Rules
PROPOSED RULES
At its March 28, 2018, meeting, the Texas Ethics Commission voted to propose amendments to the following new or amended rules: §§ 12.13, 12.31, 12.33, 12.53, 12.83, 12.101, 12.102, 12.121, 12.123, 12.125, 12.127, 12.131, 12.133, 12.151, 12.153, 12.155, 12.161, 12.163, 12.165, 12.167, 12.171, 12.173, 12.175, and 26.1. The text of the new and amended rules is located below.
The Commission invites public comment on the proposals. A written statement should be emailed to [email protected], or mailed or delivered to Seana Willing, Texas Ethics Commission, P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711-2070, or sent by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 463-5777. A person who wants to offer spoken comments to the Commission concerning a proposed rule may do so during the public comment period at the Commission meeting when the Commission considers the proposed rule. Information concerning the time and location of Commission meetings is available at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/tec/meetings.htm.
§ 12.13. Representation by Counsel.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.31. Conduct and Decorum.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.33. Sanctioning Authority.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.53. Commission Initiated Complaint.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.83. Preliminary Review.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.101. Application and Construction.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.102. Order of Formal Hearing.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.121. Prehearing Conferences.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.123. Scheduling Orders.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.125. Filing of Documents.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.127. Service of Documents.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.131. Powers and Duties of the Presiding Officer.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.133. Orders from the Commission.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.151. Required Form of Pleadings.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.153. Motions, Generally.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.155. Motions for Continuance and to Extend Time.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.161. Time Allotted to Parties.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.163. Presentation of Evidence.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.165. Rules of Evidence.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.167. Numbering of Exhibits.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.171. Standard of Proof.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.173. Default Proceedings.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.175. Resolution of Formal Hearing.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 26.1. Disclosure Statement.
Text of Proposed Rule
§ 12.13. Representation by Counsel.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES
§ 12.13. Representation by Counsel.
(a) A respondent has the right to be represented by counsel retained by the respondent in any proceeding of a complaint.
(b) Counsel representing a respondent shall enter an appearance with the commission that contains the counsel’s mailing address, email address, and telephone and fax numbers. If the respondent’s counsel is not licensed to practice law in Texas, the representative must show authority to appear as the respondent’s counsel.
(c) The commission may, through the approval of its presiding officer, admit an attorney who is a resident of and licensed to practice law in another state, and who is not an active member of the State Bar of Texas, to represent a respondent before the commission if the nonresident attorney complies with the requirements of Tex. Gov't Code §82.0361 and Rule XIX of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas and files a motion, accompanied by proof of compliance with those provisions, with the commission requesting to be admitted to represent a respondent.
(d) This rule does not allow a person to engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
§ 12.31. Conduct and Decorum.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES
§12.31. Conduct and Decorum.
(a) Parties, representatives, and other participants at a hearing shall conduct themselves with dignity, show courtesy and respect for one another and for the commission, and follow any additional guidelines of decorum prescribed by the presiding officer, including adherence to the amount of time allotted for the hearing. Attorneys shall adhere to the standards of conduct in the Texas Lawyer’s Creed promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Court of Criminal Appeals and the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas.
(b) Attorneys should advise their clients and witnesses of the applicable rules of conduct and decorum.
(c) All objections, arguments, and other comments by parties shall be directed to the commission and not to an opposing party.
(d) While a party is addressing the commission or questioning a witness, any other party shall not interrupt for any purpose except to make a valid objection.
(e) Parties shall not approach the dais without leave of the presiding officer and must not lean on the dais.
(f) Parties shall remain seated at the counsel table at all times except:
(1) when addressing the commission; and
(2) whenever it may be proper to handle documents, exhibits, or other evidence.
(g) Parties must question witnesses and deliver arguments to the commission while seated at the counsel table or standing at the lectern. If a party seeks to question or argue from another location, leave of the presiding officer must be requested and granted.
