Irving Ethics Code Proposed 20120509

8/1/2019 Irving Ethics Code Proposed 20120509

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IRVING ETHICS CODE



PREAMBLE .............................................................................................................................

Table of Contents

1

PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................... 1

ARTICLE I ETHICS CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................................. 2

ARTICLE II ETHICS POLICY ................................................................................................. 4

SECTION 2.01 SCOPE OF COVERAGE....................................................................................... 4SECTION 2.02 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................... 4SECTION 2.03 CONFLICT OF INTERESTS .................................................................................. 8SECTION 2.04 UNFAIR ADVANCEMENT OF INTERESTS ............................................................... 8SECTION 2.05 GIFTS .............................................................................................................. 8SECTION 2.06 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION .......................................................................... 11SECTION 2.07 CONFLICTING OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT.............................................................. 11SECTION 2.08 INTERESTS IN CONTRACTS .............................................................................. 11SECTION 2.09 BOARD APPOINTMENTS................................................................................... 12SECTION 2.10 LOBBYISTS..................................................................................................... 12

SECTION 2.11 IDENTIFICATION OF CLIENTS ............................................................................ 14SECTION 2.12 TIMELINESS OF FILING REGISTRATIONS AND REPORTS ..................................... 14SECTION 2.13 ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................ 14SECTION 2.14 CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS ............................................................................... 15SECTION 2.15 REPRESENTATION OF PRIVATE INTERESTS. ...................................................... 15SECTION 2.16 POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS- ENDORSEMENT LIMITS, STAFF AND / OR CONTRACTOR

LIMITATIONS, CONTRIBUTION LIMITS OR RESTRICTIONS............................................................ 16SECTION 2.17 ACTIONS OF OTHERS ...................................................................................... 18SECTION 2.18 FORMER CITY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES SUBSEQUENT REPRESENTATION...... 18SECTION 2.19 DISCRETIONARY CONTRACTS .......................................................................... 19SECTION 2.20 RULES FOR CONTRACTORS............................................................................. 20SECTION 2.21 DISCLOSURE OF ASSOCIATION WITH CITY OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE.................... 20

SECTION 2.22 PROHIBITED CONTACTS DURING CONTRACT SOLICITATION PERIOD .................. 21SECTION 2.23 CONTINUING CONFIDENTIALITY........................................................................ 21SECTION 2.24 PRIOR PARTICIPATION IN THE NEGOTIATION, AWARD OR ADMINISTRATION OF

CONTRACTS ........................................................................................................................ 21

ARTICLE III ENFORCEMENT- COMPLAINT FILING, REVIEW, AND RESOLUTION ......... 22

SECTION 3.01 COMPLAINTS .................................................................................................. 22SECTION 3.02 ETHICS REVIEW PANELS ................................................................................. 23SECTION 3.03 JURISDICTION AND POWERS............................................................................ 23SECTION 3.04 ETHICS PANEL MEETINGS ............................................................................... 24SECTION 3.05 PANEL HEARING RULES .................................................................................. 25SECTION 3.06 DISPOSITION .................................................................................................. 25

ARTICLE IV APPENDIX FOR STATE LAWS AND OTHER POLICIES (REFERENCES E.G.,TRAVEL, PURCHASING, CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATUTE, OPEN MEETINGS,FINANCIAL FILINGS, ETC.). ................................................................................................ 28

TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE ....................................................................................... 28TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE ................................................................................................. 28TEXAS ELECTION CODE........................................................................................................ 28TEXAS PENAL CODE............................................................................................................. 28CITY OF IRVING POLICIES...................................................................................................... 29



IRVING ETHICS CODE Page 1

PREAMBLE

The proper operation of democratic government requires that public and appointedofficials be independent, impartial and responsible to the people; that governmentdecisions and policy be made in the proper channels of the government structure; thatpublic office not be used for personal gain or to benefit a select few; and that the publichave confidence in the integrity of its government.

PURPOSE

To aid in achieving the goals listed in the preamble, this code is adopted by the IrvingCity Council to establish minimum rules and standards of conduct for elected officialsof the City of Irving, Texas, and for their appointed board, commission and specialcommittee members, along with City staff, contractors, and consultants. Thisdocument is intended to provide concise but general guidelines for ethics compliance.

Further, the City Attorney's Office will establish a procedure to brief members of the

City Council, Appointed Board Members, Committee Members and CommissionMembers on applicable Texas state law and Irving City ordinances regarding conflictsof interest and Irving ethics policies.

This policy directive is outlined in the following manner:

I. Ethics Code of Conduct - Aspirational statements that establish generalexpectations

II. Ethics Policy (rules and expectations) - Practical and detailed application of the

Code of Conduct to include specific do’s and don’ts along with scope and

coverage (e.g., Council, staff, Boards/Commissions, vendors/consultants/

contractors)

III. Enforcement or corrective provisions - Review and censure process

IV. Appendix for state laws and other applicable City policies (e.g., travel,

purchasing, conflict of interest statute)




ARTICLE I ETHICS CODE OF CONDUCT

Every member of the City Council, Appointed Board Member, Committee Member orCommission Member, and City staff member should aspire to:

(1) Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personalrelationships in order that the member may merit the respect and confidence of thecitizens. Be honest in thought and deed, and endeavor to conduct both personal andpublic life in a manner that creates respect for the public office and the City of Irving.

(2) Refrain from any activity or action that may hinder the member's ability to be objectiveand impartial on any matter coming before the Council, Board, Commission, orCommittee.

(3) Not accept or solicit any benefit, favor, gift, privilege, or service that might reasonablytend to influence the member in the discharge of official duties or that the member hasreason to believe is being offered with the intent to influence the member's officialconduct.

(4) Endeavor to keep the community informed on municipal affairs and encourage citizenparticipation in City affairs.

(5) Honor the Executive Confidentiality privileges granted by the State of Texas and believethat personal gain by use of confidential information is unethical. Agree not topromulgate, distribute, pass-on, or in any way make public any information received inExecutive Sessions where the information has not been released to the general public.

(6) Be dedicated to friendly and courteous relationships with the public, with staff, and withother council committee members, and seek to improve the image of public service.

(7) Be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Be committed to improve the quality of lifefor the individual and the community, and be dedicated to the faithful stewardship of thepublic trust.

(8) Never use the elected or appointed position for personal gain or as a forum, vehicle, orinstrument to attack, intimidate, or pressure any group or individual.

(9) Avoid placing (and avoid the appearance of placing) one’s own self-interest or any third-party interest above that of the City.

