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 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.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 249, Sec. 5.08, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.