What is the definition of a “business entity” for purposes of the conflict of interest laws?
For purposes of Texas conflict of interest laws, a “business entity” includes: sole proprietorships; partnerships, firms, corporations, holding companies, joint-stock companies, receiverships, trusts, and any other entity recognized by law as a business entity. (11) Governmental entities such as cities or school districts are not considered business entities. (12) Accordingly, if the issue before the city council involves a governmental entity, an official’s relationship with that entity would not subject that official to conflict of interest laws. However, an industrial development corporation is a business entity, so that an official with a substantial interest in the corporation would have to comply with chapter 171. (13) What is considered a “substantial interest” in a business entity (such that it would amount to a potential conflict of interest)? There are four ways that a person could be deemed to have a “substantial interest” in a business entity that would raise a potential co