(10) Not abuse their position by improperly using their position or the City’s staff, services,equipment, materials, resources, or property for their personal or third-party gain or

pleasure, and shall not represent to third parties that their authority extends any furtherthan that which it actually extends.

(11) Not engage in any outside business, professional or other activities that would directly orindirectly materially adversely affect the City.




(12) Not engage in or facilitate any discriminatory or harassing behavior directed toward Citystaff, other board members, officers, directors, meeting attendees, exhibitors,advertisers, sponsors, suppliers, contractors, or others in the context of activities relatingto the City.

(13) Not solicit or accept gifts, gratuities, free trips, honoraria, personal property, or any other

item of value from any person or entity as a direct or indirect inducement to providespecial treatment to such donor with respect to matters pertaining to the City without fullydisclosing such items.

(14) Not disclose locations and scopes of specific real estate projects to any person ororganization for or with the intent of financial gain.

(15) Not persuade or attempt to persuade any employee of the City to leave the employ ofthe City or to become employed by any person or entity other than the City.

(16) Not persuade or attempt to persuade any member, exhibitor, advertiser, sponsor,subscriber, supplier, contractor, or any other person or entity with an actual or potential

relationship to or with the City to terminate, curtail or not enter into its relationship to orwith the City, or to in any way reduce the monetary or other benefits to the City of suchrelationship.




ARTICLE II ETHICS POLICY

Section 2.01 Scope of Coverage

This Ethics Policy is applicable to all of the following:

(1) City Council (current and past);

(2) City staff;

(3) Board and Commission appointees; and

(4) City contractors and consultants.

Section 2.02 Definitions

(a) City employee: any employee of the City who is required to file a financial disclosure

statement pursuant to state law.

(b) City officer:

(1) the Mayor or any Councilmember;

(2) a Municipal Court Judge or Magistrate; or

(3) a member of any board or commission.

The term does not include members of the board of another governmental entity even ifsome or all of these members are appointed by the City.

(c) City official: the Mayor, members of the City Council, Municipal Court Judges andMagistrates, all members of City staff, and any other board or commission.

(d) Client: any person on whose behalf lobbying is conducted. If a person engages inlobbying on that person’s own behalf, whether directly or through the acts of others, theperson is both a client and a lobbyist. In the case of a coalition or association that employsor retains other persons to conduct lobbying activities, the client is the coalition orassociation and not its individual members.

(e) Compensation:

(1) Compensation means money or any other thing of value that is received, or is to be

received, in return for or in connection with lobbying services rendered, or to berendered, including reimbursement of expenses incurred in lobbying.“Compensation” for professional services that do not primarily require contact oradvocacy with public officials does not constitute “compensation in connection withlobbying services” for purposes of this section, if contact with public officials isincidental to the primary purpose of the employment.




(2) Compensation does not include a payment made to any individual regularlyemployed by a person if:

A) the payment ordinarily would be made regardless of whether the individualengaged in lobbying activities; and

B) lobbying activities are not part of the individual’s regular responsibilities to theperson making the payment.

(3) Compensation does not include the financial gain that a person may realize as aresult of the determination of a municipal question, unless that gain is in the form of acontingency fee.

(4) If a lobbyist engages in both lobbying activities and other activities on behalf of aperson, compensation for lobbying includes all amounts received from that person, if,for the purpose of evading the obligations imposed under this section, the lobbyisthas structured the receipt of compensation in a way that unreasonably minimizes the

value of the lobbying activities.

(5) Compensation which has not yet been received is considered to be received on thedate that it is earned, if that date is ascertainable; otherwise, it is received on thedate on which the contract or agreement for compensation is made, or on the datelobbying commences, whichever is first.

(f) Contract: any discretionary contract other than a contract for the personal services of theformer City official or employee.

(g) Discretionary contract. any contract other than those which by law must be awarded ona low or high qualified bid basis. Discretionary contracts do not include those contractssubject to Section 252.022(a)(7) of the Texas Local Government Code (sole source) orthose contracts not involving an exercise of judgment or choice.

(h) Immediate family: any person related within the first degree by consanguinity or affinity.

(i) Lobby or Lobbying: except as provided below, any oral or written communication(including an electronic communication) to a City official, made directly or indirectly by anyperson in an effort to influence or persuade an official to favor or oppose, recommend ornot recommend, vote for or against, or take or refrain from taking action on any municipalquestion. The term lobby or lobbying does not include a communication.

(j) Lobbyist: a person who engages in lobbying, whether directly or through the acts ofanother. If an agent or employee engages in lobbying for a principal or employer, both the

agent and the principal, or the employee and the employer, are lobbyists. A personengaged in lobbying, which is strictly limited to the following, is not a lobbyist for purposesof this policy.




(1) merely requesting information or inquiring about the facts or status of any municipalquestion, matter, or procedure, and not attempting to influence a City official;

(2) made by a public official or employee (including, but not limited to, an official oremployee of the City of Irving) acting in his or her official capacity;

(3) made by a representative of a media organization if the purpose of thecommunication is gathering and disseminating news and information to the public;

(4) made in a speech, article, publication, or other material that is distributed and madeavailable to the public, or through radio, television, cable television, or any othermedium of mass communication;

(5) made at a meeting open to the public under the Open Meetings Act;

(6) made in the form of a written comment filed in the course of a public proceeding orany other communication that is made on the record in a public proceeding;

(7) made in writing as a petition for official action and required to be a public recordpursuant to established City procedures;

(8) made in writing to provide information in response to an oral or written request by aCity official for specific information the content of which is compelled by law;

(9) made in response to a public notice soliciting communications from the public anddirected to the official specifically designated in the notice to receive suchcommunications;

(10) made on behalf of an individual with regard to that individual's employment orbenefits;

(11) made by a fact witness or expert witness at an official proceeding; or

(12) made by a person solely on behalf of that individual, or their immediate family.

(k) Municipal question:

(1) Municipal question means a public policy issue of a discretionary nature pending orimpending before City Council or any board or commission, including, but not limitedto, proposed action, or proposals for action, in the form of ordinances, resolutions,motions, recommendations, reports, regulations, policies, nominations,appointments, sanctions, and bids, including the adoption of specifications, awards,grants, or contracts.




(2) The term “municipal question” does not include the day-to-day application,administration, or execution of existing City programs, policies, ordinances,resolutions, or practices, including matters that may be approved administrativelywithout consideration by a board, a commission, or the City Council. The term“municipal question” does include all discretionary matters before the Board ofAdjustment, the Planning Commission, and all advisory committees and

subcommittees thereof.

(l) Nominal value: any item with a fair market value of $50 or less.

