A conflict of interest exists when professional judgment concerning a primary interest may be influenced by a secondary interest such as financial gain or personal rivalry. According to the Texas state law (Chapter 176 of the Local Government Code) requires the filing of conflict of interest questionnaires by certain individuals and businesses. The questionnaires require disclosures describing certain business and gift giving relationships, if any, the filers may have with commissioners court members, the purchasing agent, and other elected/appointed officials.
