR
LEASE AGREEMENT
LIABILITY OF
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
GUARANTOR
AMOUNT ❑ $1,000--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR INSTITUTION
HOLDING NOTE OR
LEASE AGREEMENT
LIABILITY OF
❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
GUARANTOR
AMOUNT ❑ $1,000--$4,999 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY PART 7A
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all beneficial interests in real property held or acquired by you, your spouse, or a dependent child during the
calendar year. If the interest was sold,also indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale.
For an explanation of "beneficial interest" and other specific directions for completing this section, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 STREETADDRESS STREET ADDRESS,INCLUDING CITY,COUNTY,AND STATE
❑ NOTAVAILABLE
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
3 DESCRIPTION NUMBER OF LOTS OR ACRES AND NAME OF COUNTY WHERE LOCATED
❑ LOTS
❑ ACRES
4 NAMES OF PERSONS
RETAINING AN INTEREST
❑ NOTAPPLICABLE
(SEVERED MINERAL INTEREST)
5 IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NETLOSS
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
STREETADDRESS STREET ADDRESS,INCLUDING CITY,COUNTY,AND STATE
❑ NOTAVAILABLE
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
NUMBER OF LOTS OR ACRES AND NAME OF COUNTY WHERE LOCATED
DESCRIPTION
❑ LOTS
❑ ACRES
NAMES OF PERSONS
RETAINING AN INTEREST
❑ NOTAPPLICABLE
(SEVERED MINERAL INTEREST)
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NETLOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
INTERESTS IN BUSINESS ENTITIES PART TB
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all beneficial interests in business entities held or acquired by you,your spouse,or a dependent child during the
calendar year. If the interest was sold,also indicate the category of the amount of the net gain or loss realized from the sale.
For an explanation of "beneficial interest" and other specific directions for completing this section, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
2 NAME AND ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION (Check If Filer's Home Address)
3 IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION (Check If Filer's Home Address)
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
HELD OR ACQUIRED BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS
DESCRIPTION (Check If Filer's Home Address)
IF SOLD
❑ NET GAIN ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
❑ NET LOSS
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
GIFTS PART 8
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify any person or organization that has given a gift worth more than$250 to you, your spouse, or a dependent child, and
describe the gift. The description of a gift of cash or a cash equivalent, such as a negotiable instrument or gift certificate must
include a statement of the value of the gift. Do not include: 1)expenditures required to be reported by a person required to be
registered as a lobbyist under chapter 305 of the Government Code; 2) political contributions reported as required by law; or
3)gifts given by a person related to the recipient within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity. For more information,
see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 DONOR NAME AND ADDRESS
2 RECIPIENT ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
DESCRIPTION OF GIFT
NAME AND ADDRESS
DONOR
RECIPIENT ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
DESCRIPTION OF GIFT
NAME AND ADDRESS
DONOR
RECIPIENT ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
DESCRIPTION OF GIFT
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
TRUST INCOME PART 9
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify each source of income received by you, your spouse, or a dependent child as beneficiary of a trust and indicate the
category of the amount of income received.Also identify each asset of the trust from which the beneficiary received more
than$500 in income, if the identity of the asset is known. For more information, see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME OF TRUST
SOURCE
2 BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
3
INCOME ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
4
ASSETS FROM WHICH
OVER$500 WAS RECEIVED
❑ UNKNOWN
NAME OF TRUST
SOURCE
BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
INCOME ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
ASSETS FROM WHICH
OVER$500 WAS RECEIVED
❑ UNKNOWN
NAME OF TRUST
SOURCE
BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
INCOME ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
ASSETS FROM WHICH
OVER$500 WAS RECEIVED
❑UNKNOWN
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
BLIND TRUSTS PART 1 OA
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify each blind trust that complies with section 572.023(c)of the Government Code. See FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION
GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 NAME OF TRUST
2 TRUSTEE NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
3 BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
4 FAIR MARKET VALUE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
5
DATE CREATED
NAME OF TRUST
NAME AND ADDRESS
TRUSTEE (Check If Filer's Home Address)
BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
FAIR MARKETVALUE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
DATE CREATED
NAME OF TRUST
TRUSTEE NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
BENEFICIARY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
FAIR MARKET VALUE
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
DATE CREATED
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
TRUSTEE STATEMENT PART 1 OB
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
An individual who is required to identify a blind trust on Part 10A of the Personal Financial Statement must submit a
statement signed by the trustee of each blind trust listed on Part 10A. The portions of section 572.023 of the Government
Code that relate to blind trusts are listed below.
