EAO 563

Section 255.003(a) does not broadly prohibit political subdivisions from producing or advertising an event that uses an official’s title in its name. However, such an event that otherwise entails the use of public funds to support or oppose a candidate or measure would violate section 255.003(a). Section 255.003(a) does not prohibit discussion of matters pending before a governmental body. However, it does prohibit one or more members of a governmental body from arranging a discussion of a matter not pending before the governmental body in the hopes that broadcasts of the discussion would influence the outcome of an election. An officer or employee of a political subdivision may not spend public funds to produce an event for the purposes of providing a place for public officials to distribute campaign items.