(m) Outside business associate: if both that person and a City official or employee own, withrespect to the same business entity:

(1) ten percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or shares of the business entity, or

(2) ten percent (10%) or more of the fair market value of the business entity.

(n) Owner. As to any business entity, owner includes all directors, owners, officers, and

partners, and any person who owns either:

(1) ten percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or shares of the business entity, or

(2) ten percent (10%) or more of the fair market value of the business entity.

(o) Registrant: a person required to register as a lobbyist under this policy.

(p) Service: means any services other than the personal services of the former official oremployee.

(q) Source: individual or entity that funds an expenditure or series of expenditures.Expenditures made by multiple agents of the same source are deemed to be expendituresfrom a single source.

(r) Sponsor: person or persons primarily responsible for organizing the event or sponsoring atable or tables. A person who simply contributes money or buys tickets to an event is notconsidered a sponsor.

(s) Substantial interest: applies to the official and any person related to such official by thefirst degree of consanguinity or affinity, and who has any of the following interest(s):

(1) the person received monetary compensation in excess of five percent (5%) of theirgross income from the business entity for the previous year;

(2) the person has an equitable or legal ownership with a fair market value of $2,500 ormore in real property or in a business entity; and

(for purposes of this subsection, business entity does not include securities heldwithin a mutual fund or blind trust and real property does not include any interestheld by a real estate investment trust)




(3) the person stands to earn income or any other thing of value as a result of theoutcome of the item before the City Council.

Section 2.03 Conflict of Interests

(a) Any official who has a substantial interest regarding any matter before their entity shall

promptly complete the City’s Disclosure Form.

(b) Recusals. Any official who has a statutory conflict of interest or who intends to abstainfrom a vote on any item shall remove themselves from the dais during any time such itemis deliberated.

Section 2.04 Unfair Advancement of Interests

(a) General Rule. A City official or employee may not use his or her official position to unfairlyadvance or impede private interests, or to grant or secure, or attempt to grant or secure,for any person (including himself or herself) any form of special consideration, treatment,exemption, or advantage beyond that which is lawfully available to other persons. A City

official who represents to a person that he or she may provide an advantage to that personbased on the official’s position violates this rule.

(b) Special Rules. The following special rules apply in addition to the general rule:

(1) Acquisition of Interest in Impending Matters. A City official or employee shall notacquire an interest in, or be affected by, any contract, transaction, zoning decision, orother matter, if the official or employee knows, or has reason to know, that theinterest will be directly or indirectly affected by impending official action by the City.

(2) Reciprocal Favors. A City official or employee may not enter into an agreement orunderstanding with any other person which provides that official action by the officialor employee will be rewarded or reciprocated by the other person, directly orindirectly.

(3) Appointment of Relatives. A City official or employee shall not appoint or employ orvote to appoint or employ any relative within the third degree of consanguinity oraffinity or any member of his or her household to any office or position ofemployment within the City.

Section 2.05 Gifts

(a) General Rule.

(1) A City official or employee shall not solicit, accept, or agree to accept any gift or

benefit for himself or herself or his or her business:

A) that reasonably tends to influence or reward official conduct; or

B) that the official or employee knows or should know is being offered with theintent to influence or reward official conduct.




(2) A City official or employee may accept a public award or reward for meritoriousservice of professional achievement, provided that the award or reward is reasonablein light of the occasion and it is not prohibited under Texas Penal Code Section36.08.

(3) A City official or employee shall not solicit, accept, or agree to accept any gift or

benefit from:

A) any individual or entity doing or seeking to do business with the City; or

B) any registered lobbyist or public relations firm; or

C) any person or entity seeking action or advocating on zoning or platting mattersbefore a City body,

D) save and except for

i) items received that are of nominal value; or

ii) meals in an individual expense of $50 or less at any occurrence, and nomore than a cumulative value of $500 in a single calendar year from asingle source.

(4) Doing business with the City includes, but is not limited to, individuals and entitiesthat are parties to a discretionary contract, individuals and entities that aresubcontractors to a discretionary contract, and partners and/or parents and/orsubsidiary business entities of any individuals and entities that are parties to adiscretionary contract and individuals or entities that seek or have low-bid contractswith the City.

(b) Special Applications. Subsection (a)(3) does not include:

(1) a gift to a City official or employee relating to a special occasion, such as a wedding,anniversary, graduation, birth, illness, death, or holiday, provided that the value ofthe gift is fairly commensurate with the occasion and the relationship between thedonor and recipient;

(2) advancement for or reimbursement of reasonable expenses for travel in connectionwith official duties authorized in accordance with City policies; such payments mustbe disclosed in a travel report as required by the City’s Travel Policy; payment for orreimbursement of expenses for travel in excess of authorized rates under City policywill be treated as a personal gift to the official or employee for any applicablereporting requirements;

(3) a public award or reward for meritorious service or professional achievement,provided that the award or reward is reasonable in light of the occasion and it is notprohibited under Texas Penal Code Section 36.08;

(4) a loan from a lending institution made in its regular course of business on the sameterms generally available to the public;




(5) a scholarship or fellowship awarded on the same terms and based on the samecriteria that are applied to other applicants;

(6) any solicitation for civic or charitable causes;

(7) admission to an event in which the City official or employee is participating in

connection with his or her immediate family’s position;

(8) ceremonial and protocol gifts presented to City officials from a foreign governmentor international or multinational organization and accepted for the City of Irving;

(9) admission to a widely attended event, such as a convention, conference,symposium, forum, panel discussion, dinner, viewing, reception or similar event,offered by the sponsor of the event, and unsolicited by the City official or employee, ifattending or participating in an official capacity, including:

A) the official or employee participates in the event as a speaker or panelparticipant by presenting information related to matters before the City; or

B) the official or employee performs a ceremonial function appropriate to thatindividual’s position with the City; or

C) attendance at the event is appropriate to the performance of the official dutiesor representative function of the official or employee;

(10) admission to a charity event provided by the sponsor of the event, where the offer isunsolicited by the City official or employee;

(11) admission to training or education program, including meals and refreshmentsfurnished to all attendees, if such training is related to the official or employee’s

official duties and the training is in the interest of the City.

(c) Campaign Contribution Exception. The general rule stated in subsection (a) does notapply to a campaign contribution made pursuant to the Texas Election Code.

(d) Gifts to Closely Related Persons. A City official or employee shall take reasonable stepsto persuade a member of their immediate family, or other relative within the second degreeof consanguinity or affinity or an outside business associate not to solicit, accept, or agreeto accept any gift or benefit:

(1) that reasonably tends to influence or reward the City official’s or employee’s officialconduct, or

(2) that the official or employee knows or should know is being offered with the intent toinfluence or reward the City official’s or employee’s discharge of official duties.




