Texas Election Code 255.0031 – Unlawful Use of Internal Mail System for Political Advertising
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
|
Other versions
(a) An officer or employee of a state agency or political subdivision may not knowingly use or authorize the use of an internal mail system for the distribution of political advertising.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to:
(1) the use of an internal mail system to distribute political advertising that is delivered to the premises of a state agency or political subdivision through the United States Postal Service; or
(2) the use of an internal mail system by a state agency or municipality to distribute political advertising that is the subject of or related to an investigation, hearing, or other official proceeding of the agency or municipality.
Attorney's Note
Under the Texas Codes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $4,000 |
Terms Used In Texas Election Code 255.0031
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Political subdivision: means a county, city, or school district or any other governmental entity that:
(A) embraces a geographic area with a defined boundary;
(B) exists for the purpose of discharging functions of government; and
(C) possesses authority for subordinate self-government through officers selected by it. See Texas Election Code 1.005 - Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
- United States: includes a department, bureau, or other agency of the United States of America. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005
(c) A person who violates this section commits an offense. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) In this section:
(1) “Internal mail system” means a system operated by a state agency or political subdivision to deliver written documents to officers or employees of the agency or subdivision.
(2) “State agency” means:
(A) a department, commission, board, office, or other agency that is in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch of state government;
(B) a university system or an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code; or
(C) a river authority created under the constitution or a statute of this state.