The mission of the Texas Ethics Commission is to promote public confidence in government.
On November 5, 1991, Texas voters approved an amendment that added a new provision, Article III, Section 24a, to the Texas Constitution. The constitutional amendment created the Texas Ethics Commission.
Brief Overview of the TEC (Brochure)
The Texas Constitution provides that the Texas Ethics Commission may recommend the salary of members of the Legislature, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, subject to approval by the voters at the subsequent general election for state and county officers. Also, the Commission must set the per diem of members of the Legislature and of the Lieutenant Governor. The Legislature is to determine the other powers and duties of the Commission.
Statutory duties of the Texas Ethics Commission are set out in Chapter 571 of the Government Code. The agency is responsible for administering and enforcing these laws: Title 15, Election Code, concerning political contributions and expenditures, and political advertising;
The Texas Ethics Commission provides a variety of services related to the laws administered.
Currently, the Commission is charged with administering the following laws:
The Commission serves as a repository for reports that are required by these laws; it serves as a resource for interpretation of these laws (by issuing advisory opinions); it has rule making authority with respect to these laws; it processes sworn complaints filed in connection with these laws; and it provides training for state employees and officeholders for compliance with these laws.
Other services include providing telephone assistance to filers needing technical support with the electronic filing system and offering informal, non-binding ethics guidance through the Legal Helpline regarding the laws administered and enforced by the Commission.
Copies of public records are available upon written request; however, most information is available on the Texas Ethics Commission web page.
Advisory opinions requests are answered within 60 days. Advisory opinions are adopted at public meetings of the Commission, which are generally held every 60-90 days. Sworn complaints are processed within 5 working days of receipt with a letter to both the complainant and the respondent regarding the Commission’s determination of compliance or non-compliance.
The Texas Ethics Commission is dedicated to the highest level of customer service. In order to attain that level, we will deliver our services efficiently, economically, accurately, and timely in a friendly, conscientious, fair, and ethical manner. It is the purpose of the Texas Ethics Commission to serve the people of Texas. We are accountable for our services. If you are not happy with the service you have received or if you’ve had a positive experience, please email comments to customer_service@ethics.state.tx.us Complaints will be reviewed by the Executive Director and addressed in writing within 3 business days of receipt.
Outcome Measures
Efficiency Measures
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Explanatory Measures