(h) Parties must request leave of the presiding officer to conduct a demonstration.
(i) The presiding officer may take appropriate action to maintain and enforce proper conduct and decorum, including:
(1) issuing a warning;
(2) sanctioning a party pursuant to §12.33 of this chapter;
(3) excluding persons from the proceeding;
(4) recessing the proceeding; and
(5) clearing the hearing room of persons causing a disruption.
§ 12.33. Sanctioning Authority.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES
§12.33. Sanctioning Authority.
(a) The presiding officer has the authority to impose appropriate sanctions against a party or its representative for:
(1) filing a motion or pleading that is deemed by the presiding officer to be groundless and brought:
(A) in bad faith;
(B) for the purpose of harassment; or
(C) for any other improper purpose, such as to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of the proceeding;
(2) abuse of the discovery process in seeking, making, or resisting discovery;
(3) failure to comply with a commission order; or
(4) violating §12.31 of this chapter.
(1) disallowing or limiting further discovery by the offending party;
(2) charging all or part of the expenses of discovery against the offending party or its representatives;
(3) deeming designated facts be admitted for purposes of the proceeding;
(4) refusing to allow the offending party to support or oppose a claim or defense or prohibiting the party from introducing designated matters into the record;
(5) disallowing in whole or in part requests for relief by the offending party and excluding evidence in support of those requests; and
(6) striking motions or testimony in whole or in part.
§ 12.53. Commission Initiated Complaint.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
The deleted language is indicated by [strikethrough] text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter B. FILING AND INITIAL PROCESSING OF A COMPLAINT
§ 12.53. Commission Initiated Complaint.
(a) Commission staff may gather or present documents or evidence, make recommendations, and otherwise communicate outside the presence of the respondent with commissioners in contemplation of, or in preparation for, a commission initiated preliminary review. Commissioners may request documents, evidence, or recommendations, and otherwise communicate with commission staff outside the presence of the respondent, in contemplation of, or in preparation for, a commission initiated preliminary review.
(b) [(a)] A preliminary review initiated by the commission under section 571.124(b) of the Government Code is deemed to be a complaint for purposes of all further proceedings under chapter 571 of the Government Code and of this chapter.
(c) [(b)] Documents or evidence gathered by the commission and commission staff in contemplation of, or in preparation for, a commission initiated preliminary review are related to the processing of a preliminary review or motion for the purposes of sections 571.139 and 571.140 of the Government Code.
(d) [(c)] Discussions between the commission and commission staff regarding gathering documents or evidence in contemplation of, or in preparation for, a commission initiated preliminary review are related to the processing of a preliminary review or motion for the purposes of sections 571.139 and 571.140 of the Government Code.
§ 12.83. Preliminary Review.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
The deleted language is indicated by [strikethrough] text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter C. INVESTIGATION AND PRELIMINARY REVIEW
§ 12.83. Preliminary Review.
(a) A respondent must respond to written questions submitted to the respondent pursuant to section 571.1243 of the Government Code not later than 15 business days after the respondent receives the written questions. The executive director may grant an extension of the time period for good cause shown.
(b) If the commission staff submits written questions to a respondent pursuant to section 571.1243 of the Government Code, the time period set forth in section 571.1242(a)(2) of the Government Code or section 571.1242(b)(2) of the Government Code, as applicable, is increased by the number of business days during the period beginning on the date the commission sends the written questions and ending on the date the commission receives the respondent's written response.
(c) If the commission staff applies to the commission for the issuance of a subpoena pursuant to section 571.137(a-1) of the Government Code, the time period set forth in section 571.1242(a)(2) of the Government Code or section 571.1242(b)(2) of the Government Code as applicable, is increased by the number of business days during the period beginning on the date the staff applies to the commission for the subpoena and ending on either:
(1) the date the commission rejects the staff's application for a subpoena;
(2) the date the person to whom the subpoena is directed complies with the subpoena; or
(3) the date the commission reports to a district court pursuant to section 571.137(c) of the Government Code.
