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1. What is H.B. 1491?

Effective June 29, 2007, H.B. 1491 requires any person or business that contracts with or is considering doing business with a local governmental entity to file a "conflicts of interest questionnaire." The conflict of interest questionnaire (FORM CIQ) was created by the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) and is available online. The bill provides that failure to file the statement or questionnaire is punishable as a class C misdemeanor. This new law is in accordance with Section 176.006 of the Local Government Code. Texas Ethics Commission

2. Who Must File a "Conflict of Interest Questionnaire?"

Any person who contracts or seeks to contract for the sale or purchase of property, goods, or services (including submitting a bid on a contract) with a local governmental entity or any other political subdivision such as the Council of Governments must file a questionnaire.

3. To What Type of Contracts Does the Bill Apply?

The bill applies to any written contract and any implied contract, such as purchase orders, procurement card purchases, utility purchases, and more. As written, the bill appears to apply to any purchase made by a city or other political subdivision.

4. When Must a Vendor File the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire?

A person who wishes to conduct business with a local government or political subdivision must file a questionnaire no later than seven days after the date the person begins contract discussions or negotiations with the governmental agency, or submits an application or response to a request for proposals or bids, correspondence, or another writing related to a potential agreement with the agency.

5. With Whom Should the Questionnaire Be Filed?

The questionnaire should be filed with the City of Grapevine City Secretary's Office.

6. What About Posting the Information on the Internet?

The City of Grapevine, Texas will provide access to the completed questionnaires through the City Secretary's Office. Conflict of Interest Log