Sec. 571.142. LIABILITY FOR RESPONDENT'S COSTS. (a) This section applies only to a sworn complaint if:
(1) the complaint was filed after the 30th day before the date of an election;
(2) the respondent is a candidate in the election; and
(3) the complaint alleges a violation other than a technical or clerical violation.
(b) If, in disposing of a sworn complaint to which this section applies, the commission determines that a violation within the commission's jurisdiction has not occurred, the complainant is liable for the respondent's reasonable and necessary attorney's fees and other costs incurred in defending against the complaint.
(c) This section does not apply to a sworn complaint regarding a reporting omission required by law.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 604 (H.B. 677), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Open Government; Ethics
Chapter 571 - Texas Ethics Commission
Subchapter E. Complaint Procedures and Hearings
Section 571.121. General Powers
Section 571.1212. Categorization of Violations
Section 571.122. Filing of Complaint; Contents
Section 571.1221. Dismissal of Complaint Filed at Direction or Urging of Nonresident
Section 571.1222. Dismissal of Complaint Challenging Certain Information in Political Report
Section 571.123. Processing of Complaint
Section 571.1231. Designation of Agent by Certain Respondents
Section 571.124. Preliminary Review: Initiation
Section 571.1241. Review of Executive Director's Determination of Jurisdiction
Section 571.1242. Preliminary Review
Section 571.1244. Preliminary Review and Preliminary Review Procedures
Section 571.125. Preliminary Review Hearing: Procedure
Section 571.126. Preliminary Review Hearing: Resolution
Section 571.129. Formal Hearing: Standard of Evidence
Section 571.130. Formal Hearing: Subpoenas and Witnesses
Section 571.131. Formal Hearing: Procedure
Section 571.132. Formal Hearing: Resolution
Section 571.133. Appeal of Final Decision
Section 571.134. Delay of Referral
Section 571.135. Public Interest Information
Section 571.1351. Status of Complaint
Section 571.136. Extension of Deadline
Section 571.138. Status of Complainant
Section 571.139. Applicability of Other Acts
Section 571.140. Confidentiality; Offense
Section 571.141. Availability of Commission Orders on Internet