A housing authority commissioner generally cannot have pecuniary dealings with a housing project or hold an interest in one, but must disclose any relevant interest or dealings immediately in writing.
Sec. 392.042. INTERESTED COMMISSIONERS. (a) In this section, "housing project" includes, in addition to the works or undertakings described by Subdivision (6) of Section 392.002: (1) a work or undertaking implemented for a reason described by Subdivision (6) of Section 392.002 that is financed in any way by public funds or tax-exempt revenue bonds; or (2) a building over which the housing authority has jurisdiction and of which a part is reserved for occupancy by persons who receive income or rental supplements from a governmental entity. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a commissioner of an authority may not have dealings with a housing project for pecuniary gain and may not own, acquire, or control a direct or indirect interest in a: (1) housing project; (2) property included or planned to be included in a housing project; (3) contract or proposed contract for the sale of land to be used for a housing project; (4) contract or proposed contract for the construction of a housing project; or (5) contract or proposed contract for the sale of materials or services to be furnished or used in connection with a housing project. (c) A commissioner may: (1) manage a housing project; (2) own, acquire, or control a management company that renders management services to a housing project; (3) continue to own or control an interest in a housing project held by the commissioner before the commissioner's term of office began; or (4) own, acquire, or control an interest in, or have dealings with, a housing project over which the commissioner's housing authority does not have jurisdiction. (d) If a commissioner manages, owns, acquires, or controls a direct or indirect interest in property included or planned to be included in a housing project or has any other dealings for pecuniary gain with a housing project, the commissioner shall immediately disclose the interest or dealings to the authority in writing. The disclosure shall be entered in the minutes of the authority. The failure to disclose the interest constitutes misconduct of office. (e) A commissioner who knowingly or intentionally violates Subsection (b) or (d) commits an offense. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the third degree. (f) A person finally convicted under Subsection (e) is ineligible for future employment with the state, a political subdivision of the state, or a public corporation formed under the authority of the state or a political subdivision of the state. Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.