The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "Texas Ethics Commission" ...
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Prisoners Best Friend
Reporters Todd Bensman and Robert Riggs from CBS-11 News, Dallas, investigated tips that State Representative Terri Hodge solicited campaign contributions from inmates families in return for intervening in their loved ones' cases. Not all those campaign contributions were reported. Bensman and Riggs found over 60 instances where Rep. Hodge obtained confidential prison files under a legislative privilege designed to assist in law-making. "As a legislator, Hodge served on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and frequently sat in on hearings before the COrrections COmmittee, which oversees the Texas Prison system. In her role, Hodge had power over budgets and prison jobs."
Tags: Terri Hodge; campaign contributions; parole board; disciplinary refractions; influence; victims rights groups; Texas Public Information Act; Texas Inmate Families Association; TIFA; legislative privilege; campaign finance reports; Texas Criminal Jurisprudence Committee; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; TDCJ; Texas Corrections Committee; Justice for All; Texas Ethics Commission
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Peddling Influence
This series examined the influence of special interests on the Texas Legislature and the lack of oversight by regulators. Linking campaign and lobbyist spending to legislation, the stories showed how lawmakers have favored lobbyists and their pet causes over the public interest, And we discovered that the Texas Ethics Commission has failed to property investigate complaints of violations and allowed questionable practices to continue.
Tags: state government; politicians; politics; special interests; legislation; congress; watchdog reporting
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No title (id: 6666)
Texas Lawyer (Dallas) reveals the ethical violations of a Texas judge who sits on the State Commission of Judicial Conduct, including extensive business dealings with a bank that frequently comes before him, Nov. 6, 13, 1989.
Tags: None