(e) If a City official or employee required to file a financial disclosure report knows that a gift orbenefit meeting the requirements of subsections (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this rule has beenaccepted and retained by a person identified in subsections (d) of this rule, the official oremployee shall promptly file a report with the Office of the City Secretary disclosing thedonor, the value of the gift or benefit, the recipient, and the recipient’s relationship to theofficial or employee filing the report.

Section 2.06 Confidential Information

(a) Improper Access. A City official or employee shall not use his or her position to obtainofficial information about any person or entity for any purpose other than the performanceof official duties.

(b) Improper Disclosure or Use. The Mayor, individual Councilmembers, the City Manager,City Attorney, City Secretary, and others who are authorized to attend Executive Sessionsshall not make selective disclosure of confidential matters, where the disclosure of theinformation has not been released to the general public. A City official or employee shallnot intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly disclose any confidential information gained by

reason of said official’s or employee’s position concerning the property, operations,policies, or affairs of the City. This rule does not prohibit the confidential reporting of illegalor unethical conduct to authorities designated by law.

Section 2.07 Conflicting Outside Employment

(a) General Rule. A City official or employee shall not solicit, accept, or engage in concurrentoutside employment which could reasonably be expected to impair independence of

judgment in, or faithful performance of, official duties.

(b) Special Application. The following special rule applies in addition to the general rule: ACity official or employee shall not provide services to an outside employer related to the

official’s or employee’s City duties.(c) Other Rules. The general rule stated above applies in addition to all other rules relating to

outside employment of City officials and employees, including requirements for obtainingprior approval of outside employment as applicable.

Section 2.08 Interests in Contracts

(a) Financial Interest. An officer or employee is presumed to have a prohibited “financialinterest” in a contract with the City, or in the sale to the City of land, materials, supplies, orservice, if any of the following individuals or entities is a party to the contract or sale:

(1) the officer or employee;

(2) their immediate family;




(3) a business entity in which the officer or employee, or a member of their immediatefamily, directly or indirectly owns:

A) ten percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or shares of the business entity,or

B) ten percent (10%) or more of the fair market value of the business entity; or

(4) a business entity of which any individual or entity listed in subsection (1), (2) or (3) is:

A) a subcontractor on a City contract;

B) a partner; or

C) a parent or subsidiary business entity.

(b) If an officer or employee has or may potentially have a presumed prohibited financialinterest in a contract with the City, or in the sale to the City of land, materials, supplies, or

service under subsection (a), the officer or employee may confer with the City Attorney fora determination and decision on whether the officer or employee has an actual direct orindirect financial interest in that contract or transaction.

(c) Any contract or transaction already in place at the time the individual becomes an officeror employee may remain in place until the contract expires or the transaction is completedwithout creating a prohibited financial interest for the officer or employee.

Section 2.09 Board Appointments

(a) The City Council will make all board and commission appointments consistent with theprovisions of this Ethics Policy.

(b) The City Council will not appoint any person to a board or commission if such appointmentwould violate this Ethics Policy.

(c) The City Council shall remove any appointee whose service is found to be in conflict withthis Ethics Policy.

Section 2.10 Lobbyists

(a) Persons Required to Register as Lobbyists. Except as provided hereinbelow(Exceptions), a person or entity who engages in lobbying must register with the CitySecretary if:

(1) with respect to any client, the person or entity engages in lobbying activities forcompensation in excess of $500 for any single engagement or $2,000 for allengagements in a given calendar year; or

(2) the person or entity expends monies for lobbying activities in excess of $1,000 in acalendar year.




(b) Exceptions. The following persons and entities are not required to register as a lobbyist:

(1) Media Outlets.

(2) Mobilizing Entity Constituents and Not-for-Profit Organizations. A personwhose only lobbying activity is to encourage or solicit the members, employees, or

owners (including shareholders) of an entity by whom the person is compensated tocommunicate directly with one or more City officials to influence municipal questions. This exception is intended to apply to neighborhood associations and not-for-profitorganizations.

(3) Dispute Resolution. An attorney or other person whose contact with a City official ismade solely as part of resolving a dispute with the City, provided that the contact issolely with City officials who do not vote on or have final authority over any municipalquestion involved and so long as such an attorney complies with Rule 4.02 of theTexas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, as amended.

(4) Agent or Employee. An agent or employee of a lobbying firm or other registrant that

files a registration statement or activity report for the period in question fullydisclosing all relevant information known to the agent or employee.

(c) Registration.

(1) Separate Registrations. A person or entity required to register as a lobbyist mustfile a separate registration form for each client. A registrant who makes more thanone lobbying contact for the same client shall file a single registration form coveringall lobbying contacts for that client. Each registration form must be signed underoath. If the registrant is not an individual, an authorized officer or agent of theregistrant shall sign the form.

(2) Initial Registration. An initial registration form relating to a client must be filed by aperson required to register within 90 days after the start of lobbying activity for thatclient. However, in no event shall a registrant knowingly fail to register, or knowinglyfail to disclose such registration to relevant City officials, prior to official City actionrelating to the subject matter of the lobbying activity.

(3) Subsequent Annual Registration. Except as provided in subsection (f)(Termination of Registration), subsequent registration forms must be filed annuallyeach January for each client for whom a registrant previously filed, or was required tofile, an initial registration form.

(4) Consolidated Registration for Firms/Organizations. An individual, firm, ororganization that registers as a lobbyist and that employs agents or employees whoengage in lobbying activity on behalf of the registrant’s clients may include theagents or employees within the registrant’s initial and annual registration, byidentifying the agents or employees and disclosing lobbying activity as requiredunder subsection (e) by each agent or employee.

(5) Required Disclosures. Initial or subsequent registration shall be on a formprescribed by the City Secretary.




(6) Ethics Code Briefing. During the registration process, the City Secretary’s Officeshall offer a briefing to each new registrant on this section of the Ethics Policy andeach shall be provided with information regarding the lobbyist provisions of theEthics Policy.

Section 2.11 Identification of Clients

Appearances. Each person who lobbies or engages another person to lobby before the CityCouncil or an official body identified in the definition of “City official” shall orally identify himselfor herself and the client(s) he or she represents upon beginning an address. Each person wholobbies or engages another person to lobby shall also disclose on appropriate sign-in sheets hisor her identity, the identity of the client he or she represents, and whether he or she is registeredas a lobbyist.

