Sec. 13.043. PROHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OR REPRESENTATION. (a) A former counsel may not make any communication to or appearance before the commission or an officer or employee of the commission before the second anniversary of the date the person ceases to serve as counsel if the communication or appearance is made:

(1) on behalf of another person in connection with any matter on which the person seeks official action; or

(2) with the intent to influence a commission decision or action, unless acting on his or her own behalf and without remuneration.

(b) A former counsel may not represent any person or receive compensation for services rendered on behalf of any person regarding a matter before the commission before the second anniversary of the date the person ceases to serve as counsel.

(c) A person commits an offense if the person violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) An employee of the office may not:

(1) be employed by a public utility that was in the scope of the employee's official responsibility while the employee was associated with the office; or

(2) represent a person before the commission or a court in a matter:

(A) in which the employee was personally involved while associated with the office; or

(B) that was within the employee's official responsibility while the employee was associated with the office.

(e) The prohibition of Subsection (d)(1) applies until the first anniversary of the date the employee's employment with the office ceases.

(f) The prohibition of Subsection (d)(2) applies while an employee of the office is associated with the office and at any time after.

(g) For purposes of this section, "person" includes an electric cooperative.

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 405, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.