1 NAME OF TRUST
2 TRUSTEE NAME
3 FILER ON WHOSE NAME
BEHALF STATEMENT
IS BEING FILED
4 TRUSTEE STATEMENT
§572.023. Contents of Financial Statement in General
(b)The account of financial activity consists of:
(8)identification of the source and the category of the amount of all income received as beneficiary of a trust,other
than a blind trust that complies with Subsection (c), and identification of each trust asset, if known to the beneficiary,
from which income was received by the beneficiary in excess of$500;
(14) identification of each blind trust that complies with Subsection (c), including:
(A)the category of the fair market value of the trust;
(B)the date the trust was created;
(C)the name and address of the trustee; and
(D)a statement signed by the trustee, under penalty of perjurystating that:
(i)the trustee has not revealed any information to the individual, except information that may be disclosed
under Subdivision (8); and
(ii)to the best of the trustee's knowledge, the trust complies with this section.
(c)For purposes of Subsections (b)(8)and (14), a blind trust is a trust as to which:
(1)the trustee:
(A)is a disinterested party;
(B)is not the individual;
(C)is not required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305;
(D)is not a public officer or public employee; and
(E)was not appointed to public office by the individual or by a public officer or public employee the individual
supervises;and
(2)the trustee has complete discretion to manage the trust, including the power to dispose of and acquire trust
assets without consulting or notifying the individual.
(d)If a blind trust under Subsection (c)is revoked while the individual is subject to this subchapter, the individual must file an
amendment to the individual's most recent financial statement, disclosing the date of revocation and the previously unreported
value by category of each asset and the income derived from each asset.
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
OWNERSHIP OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PART 1 1A
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet and DO NOT include this page in the report.
Describe each corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional corporation, professional
association, joint venture, or other business association in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child held, acquired, or sold 5
percent or more of the outstanding ownership. For more information,see FORM PFS-INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by providing the number
under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
NAME AND ADDRESS
1 BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
(check if Filer's Home Address)
2 BUSINESS TYPE Corporation Limited Partnership Professional Association
Firm Limited Liability Partnership Joint Venture
Partnership Professional Corporation Other
3 HELD,ACQUIRED,
OR SOLD BY FILER SPOUSE DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
(check if Filer's Home Address)
BUSINESS TYPE Corporation Limited Partnership Professional Association
Firm Limited Liability Partnership Joint Venture
Partnership Professional Corporation Other
HELD,ACQUIRED,
OR SOLD BY FILER SPOUSE DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
(check if Filer's Home Address)
BUSINESS TYPE Corporation Limited Partnership Professional Association
Firm Limited Liability Partnership Joint Venture
Partnership Professional Corporation Other
HELD,ACQUIRED,
OR SOLD BY FILER SPOUSE DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NAME AND ADDRESS
(check if Filer's Home Address)
BUSINESS TYPE Corporation Limited Partnership Professional Association
Firm Limited Liability Partnership Joint Venture
Partnership Professional Corporation Other
HELD,ACQUIRED,
OR SOLD BY FILER SPOUSE DEPENDENT CHILD
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
ASSETS OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PART 1 1 B
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all assets of each corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional
corporation, professional association,joint venture,or other business association in which you,your spouse,or a depen-
dent child held,acquired,or sold 50 percent or more of the outstanding ownership and indicate the category of the amount
of the assets. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
ASSOCIATION
2 BUSINESS TYPE
3 HELD,ACQUIRED,
❑
OR SOLD BY FILER ❑ SPOUSE El DEPENDENT CHILD
4 ASSETS DESCRIPTION CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
LIABILITIES OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS PART 11 C
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
page in the report.