Section 2.12 Timeliness of Filing Registrations and Reports

A registration or report filed by first-class United States mail or by common or contract carrier istimely if:

(1) it is properly addressed with postage and handling charges prepaid; and

(2) it bears a post office cancellation mark or a receipt mark from a common or contractcarrier indicating a time within the applicable filing period or before the applicable filingdeadline, or if the person required to file furnishes satisfactory proof that it was depositedin the mail or with a common or contract carrier within that period or before that deadline.

Section 2.13 Administration

The City Secretary shall:

(1) distribute guidelines on the registration and reporting requirements for lobbyists andadvocate common standards, rules, and procedures for compliance with this section(Lobbyists);

(2) review for completeness and timeliness registrations and reports;

(3) maintain filing, coding, and cross-indexing systems to carry out the purposes of thissection (Lobbyists), including:

A) a publicly available list of all registered lobbyists, lobbying firms, and their clients;and

B) computerized systems designed to minimize the burden of filing and maximize public

access to materials filed under this section (Lobbyists);

(4) make available for public inspection and copying at reasonable times the registrations andreports filed under this section (Lobbyists); and

(5) retain registrations and reports in accordance with the City’s records retention schedule.




The City Secretary shall not be responsible for the interpretation or enforcement of theseguidelines.

Section 2.14 Constitutional Rights

Nothing in this section (Lobbyists) shall be construed to prohibit or interfere with any person’s

rights guaranteed by the United States and Texas Constitutions.

Section 2.15 Representation of Private Interests

(a) Representation Before the City by a Member of the Board. A City official or employeewho is a member of a board or other City body shall not represent any person, group, orentity:

(1) before that board or body;

(2) before City staff having responsibility for making recommendations to, or taking anyaction on behalf of, that board or body; or

(3) before a board or other City body which has appellate jurisdiction over the board orbody of which the City official or employee is a member, if any issue relates to theofficial’s or employee’s official duties.

(b) Representation Before the City by City Officials and Employees.

(1) General Rule. A City official or employee shall not represent for compensation anyperson, group, or entity, other than himself or herself, or a member of theirimmediate family, before the City. For purposes of this subsection, the termcompensation means money or any other thing of value that is received, or is to bereceived, in return for or in connection with such representation.

(2) Exception for Board Members. The rule stated in subsection b(1) does not apply toa person who is classified as a City official only because he or she is an appointedmember of a board or other City body.

(c) Prestige of Office and Improper Influence. In connection with the representation ofprivate interests before the City, a City official or employee shall not:

(1) assert the prestige of the official’s or employee’s City position for the purpose ofadvancing private interests; or

(2) state or imply that he or she is able to influence City action on any basis other thanthe merits.




(d) Representation in Litigation Adverse to the City.

(1) Officials and Employees (Other than Board Members). A City official oremployee, other than a person who is classified as an official only because he or sheis an appointed member of a board or other City body, shall not represent anyperson, group, or entity, other than himself or herself, or a member of their

immediate family, in any litigation to which the City is a party, if the interests of thatperson, group, or entity are adverse to the interests of the City.

(2) Board Members. A person who is classified as a City official only because he or sheis an appointed member of a board or other City body shall not represent anyperson, group, or entity, other than himself or herself, or a member of theirimmediate family, in any litigation to which the City is a party, if the interests of thatperson, group, or entity are adverse to interests of the City.

Section 2.16 Political Campaigns - Endorsement Limits, Staff and/or ContractorLimitations, Contribution Limits or Restrictions

(a) Limitations on the political activities of City officials and employees are imposed by statelaw, the City Charter, and City personnel rules and are incorporated into this provision byreference. In addition, the following ethical restrictions apply:

(1) Influencing Subordinates.

A) A City official or employee shall not, directly or indirectly, induce or attempt toinduce any City subordinate of the official or employee:

i) to participate in an election campaign, contribute to a candidate or politicalcommittee, or engage in any other political activity relating to a particularparty, candidate, or issue, or

ii) to refrain from engaging in any lawful political activity.

B) A general statement merely encouraging another person to vote does notviolate this rule.

(1) Paid Campaigning. A City official or employee shall not accept anything of value,directly or indirectly, for political activity relating to an item pending on the ballot, if heor she participated in, or provided advice relating to, the exercise of discretionaryauthority by a City body that contributed to the development of the ballot item.Anything of value does not include a meal or other item of nominal value the Cityofficial or employee receives in return for providing information on an item pendingon the ballot.

(2) Official Vehicles. A City official or employee shall not display or fail to removecampaign materials on any City vehicle under his or her control.




(3) Prohibited Campaign Contributions. For purposes of this section, campaigncontributions shall include both direct campaign contributions and any loan(s) to acandidate. Therefore, all campaign limit amounts are cumulative. Individuals seekingdiscretionary contracts, including the owners of entities seeking discretionarycontracts, the legal signatories for discretionary contracts, any immediate familymember of these individuals, or attorneys, lobbyists, or other consultants retained to

assist in seeking discretionary contracts cannot make campaign or officeholdercontributions from tenth (10th) day after solicitation is released until thirty (30) daysafter contract has been awarded. Zoning applicants and their immediate family arealso prohibited from making contributions from the date the application is submitteduntil thirty (30) days after final action.

(b) Political Contributions.

(1) Any individual or entity, including all owners of such entity, seeking a discretionarycontract and/or an amendment of same from the City must disclose in connectionwith a proposal for a discretionary contract, on a form provided by the City, allpolitical contributions totaling one hundred dollars ($100) or more within the past

twenty-four (24) months made directly or indirectly to any current or former memberof City Council, any candidate for City Council, or to any political action committeethat contributes to City Council elections, by any individual or entity, including allowners of such entity, whose identity must be disclosed under subsection (a). Theinitial disclosure of this information shall be made no later than at the same time asany responsive submittal and any updates shall be provided at least one businessday prior to any vote by the Council regarding such discretionary contract.

(2) Any individual or entity, including all owners of such entity, seeking a discretionarycontract from the City is prohibited from making campaign contributions to CityCouncil candidates while such contract is pending before or under consideration bythe City Council.

(3) Any individual or entity who is a contracted vendor with the City is permitted to makecampaign contributions except as provided by subsection (b)(2) immediately above.Such contributions shall not exceed $3,000 to any individual candidate for any singleelection. Any contributions received in excess of this limitation shall be returned bythe candidate.

(4) Total contributions from a single donor to any individual City Council candidate forany single election shall not exceed $10,000. Any contributions received in excess ofthis limitation shall be returned by the candidate.