(d)During a preliminary review, commission staff may present documents or evidence, make recommendations, or otherwise communicate with commissioners outside the presence of the respondent for the purpose of investigating and resolving a sworn complaint. [The executive director may report to the commission any findings and conclusions from a preliminary review of a complaint.]
(e) Commission staff may not communicate with a commissioner outside the presence of the respondent for the purpose of influencing a decision on a pending sworn complaint after the complaint has been scheduled for a preliminary review hearing and notice of the hearing has been sent to the respondent.
§ 12.101. Application and Construction.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 1. General Procedures
§ 12.101. Application and Construction.
The proceedings of a formal hearing shall be conducted in accordance with this subchapter, Chapter 571 of the Government Code, and Subchapters C-H, Chapter 2001, of the Government Code (the Administrative Procedure Act) only to the extent they are consistent with Chapter 571. In the event of a conflict, Chapter 571 controls.
§ 12.102. Order of Formal Hearing.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 1. General Procedures
§ 12.102. Order of Formal Hearing.
As soon as practicable after the commission orders a formal hearing, the executive director shall provide to the parties to the complaint, and to the complainant, a copy of the commission’s decision to order the hearing. The decision shall include the date, time, and place of the hearing and be signed by the presiding officer.
§ 12.121. Prehearing Conferences.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 2. Scheduling, Filing, and Service
§ 12.121. Prehearing Conferences.
The presiding officer may order that one or more prehearing conferences be held to address any matters prior to the formal hearing, including motions for discovery or subpoenas, motions for sanction, or other matters related to the hearing. The commission shall provide such an order to the parties and the complainant within 5 business days after the decision is made. The order shall include the date, time, and place of the conference and a list of the matters to be addressed at the conference.
§12.123. Scheduling Orders.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 2. Scheduling, Filing, and Service
§ 12.123. Scheduling Orders.
(a) The following deadlines apply to a prehearing conference or formal hearing, as applicable:
(1) All motions must be filed with the commission no later than 30 days before the date of the conference or hearing;
(2) All responses to motions must be filed with the commission no later than 14 days before the date of the conference or hearing; and
(3) All replies to responses must be filed with the commission no later than 7 days before the date of the conference or hearing.
(b) A scheduling order containing the deadlines under this section shall be included with the notice required by section 571.126 of the Government Code. The presiding officer may amend a scheduling order upon the request of a party for good cause shown. A decision by the presiding officer to amend a scheduling order or to deny a motion, response, or evidence shall be issued to the parties to a hearing within 5 business days after the decision is made.
(c) The presiding officer may deny a party’s motions, responses, or replies or deny a party’s evidence from being admitted into the record of the hearing if the party violates a scheduling order.
§ 12.125. Filing of Documents.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 2. Scheduling, Filing, and Service
§ 12.125. Filing of Documents.
(a) Motions, responses, and other documents in a formal hearing must be filed with the Commission:
(1) by mail addressed to the commission at P.O. Box 12070, Austin, Texas 78711- 2070;
(2) by hand-delivery to the commission at 201 East 14th Street, 10th Floor, Austin, Texas 78701;
(3) by fax to the commission at (512) 463-5777; or
(4) by email to a dedicated filing address.
(b) All documents must clearly indicate the sworn complaint number and the name of the respondent for which it is filed.
(c) Time of filing. With respect to documents filed by mail, fax, or hand-delivery, the time and date of filing shall be determined by the file stamp affixed by the commission. With respect to documents filed by email, the time and date of filing is the electronic time stamp affixed by the commissions email system. Documents received when the commission is closed shall be deemed filed the next business day.
(d) Non-conforming documents. The commission may not refuse to file a document that fails to conform with this chapter. When a filed document fails to conform to this rule, the executive director or presiding officer may identify the errors to be corrected and state a deadline.