Describe all liabilities of each corporation, firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional
corporation,professional association,joint venture,or other business association in which you,your spouse,or a depen-
dent child held,acquired,or sold 50 percent or more of the outstanding ownership and indicate the category of the amount
of the liabilities. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
ASSOCIATION
2 BUSINESS TYPE
3 HELD,ACQUIRED, ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
OR SOLD BY
4 LIABILITIES DESCRIPTION CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,00049,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999
❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019
BOARDS AN D EXECUTIVE POSITIONS PART 1 2
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
List all boards of directors of which you, your spouse, or a dependent child are a member and all executive positions you,
your spouse, or a dependent child hold in corporations, firms, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partner-
ships, professional corporations, professional associations,joint ventures, other business associations, or proprietorships,
stating the name of the organization and the position held. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity indicate the child about whom you are reporting by
providing the number under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1
ORGANIZATION
2
POSITION HELD
3 POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
ORGANIZATION
POSITION HELD
POSITION HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
EXPENSES ACCEPTED UNDER HONORARIUM EXCEPTION PART 13
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify any person who provided you with necessary transportation, meals, or lodging, as permitted under section 36.07(b)
of the Penal Code, in connection with a conference or similar event in which you rendered services, such as addressing an
audience or participating in a seminar, that were more than perfunctory. Also provide the amount of the expenditures on
transportation, meals, or lodging. You are not required to include items you have already reported as political contributions
on a campaign finance report, or expenditures required to be reported by a lobbyist under the lobby law(chapter 305 of the
Government Code). For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
2
AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
AMOUNT
NAME AND ADDRESS
PROVIDER
AMOUNT
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
INTEREST IN BUSINESS IN COMMON WITH LOBBYIST PART 14
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify each corporation,firm, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, professional corporation, profes-
sional association,joint venture, or other business association, other than a publicly-held corporation, in which you, your
spouse,or a dependent child, and a person registered as a lobbyist under chapter 305 of the Government Code that both have
an interest. For more information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
1 BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
2 INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
NAME AND ADDRESS
BUSINESS ENTITY (Check If Filer's Home Address)
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
BUSINESS ENTITY NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check If Filer's Home Address)
INTEREST HELD BY ❑ FILER ❑ SPOUSE ❑ DEPENDENT CHILD
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
FEES RECEIVED FOR SERVICES RENDERED PART 1 5
TO A LOBBYIST OR LOBBYIST'S EMPLOYER
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include this
sheet in the report.
Report any fee you received for providing services to or on behalf of a person required to be registered as a lobbyist under
chapter 305 of the Government Code, or for providing services to or on behalf of a person you actually know directly compen-
sates or reimburses a person required to be registered as a lobbyist. Report the name of each person or entity for which the
services were provided, and indicate the category of the amount of each fee. For more information, see FORM PFS--
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
1
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
2
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR WHOM SERVICES
WERE PROVIDED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000424,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
REPRESENTATION BY LEGISLATOR BEFORE PART 1 G
STATE AGENCY
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include
this page in the report.
This section applies only to members of the Texas Legislature. A member of theTexas Legislature who represents a person
for compensation before a state agency in the executive branch must provide the name of the agency, the
name of the person represented, and the category of the amount of the fee received for the representation. For more
information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
STATE AGENCY
2
PERSON REPRESENTED
3
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
STATE AGENCY
PERSON REPRESENTED
FEE CATEGORY
❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
STATE AGENCY
PERSON REPRESENTED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
STATE AGENCY
PERSON REPRESENTED
FEE CATEGORY ❑ LESS THAN$5,000 ❑ $5,000--$9,999 ❑ $10,000--$24,999 ❑ $25,000--OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
BENEFITS DERIVED FROM FUNCTIONS HONORING PART 17
PUBLIC SERVANT
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT include
this page in the report.
Section 36.10 of the Penal Code provides that the gift prohibitions set out in section 36.08 of the Penal Code do not apply
to a benefit derived from a function in honor or appreciation of a public servant required to file a statement under chapter257
of the Government Code or title 15 of the Election Code if the benefit and the source of any benefit over$50 in value are: 1)
reported in the statement and 2)the benefit is used solely to defray expenses that accrue in the performance of duties or
activities in connection with the office which are nonreimbursable by the state or a political subdivision. If such a benefit is
received and is not reported by the public servant under title 15 of the Election Code, the benefit is reportable here. For more
information,see FORM PFS--INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
2
BENEFIT
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
BENEFIT
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
BENEFIT
NAME AND ADDRESS
SOURCE OF BENEFIT
BENEFIT
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
LEGISLATIVE CONTINUANCES PART 18
If the requested information is not applicable, indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet, and do NOT
include this page in the report.
