Texas Comptroller Adopts Regulations Governing Gift Acceptance

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts adopted new regulations establishing a gift acceptance policy for the agency. The regulations outline criteria for refusing gifts, including from parties in contested cases or litigation with the agency, those indebted to the state, under investigation, or foreign adversaries. The rules also establish procedures for reviewing and accepting gifts, keeping records of large gifts, and using gifts for public purposes. The regulations specify that gifts cannot be used to enrich agency employees and that donors may not direct the use of gifts. The new rules take effect Dec. 30. [Tex. Comptroller of Pub. Accts., ...