(5) Political contributions made in the preceding 24 months to any individual who is a

former Councilmember must be disclosed, unless:

A) the contributions were made in connection with a campaign or officeholderaccount not associated with a City office; and




B) the former officeholder has terminated the campaign treasurer appointmentand filed the final campaign finance report with the City Secretary's Office atthe time the contract was in the solicitation process or under consideration forapproval by the City; and

C) the former member is not or was not serving in a City office at the time the

contract was in the solicitation process or under consideration for approval bythe City.

Section 2.17 Actions of Others

(a) Violations by Other Persons. A City official or employee shall not intentionally or knowingly assist or induce, or attempt to assist or induce, any person to violate anyprovision in this code of ethics.

(b) Using Others to Engage in Forbidden Conduct. A City official or employee shall notviolate the provisions of this code of ethics through the acts of another.

Section 2.18 Former City Officials and Employees Subsequent Representation

(a) Representation of Private Interests Before the City by a Former Board Member. Aperson who was a member of a board or other City body shall not represent any person,group, or entity for a period of ninety (90) days after the termination of his or her officialduties:

(1) before that board or body;

(2) before City staff having responsibility for making recommendations to, or taking anyaction on behalf of, that board or body; or

(3) before a board or other City body which has appellate jurisdiction over the board orbody of which the former City official or employee was a member, if any issue relatesto his or her former duties.

(b) Representation of Private Interests Before the City by Former City Officials andEmployees. A former City official or employee shall not represent for compensation anyperson, private group, or private entity, other than himself or herself, or their immediatefamily, before the City for a period of ninety (90) days after termination of his or her officialduties. This subsection does not apply to a person who was classified as a City officialonly because he or she was an appointed member of a board or other City body. Forpurposes of this subsection, the term compensation means money or any other thing ofvalue that is received, or is to be received, in return for or in connection with suchrepresentation.

(c) Improper Representation of Influence. In connection with the representation of privateinterests before the City, a former City official or employee shall not state or imply that heor she is able to influence City action on any basis other than the merits.




(d) Representation in Litigation Adverse to the City. A former City official or employeeshall not, absent consent from the City, represent any person, group, or entity, other thanhimself or herself, or their immediate family, in any litigation to which the City is a party, ifthe interests of that person, group, or entity are adverse to the interests of the City and thematter is one in which the former City official or employee personally and substantiallyparticipated prior to termination of his or her official duties.

Section 2.19 Discretionary Contracts

(a) Impermissible Interest in Discretionary Contract or Sale. This subsection applies onlyto contracts or sales made on a discretionary basis, and does not apply to contracts orsales made on a competitive bid basis. Within one (1) year of the termination of officialduties, a former City officer or employee shall neither have a financial interest, direct orindirect, in any discretionary contract with the City, nor have a financial interest, direct orindirect, in the sale to the City of any land, materials, supplies, or service. Any violation ofthis section, with the knowledge, expressed or implied, of the individual or business entitycontracting with the Council shall render the contract involved voidable by the CityManager or the Council. A former City officer or employee has a prohibited “financial

interest” in a discretionary contract with the City, or in the sale to the City of land,materials, supplies, or service, if any of the following individuals or entities is a party to thecontract or sale:

(1) the former officer or employee;

(2) his or her immediate family;

(3) a business entity in which the former officer or employee, or their immediate familydirectly or indirectly owns:

A) ten percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or shares of the business entity,

or

B) ten percent (10%) or more of the fair market value of the business entity; or

(4) a business entity of which any individual or entity listed in subsection (1), (2), or (3)is:

A) a subcontractor on a City contract;

B) a partner; or

C) a parent or subsidiary business entity.

(b) Exception: Prior Employment or Status. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section,a former City official or employee may upon leaving official duties return to employment orother status enjoyed immediately prior to commencing official City duties.




Section 2.20 Rules for Contractors

(a) Disclosure of Parties, Owners, and Closely Related Persons. For the purpose ofassisting the City in the enforcement of provisions contained in the City Charter and thisethics policy, an individual or entity seeking a discretionary contract from the City isrequired to disclose in connection with a proposal for a discretionary contract on a form

provided by the City:

(1) the identity of any individual who would be a party to the discretionary contract;

(2) the identity of any entity that would be a party to the discretionary contract and thename of:

A) any individual or entity that would be a subcontractor on the discretionarycontract; and

B) any individual or entity that is known to be a partner or a parent entity of anyindividual or entity who would be a party to the discretionary contract, or any

subsidiary entity that is anticipated to be involved in the execution of thecontract; and

(3) the identity of any lobbyist, attorney, or consultant employed for purposes relating tothe discretionary contract being sought by any individual or entity who would be aparty to the discretionary contract.

(b) An individual or entity seeking a discretionary contract is required to supplement this filingon a form provided by the City in the event there is any change in the information requiredof the individual or entity under this subsection. The individual or entity seeking adiscretionary contract must supplement this filing before the discretionary contract is thesubject of Council action, and no later than five (5) business days after any change about

which information is required to be filed.

Section 2.21 Disclosure of Association with City Official or Employee

(a) Disclosures During Appearances. A person appearing before a City board or other Citybody shall disclose to it any known facts which, reasonably understood, raise a questionas to whether any member of the board or body would violate the Conflicts of Interestprovisions by participating in official action relating to a matter pending before the board orbody.

(b) Disclosures in Proposals. Any individual or business entity seeking a discretionary contract with the City shall disclose, on a form provided by the City, any known factswhich, reasonably understood, raise a question as to whether any City official wouldviolate the Conflicts of Interest provisions by participating in official action relating to thediscretionary contract.




(c) Disclosure of Benefit. If a person who requests official action on a matter knows that therequested action will confer an economic benefit on any City official or employee that isdistinguishable from the effect that the action will have on members of the public ingeneral or a substantial segment thereof, he or she shall disclose that fact in a signedwriting to the City official, employee, or body that has been requested to act in the matter,unless the interest of the City official or employee in the matter is apparent. The

disclosure shall also be made in a signed writing filed with the City Secretary.

Section 2.22 Prohibited Contacts During Contract Solicitation Period

A person or entity who seeks or applies for a City contract or any other person acting on behalfof such person or entity, is prohibited from contacting City officials and employees regardingsuch a contract after a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Qualification (RFQ) or othersolicitation has been released. This no-contact provision shall conclude when the contract isposted as a City Council agenda item. If contact is required with City officials and employees,such contact will be done in accordance with procedures incorporated into the solicitationdocument. Violation of this provision by respondents or their agents may lead to disqualificationof their offer from consideration.