Identify any legislative continuance that you have applied for or obtained under section 30.003 of the Civil Practice
and Remedies Code, or under another law or rule that requires or permits a court to grant continuances on the
grounds that an attorney for a party is a member or member-elect of the legislature.
1
NAME OF PARTY
REPRESENTED
2
DATE RETAINED
3
STYLE,CAUSE NUMBER,
COURT&JURISDICTION
4
DATE OF CONTINUANCE
APPLICATION
5
WAS CONTINUANCE
GRANTED? ❑ YES ❑ No
NAME OF PARTY
REPRESENTED
DATE RETAINED
STYLE, CAUSE NUMBER,
COURT,&JURISDICTION
DATE OF CONTINUANCE
APPLICATION
WAS CONTINUANCE
GRANTED? ❑ YES ❑ NO
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission Revised 12/6/2019
CONTRACTS TO SELL GOODS OR SERVICES TO A PART 19
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY OR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
CONTRACTOR
If the requested information is not applicable,indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet and DO NOT include this page in the report.
List the parties to all contracts in the amount of$2500 or more if the aggregate of goods or services sold under all written contracts
exceeds $10,000 in which you, your spouse, or a dependent child, or any business entity of which you, your spouse, or a dependent
child, independently or in conjunction with, has at least 50% ownership. For more information, see FORM PFS -
INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
When reporting information about a dependent child's activity, indicate the child about whom you are reporting by providing the number
under which the child is listed on the Cover Sheet.
1 FILER PARTIES FILER SPOUSE DEPENDENT CHILD
2 GOVERNMENTAL NAME AND ADDRESS
PARTIES
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY CONTRACTOR FOR
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY CONTRACTOR FOR
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY CONTRACTOR FOR
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
3 BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS
PARTIES (Check if Filer's Home Address)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check if Filer's Home Address)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAME AND ADDRESS
(Check if Filer's Home Address)
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/05/2018
BOND COUNSEL SERVICES PROVIDED BY A LEGISLATOR PART20
If the requested information is not applicable,indicate that on Page 2 of the Cover Sheet and DO NOT include this page in the report.
Identify each issuance for which you served as bond counsel. For more information,see FORM PFS-INSTRUCTION GUIDE.
1 ISSUER NAME
2 ISSUANCE DATE
3 ISSUANCE AMOUNT
4 FEES PAID TO FILER
LESS THAN$5,000 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$24,999 $25,000 OR MORE
YES NO
5 FEES PAID TO NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM
FILER'S FIRM
YES NO LESS THAN$5,000 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$24,999 $25,000 OR MORE
ISSUER NAME
ISSUANCE DATE
ISSUANCE AMOUNT
FEES PAID TO FILER
LESS THAN$5,000 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$24,999 $25,000 OR MORE
YES NO
FEES PAID TO NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM
FILER'S FIRM
YES NO LESS THAN$5,000 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$24,999 $25,000 OR MORE
ISSUER NAME
ISSUANCE DATE
ISSUANCE AMOUNT
FEES PAID TO FILER
LESS THAN$5,000 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$24,999 $25,000 OR MORE
YES NO
FEES PAID TO NAME AND ADDRESS OF FIRM
FILER'S FIRM
YES NO LESS THAN$5,000 $5,000-$9,999 $10,000-$24,999 $25,000 OR MORE
COPY AND ATTACH ADDITIONAL PAGES AS NECESSARY
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/05/2018
PERSONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT AFFIDAVIT
The law requires the personal financial statement to be verified. The verification page must have the signature of the
individual required to file the personal financial statement, as well as the signature and stamp or seal of office of a notary
public or other person authorized by law to administer oaths and affirmations. Without proper verification, the statement
is not considered filed.
I swear, or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that this financial
statement covers calendar year ending December 31, 2019 and is true
and correct and includes all information required to be reported by me
under chapter 572 of the Government Code.
Signature of Filer
AFFIX NOTARY STAMP/SEAL ABOVE
Sworn to and subscribed before me, by the said this the day of
, 20 , to certify which, witness my hand and seal of office.
Signature of officer administering oath Printed name of officer administering oath Title of officer administering oath
Forms provided by Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us Revised 12/6/2019