SUBCHAPTER B. RESTRICTIONS ON OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

Sec. 2113.011.  PUBLICITY.  (a)  A state agency may not use appropriated money to publicize or direct attention to an individual officer or employee of state government.
(b)  A state agency may not use appropriated money to:
(1)  maintain a publicity office or department;
(2)  employ an individual who has the title or duties of a public relations or press agent;  or
(3)  pay a public relations agent or business.
(c)  Subject to Section 2113.107(d), the executive head of a state agency who considers it necessary or in the public interest may issue through agency channels oral or written information relating to the activities or legal responsibilities of the agency.  The information must be issued in the name of the state agency and include the name of the individual authorized to issue the information.
(d)  An institution of higher education may operate a news and information service for the benefit of the public if the operation has been authorized and approved by the institution's governing body.
(e)  This section does not prohibit the use of appropriated money for publicity functions authorized under Chapter 204, Transportation Code.
(f)  This section does not prohibit the Texas State Guard from using appropriated money for the purpose of recruiting or retaining service members, employees, or other personnel.  In this subsection, "service member" and "Texas State Guard" have the meanings assigned by Section 437.001.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1498, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by: 
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91 (S.B. 1303), Sec. 11.018, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 339 (S.B. 538), Sec. 1, eff. June 2, 2023.