§ 12.127. Service of Documents.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 2. Scheduling, Filing, and Service
§12.127. Service of Documents.
(a) Service on all parties. On the same date a document is filed with the commission, a copy shall also be sent to each party or the party’s authorized representative by hand-delivery; by regular, certified, or registered mail; by email, upon agreement of the parties; or by fax.
(b) Certificate of service. A person filing a document shall include a certificate of service that certifies compliance with this section.
(1) A certificate of service shall be sufficient if it substantially complies with the following example: “Certificate of Service: I certify that on {date}, a true and correct copy of this {name of document} has been sent to {name of opposing party or authorized representative for the opposing party} by {specify method of delivery, e.g., email, regular mail, fax, certified mail.} {Signature}”
(2) If a filing does not certify service, the commission may:
(A) return the filing;
(B) send a notice of noncompliance to all parties, stating the filing will not be considered until all parties have been served; or
(C) send a copy of the filing to all parties.
(c) Presumed time of receipt of served documents. The following rebuttable presumptions shall apply regarding a party’s receipt of documents served by another party:
(1) If a document was hand-delivered to a party, the commission shall presume that the document was received on the date of filing at the commission.
(2) If a document was served by courier-receipted overnight delivery, the commission shall presume that the document was received no later than the next business day after filing at the commission.
(3) If a document was served by regular, certified, or registered mail, or non-overnight courier-receipted delivery, the commission shall presume that it was received no later than three days after mailing.
(4) If a document was served by fax or email before 5:00 p.m. on a business day, the commission shall presume that the document was received on that day; otherwise, the commission shall presume that the document was received on the next business day.
(d) Burden on sender. The sender has the burden of proving date and time of service.
§ 12.131. Powers and Duties of the Presiding Officer.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 3. Powers and Duties of Commission and Presiding Officer
§ 12.131. Powers and Duties of the Presiding Officer.
(a) Presiding officer’s authority and duties. The presiding officer shall have the authority and duty to:
(1) conduct a full, fair, and efficient hearing;
(2) take action to avoid unnecessary delay in the disposition of the proceeding;
(3) maintain order; and
(4) rule on prehearing matters.
(b) Presiding officer’s powers. The presiding officer shall have the power to regulate the hearing, and the conduct of the parties and authorized representatives, including the power to:
(1) administer oaths;
(2) take testimony, including the power to question witnesses and to request the presence of a witness from a state agency;
(3) rule on admissibility and other questions of evidence;
(4) rule on discovery issues;
(5) issue orders pursuant to this chapter, including orders imposing sanctions;
(6) exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious testimony;
(7) reasonably limit the time for presentations of evidence or argument;
(8) order parties to submit legal memoranda and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law; and
(9) reopen the record when justice requires, if the commission has not issued a final order.
§ 12.133. Orders from the Commission.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 3. Powers and Duties of Commission and Presiding Officer
§ 12.133. Orders from the Commission.
(a) The presiding officer has authority to issue orders to control the conduct and scope of the proceeding, including orders to:
(1) Rule on motions;
(2) Impose sanctions;
(3) Establish deadlines;
(4) Schedule and conduct pre-hearing or post-hearing conferences;
(5) Require the prefiling of exhibits and testimony;
(6) Set out requirements for participation in the case; and
(7) Take other steps conducive to a fair and efficient formal hearing.
(b) Record of rulings. Rulings not made orally at a recorded prehearing conference or hearing shall be in writing and issued to all parties of record.
(c) Consolidation or joinder for hearing. The presiding officer may order that cases be consolidated or joined for hearing if:
(1) there are common issues of law or fact; and
(2) consolidation or joint hearing will promote the fair and efficient handling of the matters.
(d) Severance of issues. The presiding officer may order severance of issues if separate hearings on the issues will promote the fair and efficient handling of the matters.
