Local Government Code Section 171.004(a) states, “If a local public official has a substantial interest in a business entity or in real property, the official shall file, before a vote or decision on any matter involving the business entity or the real property, affidavit stating the nature and extent of the interest and shall abstain from further participation in the matter if:
“(1) in the case of substantial interest in a business entity the action on the matter will have a special economic effect on the business entity that is distinguishable from the effect on the public; or
“(2) in the case of substantial interest in real property, it is reasonably foreseeable that an action on the matter will have a special economic effect on the value of the property, distinguishable from its effect on the public.”
The Austin Bulldog filed public information request May 5, 2023, with the Travis County Clerk to obtain copies of any Affidavits of Abstention from Voting filed by any member of the Travis County Commissioners Court since January 1, 2018.
The Travis County Clerk’s Office responded May 19, 2023, stating, “We’ve performed a thorough search of our records and have no responsive information.”
