Voting By Legislators On Certain Measures Or Bills; Criminal Offense

Sec. 572.053. VOTING BY LEGISLATORS ON CERTAIN MEASURES OR BILLS; CRIMINAL OFFENSE. (a) A member of the legislature may not vote on a measure or a bill, other than a measure that will affect an entire class of business entities, that will directly benefit a specific business transaction of a business entity in which the member has a controlling interest. (b) In this section, "controlling interest" includes: (1) an ownership interest or participating interest by virtue of shares, stock, or otherwise that exceeds 10 percent; (2) membership on the board of directors or other governing body of the business entity; or (3) service as an officer of the business entity. (c) A member of the legislature commits an offense if the member violates this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.