§ 12.151. Required Form of Pleadings.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 5. Pleadings and Motions
§ 12.151. Required Form of Pleadings.
(a) Content generally. Written requests for action in a formal hearing shall be typewritten or printed legibly on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper and timely filed with the commission. Photocopies are acceptable if copies are clear and legible. All filings shall contain or be accompanied by the following:
(1) the name of the party seeking action;
(2) the sworn complaint number;
(3) the parties to the case and their status as commission staff or respondent;
(4) a concise statement of the type of relief, action, or order desired and identification of the specific reasons for and facts to support the action requested;
(5) a certificate of service, as required by §12.127(b)(1) of this chapter;
(6) any other matter required by statute or rule; and
(7) the signature of the submitting party or the party’s authorized representative.
(1) If a notice of a hearing or other documents provided to the complainant or respondent under section 571.126(b)(2) of the Government Code contain a material defect, the commission may correct the notice or other document and deliver it to the complainant and respondent as soon as practicable and in the same manner as the original notice. If the respondent does not receive the correction at least 10 days before the date of the hearing, the presiding officer may by order reschedule the hearing. The executive director shall notify the parties and the complainant of the date, time, and place of the hearing as soon as practicable.
(2) As to all other matters in a pleading, an amendment or supplementation that includes information material to the substance of the hearing, requests for relief, changes to the scope of the hearing, or other matters that unfairly surprise other parties may not be filed later than seven days before the date of the hearing, except by agreement of all parties or by permission of the presiding officer.
§ 12.153. Motions, Generally.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 5. Pleadings and Motions
§ 12.153. Motions, Generally.
(a) Purpose and effect of motions. To make a request, including to obtain a ruling, order, or any other procedural relief, a party shall file a written motion. The motion shall describe specifically the action requested and the basis for the requested action. Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, a motion is not granted until it has been ruled on by the presiding officer or commission, as applicable, even if the motion is uncontested or agreed.
(b) General requirements for motions. Except as provided in this chapter, or unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, all motions shall:
(1) be filed in writing no later than the applicable deadline; except, for good cause demonstrated in the motion, the presiding officer may consider a motion filed after that time or presented orally at a hearing;
(2) include a certificate of conference that complies substantially with one of the following examples:
(A) Example one: "Certificate of Conference: I certify that I conferred with {name of other party or other party’s authorized representative} on {date} about this motion. {Succinct statement of other party’s position on the action sought and/or a statement that the parties negotiated in good faith but were unable to resolve their dispute before submitting it to the commission for resolution.} Signature."; or
(B) Example two: "Certificate of Conference: I certify that I made reasonable but unsuccessful attempts to confer with {name of other party or other party's authorized representative} on {date or dates} about this motion. {Succinctly describe these attempts.} Signature.";
(3) include a reference in the motion’s title to a request for a hearing on the motion if the moving party seeks a hearing; and
(4) include a proposed order sought by the moving party.
(c) Responses to motions. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or as ordered or allowed by the commission, responses to motions shall be in writing and filed by the applicable deadline. However, if the presiding officer finds good cause has been shown, responses to written motions may be presented orally at hearing.
(d) Other motions. In addition, other types of motions are addressed in other sections of this chapter. If there is a conflict between this section and a requirement found in another section relating to a specific type of motion, the more specific provision applies.
§ 12.155. Motions for Continuance and to Extend Time.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 5. Pleadings and Motions
§ 12.155. Motions for Continuance and to Extend Time.
(a) Contents of a motion for continuance. A request to postpone or delay a hearing or prehearing conference shall include:
(1) a statement of the number of motions for continuance previously filed in the case by each party;
(2) the specific reason for the continuance;
(3) whether the movant is available if the hearing or prehearing conference is continued to the next tentatively scheduled commission meeting;
(4) a certificate of conference that complies substantially with one of the examples set out in §12.153(b)(2) of this subchapter.
