What happens if a statement is not filed?
An officer or vendor who knowingly fails to file a statement or a questionnaire when required to do so commits either a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor, depending on the amount of the contract. Id. § 176.013.

A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $500. A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $2,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or both. A Class A Misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 1 year, or both.

It is an exception to an offense if the officer or vendor file the statement or questionnaire not later than the 7th business day after receiving notice from the city of the alleged violation. Id. § 176.013(f)-(g). In addition to possible criminal punishment, a city may reprimand, suspend, or terminate an employee who knowingly fails to comply with the requirements of Chapter 176. Id. § 176.013(d). And the city council may declare a contract void if the council determines the vendor failed to file a questionnaire. Id. § 176.013(e). (Note: The validity of a contract between a city and a vendor is not affected solely because a vendor fails to file a questionnaire. Id. § 176.006(i).)

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1. What is Chapter 176 of the Local Government Code?
2. What local government entities are subject to this law?
3. What local government officers are subject to this law?
4. When is an officer required to file a “conflicts disclosure statement”?
5. How does Chapter 176 define a “vendor,” and what does it mean to have a “family relationship” with a vendor?
6. How does Chapter 176 define a “family member” of an officer?
7. To what types of contracts does the law apply?
8. When is a vendor required to file a “conflicts of interest questionnaire”?
9. With whom should the statements and questionnaires be filed?
10. What happens if a statement is not filed?