Section 2.23 Continuing Confidentiality

A former City official or employee shall not use or disclose confidential government informationacquired during service as a City official or employee. This rule does not prohibit:

(1) any disclosure that is no longer confidential by law; or

(2) the confidential reporting of illegal or unethical conduct to authorities designated by law.

Section 2.24 Prior Participation in the Negotiation, Award, or Administration ofContracts

(a) A former City official or employee shall not, within six (6) months of the termination ofofficial duties for the City, perform work on a compensated basis relating to a discretionaryCity contract, if he or she personally and substantially participated in the negotiation,award, or administration of the contract.

(b) A former City official or employee, within two (2) years of termination of official duties,must disclose to the City Secretary immediately upon knowing that he or she will performwork on a compensated basis relating to a discretionary City contract for which he or shedid not personally and substantially participate in its negotiation, award, or administration.This subsection does not apply to a person who was classified as a City official onlybecause he or she was an appointed member of a board or other City body.




ARTICLE III ENFORCEMENT- COMPLAINT FILING, REVIEW, ANDRESOLUTION

Section 3.01 Complaints

(a) Filing. Any person who believes that there has been a violation of the ethics policy mayfile a sworn complaint with the City Secretary to allege such violations. A complaint filed ingood faith is qualifiedly privileged. A person who knowingly makes a false statement in acomplaint is subject to criminal prosecution for or civil liability for the tort of abuse ofprocess. Complaints regarding any City employee not hired by the City Council will bereferred to the City Manager for administration in accordance with the City’s PersonnelPolicies.

(b) Form. A complaint filed under this section must be in writing and under oath and must setforth in simple, concise, and direct statements:

(1) the name of the complainant;

(2) the street or mailing address and the telephone number of the complainant;

(3) the name of each person complained about;

(4) the position or title of each person complained about;

(5) the nature of the alleged violation, including the specific provision of the Ethics Policy alleged to have been violated;

(6) a statement of the facts constituting the alleged violation and the dates on which orperiod of time in which the alleged violation occurred; and

(7) all documents or other material available to the complainant that are relevant to theallegation; a list of all documents or other material relevant to the allegation andavailable to the complainant but that are not in the possession of the complainant,including the location of the documents, if known; and a list of all documents or othermaterial relevant to the allegation but unavailable to the complainant, including thelocation of the documents, if known.

The complaint must be accompanied by an affidavit stating that the informationcontained in the complaint is either true and correct or that the complainant has goodreason to believe and does believe that the facts alleged constitute a violation of theEthics Policy. If the complaint is based on information and belief, the complaint shallstate the source and basis of the information and belief. The complainant shall swear

to the facts by oath before a notary public or other person authorized by law toadminister oaths under penalty of perjury.

The complaint must state on its face an allegation that, if true, constitutes a violation ofthe Ethics Policy.




(c) A copy of a complaint shall be promptly reviewed by the City Secretary and if thecomplaint substantially complies with the filing requirements, the complaint shall beforwarded to the City Council and the respondents. If the complaint does not substantiallycomply with the filing requirements, the City Secretary shall return the complaint to thecomplainant with a letter explaining the defects in the complaint.

(d) The respondent(s) shall also be provided with a copy of the complaint and shall beinformed:

(1) that, within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the complaint, he or she may file a swornresponse with the City Secretary;

(2) that failure to file a response does not preclude the adjudication of the complaint;

(3) that a copy of any response filed by the respondent(s) will be provided by the CitySecretary to the complainant, who may, within seven (7) days of receipt, respond bysworn writing filed with the City Secretary, a copy of which shall be provided by theCity Secretary to the respondent(s);

(4) that the complainant(s) or respondent(s) may request a hearing; and upon receipt,the City Secretary shall forward the response to the ethics compliance officer and thecompliance officer shall forward to the Ethics Review Panel.

Section 3.02 Ethics Review Panels

Upon receipt of a complaint under the Ethics Policy, the City Council reserves the right to reviewand assess the complaint. All deliberation and action regarding a complaint shall take place in ameeting duly posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. Any complaint that in the solediscretion of a majority vote of the City Council which is abusive, redundant, repetitive,vexatious, or otherwise does not merit further consideration shall be dismissed without any

further action or recourse. The City Council also reserves the right to dismiss outright anycomplaint filed by a person who has shown a pattern of abuse in this process. In the event theCity Council determines to allow a complaint to proceed, the City Council shall appoint a three(3) member Ethics Review Panel consisting exclusively of members of the City Council. Suchpanel may be appointed on a case–by-case basis or for a fixed period of time. No complainantor respondent is eligible for appointment to an Ethics Review Panel, nor shall such member beeligible to vote on the appointment to an Ethics Review Panel involving such complaint. In theevent such person is on an Ethics Review Panel, the City Council shall appoint a replacement.Each nominee must be confirmed by a majority of City Council members.

Section 3.03 Jurisdiction and Powers

(a) Jurisdiction. An Ethics Review Panel shall have jurisdiction to investigate and make

findings and conclusions concerning an alleged violation of the Ethics Policy. However, apanel shall not consider any alleged violation that occurred more than one (1) year prior tothe date of the filing of the complaint.




(b) Powers. An Ethics Review Panel shall have the power:

(1) to meet as often as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities;

(2) to compel the production of sworn testimony, witnesses, and evidence;

(3) to recommend cases for prosecution by appropriate authorities and agencies; and

(4) to enforce its decisions by issuing sanctions authorized by this policy.

Section 3.04 Ethics Panel Meetings

(a) Ethics Review Panels must act in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

(b) An Ethics Review Panel will meet to review the complaint, responses, replies toresponses, and any other information it has requested be provided to assist inconsideration of the complaint. The Ethics Review Panel shall consider whether the factsof the case establish a violation of any provision in the ethics laws, regardless of which

provisions, if any, were identified in the complaint as having been allegedly violated. Ifthe Ethics Review Panel finds that the complaint fails to allege a violation of the EthicsPolicy when assuming all facts set forth in the complaint to be true, the Ethics ReviewPanel may dismiss the complaint without further proceedings.

(c) Before the Ethics Review Panel may find a violation of a particular rule, the respondentmust be on notice that compliance with that rule is in issue and must have an opportunityto respond. Notice is conclusively established: if the complaint alleged that the rule wasviolated; or if the Ethics Review Panel provides the respondent with written notice of thealleged violation and a fourteen (14) day period within which to respond in writing to thecharge.

(d) Scheduling of a Hearing. Regardless of whether the complainant or the respondent requests a hearing, the Ethics Review Panel has discretion to decide whether to hold ahearing.

