The following provisions shall be incorporated into the administrative policies adopted by the authorities subject to these rules.
  (1) Code of Ethics. The administrative policies shall mandate compliance with the following standards:
    (A) the Local Government Code, Chapter 171, relating to conflicts of interests with a business entity in which the official has a substantial interest.
    (B) Texas Government Code, Chapter 573, relating to nepotism.
    (C) for River Authorities, Texas Government Code, Chapter 572, relating to standards of conduct, personal financial disclosure, and conflict of interest.
    (D) Article III, Section 52, of the Texas Constitution, relating to the prohibition on granting public money or things of value to any individual, association or corporation.
  (2) Travel Expenditures. The administrative policies shall provide for reimbursing district officials for necessary and reasonable travel expenditures incurred while conducting business or performing official duties or assignments. The board may adopt additional policies which further define the criteria for necessary and reasonable travel expenditures and which provide procedures for the reimbursement of expenses.
  (3) Investments. The administrative polices shall provide for compliance with the following statutes:
    (A) Subchapter A, Chapter 2256, Government Code (the Public Funds Investment Act);
    (B) Chapter 2257, Government Code (the Public Funds Collateral Act); and
    (C) any other appropriate statutes which are applicable to the investment of the authority's funds.
  (4) Professional Services Policy. The administrative polices shall provide for compliance with the following standards:
    (A) Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A (the Professional Services Procurement Act) which prohibits the selection of professional services based on competitive bids.
    (B) A list shall be maintained of at least three qualified persons or firms for each area of professional service used by the authority. The pre-qualified persons or firms shall be sent a request for proposal for any contract award for a new project which is expected to exceed $25,000.
  (5) Management Policies. The administrative policies shall provide for the following:
    (A) an independent management audit to be conducted every five years and submitted to the executive director. As an alternative, an internal audit office may be established which reports to the board of directors.
    (B) compliance with the provisions and intent of Texas Government Code Chapter 2161 relative to contracting with underutilized businesses and providing equal employment opportunities.

Source Note: The provisions of this §292.13 adopted to be effective October 22, 1992, 17 TexReg 7101; amended to be effective October 22, 1996, 21 TexReg 9904; amended to be effective April 2, 2023, 48 TexReg 1639