(b) Contents of a motion to extend time. A request for more time to file a document or respond to discovery shall include:
(1) a statement of the number of extension requests previously sought in the case by the movant;
(2) the specific reason for the request;
(3) a proposed date for the deadline the movant seeks to extend; and
(4) a certificate of conference that complies substantially with one of the examples set out in §12.153(b)(2) of this subchapter.
(c) Date of filing. Motions for continuance or to extend time shall be filed no later than five days before the date of the proceeding or deadline at issue or shall state good cause for presenting the motion after that time. If the presiding officer finds good cause has been demonstrated, the presiding officer may consider a motion filed after that time or presented orally at the proceeding.
(d) Date of service. Motions for continuance or extension shall be served in accordance with §12.127 of this chapter. However, a motion for continuance that is filed five days or less before the date of the proceeding shall be served:
(1) by hand-delivery, fax, or email on the same day it is filed with the commission, if feasible; or
(2) if same-day service is not feasible, by overnight delivery on the next business day.
(e) Responses to motions for continuance. Responses to motions for continuance shall be in writing, except a response to a motion for continuance made on the date of the proceeding may be presented orally at the proceeding. Unless otherwise ordered or allowed by the presiding officer, responses to motions for continuance shall be made by the earlier of:
(1) three days after receipt of the motion; or
(2) the date and time of the proceeding.
(f) Responses to motions to extend time. Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, responses to motions for extension of a deadline are due three days after receipt of the motion.
(g) A motion for continuance or extension of time is not granted until it has been ruled on by the presiding officer, even if the motion is uncontested or agreed. A case is subject to default or dismissal for a party’s failure to appear at a scheduled hearing in which a motion for continuance has not been ruled on by the presiding officer, even when the motion is agreed or unopposed.
§ 12.161. Time Allotted to Parties.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 6. Hearings and Prehearing Conferences
§ 12.161. Time Allotted to Parties.
The presiding officer shall determine the amount of time allotted to each party for the presentation of its case to the commission. Upon request of a party, the presiding officer may adjust the time allotted for good cause shown or for a violation of a rule under this chapter. A determination shall be made by order or orally during the course of the proceeding.
§ 12.163. Presentation of Evidence.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 6. Hearings and Prehearing Conferences
§ 12.163. Presentation of Evidence.
(a) Presentation by parties. After the resolution of all prehearing matters, each party shall make its presentation during the formal hearing. Commission staff shall make the first opening statement. The respondent or respondent’s authorized representative shall then make an opening statement, should the respondent wish to do so at that time. The respondent may reserve the opening statement until the presentation of the respondent’s case.
(b) Following opening statements, commission staff may present evidence in its case. At the conclusion of the presentation of the evidence, commission staff may rest. The respondent or the respondent’s authorized representative may then make an opening statement, or, if an opening statement has already been made, present evidence in its defense of the allegations raised in the notice of formal hearing. At the conclusion of the presentation of evidence by the respondent, the respondent may rest.
(c) After both parties have rested their case, commission staff shall make a closing argument. The respondent may then make a closing argument. Commission staff may then make a reply.
(d) Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, after closing arguments, evidence will be closed and the case will be turned over to the members of the commission for deliberation and decision.
§ 12.165. Rules of Evidence.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 6. Hearings and Prehearing Conferences
§ 12.165. Rules of Evidence.
(a) The Texas Rules of Evidence as applied in a nonjury civil case in district court govern a formal hearing only to the extent consistent with Chapter 571 of the Government Code.
(b) Evidence may be admitted if it meets the standards set out in section 2001.081 of the Government Code.
§ 12.167. Numbering of Exhibits.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 6. Hearings and Prehearing Conferences
§ 12.167. Numbering of Exhibits.
(a) Each exhibit to be offered shall first be numbered by the offering party.
(b) Copies of the original exhibit shall be furnished by the party offering the exhibit to the commission and to each party present at the hearing unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer.
