Ethics

Please be advised that the information found on this website does not constitute legal advice, and is posted for informational purposes only. Every city official should consult with local legal counsel to ensure that any information complies with current law and the particular facts of each situation.

Articles / Memos

• Chapter 171 Conflicts of Interest Requirements (PDF)
• Chapter 176 Conflicts Disclosure Requirements (PDF)
• Chapter 553 Disclosure Requirements (PDF)
• Dual Office Holding and Incompatibility Made Easy 2023 (PDF)
• Financial Disclosure Requirements - Cities of 100,000 or Greater (PDF)
• House Bill 1295 Contracts Disclosure Requirements (PDF)
• Prohibited Gifts to City Officials (PDF)
• Texas Nepotism Laws Made Easy (PDF)

Papers

• Conflicts and Disclosure Laws - updated August 2019 (PDF)
• Understanding Your Personal Liability as a City Official - A Primer (PDF)  (Updated September 2021)

Miscellaneous

• Flow Chart - Chapter 171 Business Entity (PDF)
• Flow Chart - Chapter 171 Real Property (PDF)
• Flow Chart - Chapter 553 (PDF)

Helpful Links

• Political Advertising
• Texas Center for Municipal Ethics
• Texas Ethics Commission

Example Documents

• Chapter 171 Conflict of Interest Affidavit Sample (PDF)
• Chapter 176 Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (PDF)
• Chapter 176 Local Government Officer Conflicts Disclosure Statement (PDF)
• Chapter 553 Property Affidavit Sample (PDF)