(e) Duty to Cooperate. All City officials and employees shall cooperate with the EthicsReview Panel and shall supply requested testimony or evidence to assist it in carrying outits charge. Failure to abide by the obligations imposed by this subsection is a violation ofthis Ethics Policy.

(f) Confidentiality. Ex parte communications by or to members of an Ethics Review Panelare prohibited.




(1) dismiss the complaint; or

(2) upon finding that there that there has been a violation of the Ethics Policy:

A) impose sanctions in accordance with these regulations; or

B) state why no remedial action is imposed or recommended.

If the Ethics Review Panel determines that a violation has occurred, the decision shallidentify in writing the particular rule or rules violated. If the complaint is dismissed, thegrounds for the dismissal shall be set forth in the decision. The failure of the EthicsReview Panel to comply within the above time limits may result in the charge beingdismissed for want of prosecution. Prior to such dismissal, the complainant will be givennotice and an opportunity to request continuance of the action.

(b) Notification. Copies of the decision shall be forwarded to the complainant, the personcharged in the complaint, and the City Council. A copy of the decision shall also beforwarded to the City Secretary, who shall make it available as authorized by law.

(c) Similar Charges Barred. If the complaint is dismissed because the evidence failed toestablish a violation of the ethics laws or the municipal campaign finance ordinance, theEthics Review Panel shall not entertain any other similar complaint based on substantiallythe same evidence.

(d) Factors Relevant to Sanctions.

(1) General Violations (Non-Reporting Violations). In deciding whether torecommend or impose, in the case of a violation of the ethics law, criminalprosecution and/or civil remedies, the Ethics Review Panel shall take into accountrelevant considerations, including, but not limited to, the following:

A) the culpability of the person charged in the complaint;

B) the harm to public or private interests resulting from the violation;

C) the necessity of preserving public confidence in the conduct of localgovernment;

D) whether there is evidence of a pattern of disregard for ethical obligations; and

E) whether remedial action has been taken that will mitigate the adverse effect ofthe violation.

To impose or recommend sanctions for a first violation of the Ethics Policy, other than aletter of notification, a letter of admonition or a referral to training, the Ethics Review Panelmust find by a preponderance of the evidence that the person acted knowingly, unlessotherwise provided by this Policy.




(e) Sanctions for Ethics Policy Violations. The following sanctions may be recommendedor imposed by the Ethics Review Panel which finds that the ethics laws have beenviolated:

(1) Disqualification from Contracting or Lobbying.

If the Ethics Review Panel finds that any person (including business entities and non-profit entities) has intentionally or knowingly violated any provision of the EthicsReview Panel, or has intentionally or knowingly assisted another person in violatingany provision of the Ethics Policy, or has violated a provision or assisted another in aviolation that the person should have known was a violation of the Ethics Policy, theEthics Review Panel may recommend to the City Council that the person beprohibited from entering into any contract with the City or prohibited from lobbyingon behalf of clients before the City for a period not to exceed three (3) years.

An entity or nonprofit entity may also be disqualified from contracting based on theconduct of an employee or agent in violation of this policy.

(2) Letter of Notification. The Ethics Review Panel may issue to any person, whetheror not an official or employee of the City, when the Ethics Review Panel finds that aviolation of the Ethics Policy was clearly unintentional or inadvertent. The lettermust advise the person to whom it is directed of any steps to be taken to avoid futureviolations;

(3) Letter of Admonition. The Ethics Review Panel may issue to any person, whetheror not an official or employee of the City, a letter of admonition when the EthicsReview Panel finds that the violation of the Ethics Policy was minor and/or may havebeen unintentional or inadvertent.

(4) Letter of Reprimand. The Ethics Review Panel may issue to any person, whether

or not an official or employee of the City, a letter of reprimand when the EthicsReview Panel finds that the person has intentionally or knowingly violated the EthicsPolicy.

(5) Referral to Ethics Training. Upon finding of violation of the Ethics Policy, theEthics Review Panel may require a City official or employee to attend Ethics Policytraining.

(f) Appeals. A decision of the Ethics Review Panel is final.




ARTICLE IV APPENDIX FOR STATE LAWS AND OTHER POLICIES(REFERENCES E.G. TRAVEL, PURCHASING,CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATUTE, OPENMEETINGS, FINANCIAL FILINGS, ETC.)

Texas Local Government Code

Ch. 145—Personal Financial Statements

Ch. 171—Conflict of Interest

Ch. 176—Financial Disclosure in Contracts

Ch. 252—Purchasing and Contracting Authority

Texas Government Code

Ch. 551—Open Meetings Act

Ch. 552—Public Information Act

Ch. 553—Disclosure of Ownership in Property

Ch. 573—Nepotism

Texas Election Code

Ch. 253—Campaign Finance

Texas Penal Code

Ch. 36—Bribery and Corrupt Influence

§ 36.02. Bribery

§ 36.03. Coercion of Public Servant or Voter

§ 36.04. Improper Influence

§ 36.05. Tampering with Witness

§ 36.06. Obstruction or Retaliation

§ 36.07. Acceptance of Honorarium

§ 36.08. Gift to Public Servant by Person Subject to His Jurisdiction

§ 36.09. Offering Gift to Public Servant

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Sec 37.10—Tampering with a Governmental Record

Ch. 39—Abuse of Office

§ 39.02. Abuse of Official Capacity

§ 39.03. Official Oppression

§ 39.04. Violations of the Civil Rights of Person in Custody; Improper Sexual ActivityWith Person in Custody

§ 39.05. Failure to Report Death of Prisoner

§ 39.06. Misuse of Official Information

City of Irving Policies

Personnel

Purchasing

Travel




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http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=N5B3C1BD0BE-7411D9BDF79-F56AB79CECB&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192

http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=NC3F8EFC05A-B711DE91F5E-ACF50AC3B69&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192


http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=N5C2E4400BE-7411D9BDF79-F56AB79CECB&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192

http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=N5D2E00C0BE-7411D9BDF79-F56AB79CECB&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192

http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=N5D2E00C0BE-7411D9BDF79-F56AB79CECB&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192

http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=N5C2E4400BE-7411D9BDF79-F56AB79CECB&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192



http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=N5B3C1BD0BE-7411D9BDF79-F56AB79CECB&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192

http://web2.westlaw.com/find/default.wl?sr=TC&rp=%2ffind%2fdefault.wl&sv=Split&utid=3&rs=WLW11.10&db=1000182&cite=NAD536CD05A-9B11DE91F5E-ACF50AC3B69&findtype=VQ&fn=_top&mt=Texas&vr=2.0&pbc=DA010192

Irving Ethics Code Proposed 20120509

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Transcript of Irving Ethics Code Proposed 20120509