(c) Excluded exhibits. An exhibit excluded from evidence will be considered withdrawn by the offering party and will be returned to the party.
(d) Pre-numbered exhibits may be filed with the commission prior to the formal hearing. Pre-numbered exhibits that are not offered and admitted at the hearing will be deemed withdrawn.
§12.171. Standard of Proof.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 7. Disposition of Formal Hearing
§ 12.171. Standard of Proof.
At a formal hearing, the commission shall determine by preponderance of the evidence whether a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred.
§ 12.173. Default Proceedings.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 7. Disposition of Formal Hearing
§ 12.173. Default Proceedings.
(a) If a respondent to whom a notice of hearing with factual allegations is served or provided fails to appear for the hearing, the commission may proceed in the respondent’s absence on a default basis.
(b) A default proceeding under this section requires adequate proof of the following:
(1) the notice of hearing to the respondent stated that the allegations listed in the notice could be deemed admitted and that the relief sought in the notice of hearing might be granted by default against the party that fails to appear at the hearing;
(2) the notice of hearing satisfies the requirements of sections 2001.051, 2001.052, and 571.126 of the Government Code; and
(3) the notice of hearing was:
(A) received by the defaulting party; or
(B) as authorized by Chapter 571 of the Government Code and this chapter, sent by regular mail or by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested, to the party’s last known address as shown by the commission’s records.
(c) In the absence of adequate proof to support a default, the presiding officer shall continue the hearing and direct commission staff to provide adequate notice of hearing. If adequate notice is unable to be provided, the commission may dismiss the complaint.
(d) Upon receiving the required showing of proof to support a default, the commission may by vote deem admitted the allegations in the notice of hearing and issue a default decision.
§ 12.175. Resolution of Formal Hearing.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 12. SWORN COMPLAINTS
Subchapter E. FORMAL HEARING
Division 7. Disposition of Formal Hearing
§ 12.175. Resolution of Formal Hearing.
(a) As provided by section 571.139 of the Government Code, the commission may deliberate in private regarding the resolution of a sworn complaint or motion, including a dismissal of a complaint, a determination of whether a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred, and an appropriate penalty upon a finding of a violation. As provided by section 2001.061 of the Government Code, the presiding officer may permit the executive director, general counsel, or other employee of the commission who has not participated in a hearing in the complaint for the purpose of using the special skills or knowledge of the agency and its staff in evaluating the evidence.
(b) The presiding officer may announce the commission’s decision on the resolution of a sworn complaint or motion after the conclusion of a formal hearing.
(c) The commission should issue a final order within 60 days after the conclusion of a formal hearing.
§ 26.1. Disclosure Statement.
Text of Proposed Rule
The proposed new language is indicated by underlined text.
Chapter 26. POLITICAL AND LEGISLATIVE ADVERTISING
§ 26.1. Disclosure Statement.
(a) A disclosure statement that is required by §255.001, Election Code, must contain the words "political advertising" or any recognizable abbreviation, and must:
(1) appear on one line of text or on successive lines of text on the face of the political advertising; or
(2) be clearly spoken in the political advertising if the political advertising does not include written text.
(b) A disclosure statement is not required on political advertising printed on letterhead stationery if the letterhead contains the full name of one of the following:
(1) the person who paid for the political advertising;
(2) the political committee authorizing the political advertising; or
(3) the candidate authorizing the political advertising.
(c) A disclosure statement is not required on campaign buttons, pins, or hats, or on objects whose size makes printing the disclosure impractical.
(d) A disclosure statement is not required on political advertising appearing on an Internet website if:
(1) no payment was made to create, publish, or broadcast the political advertising, and
(2) the political advertising was not authorized by a candidate or political committee.
(e) For purposes of subsection (d) of this section, “payment” does not include the use of goods or equipment acquired for purposes other than political advertising or the consumption of electricity.