Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code
Local government code Chapter 176 requires Local Government Officers AND Vendors to disclose certain business relationships, gifts, and family relationships.
Local Government Officer Requirements
Local Government Officers (LGOs) at Harmony are:
· Board members
· Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer
· Agent of Harmony who exercises discretion in planning, recommending, selecting, or contracting of vendor:
o Purchasing Department
o Finance Department
o Operations Department
o Construction Department
o Principals
o Business Managers
LGO Family Members ("Family Relationship") are:
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- Parent
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- Spouse
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- Aunt
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- Child
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- Child of Spouse (step-child)
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- Uncle
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- Sibling
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- Parent of Spouse (in-law)
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- Niece/Nephew
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- Grandparent
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- Sibling of Spouse (and their spouses)
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- Grandchild
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- Grandparent of Spouse
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- Great Grandparent
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- Grandchild of Spouse
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- Great Grandchild
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An LGO must:
· Disclose when a vendor is entering into a contract or considering entering into a contract with Harmony and where the vendor:
o Has an employment or other business relationship with the LGO (or LGO family member) resulting in the LGO (or LGO family member) receiving taxable income of more than $2,500 in the preceding 12 months; or
o Has given to the LGO (or LGO family member) Gifts totaling more than $100 in the preceding 12 months.
§ Not “Gifts”:
· Political contribution as defined by Election Code
· Food accepted as a guest.
o Note: entertainment beyond food is not an exception.
o Has a “Family Relationship” with the LGO.
· Complete Form CIS- Conflicts Disclosure Statement
· File Form CIS to Harmony’s records administrator by 5pm on 7th business day after person becomes aware of facts requiring filing.
Vendor Requirements
Vendor means a person who enters or seeks to enter into a contract with Harmony, and includes an agent of a vendor.
Vendor must:
· Disclose when a vendor is entering into a contract or considering entering into a contract with Harmony and the vendor:
o Has an employment or other business relationship with the LGO (or LGO family member) resulting in the LGO (or LGO family member) receiving taxable income of more than $2,500 in the preceding 12 months; or
o Has given to the LGO (or LGO family member) Gifts totaling more than $100 in the preceding 12 months; or
o Has a “Family Relationship” with the LGO.
· Complete Form CIQ – Conflicts Disclosure Statement
· File by 5pm on 7th business day after the later date of:
o Beginning discussions to enter contract, or submits written response or proposal to the school; OR
o Becomes aware of the gift or relationship.
· Duty to file updated questionnaire when statement becomes incomplete or inaccurate.
Examples that trigger the Chapter 176 disclosure requirements:
-Gift cards for more than $100
-Prizes or awards at events that are worth more than $100
-Payments for lodging, transportation, and entertainment (tickets, paying for expenses, etc.) more than $100
Submissions
