Conflicts of Interest
in accordance with HB 914

HB 914 is a new law that requires all local governments including school districts to have their officers file conflict of interest disclosure statements about gifts received from or business relationships with any vendor that is currently doing business or soliciting business with the school district.

Gifts received from vendors are cumulative over a 12-month period and are reported if they exceed $250 for an officer and their family members. The Texas Ethics Commission indicates on its Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement (form CIS), offers of gifts exceeding $250 are reported even if they are not taken. Business relationships include any business in which a district official or family member has employment, an interest or ownership.

Vendors are required to report business relationships at the time they begin contract negotiations or are solicited for bids or proposals. A vendor must disclose any business relationship with a district officer that might cause a conflict of interest. Vendors have 7 business days to file Ethics Commission's Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (form CIQ) or face the possibility of a Class C Misdemeanor. Vendors can file a form CIQ annually by September 1 of each year and need only update it by the seventh business day following an event limit of $250.