By Scott Harvey
Austin – A new member of the State Board of Education is declared to have broken no laws as he has worked to separate his roles as a Capitol lobbyist from his duties representing the people of his East Texas district.
The Travis County District Attorney's Office ruled in favor of Republican Thomas Ratliff on Monday.
Ratliff serves the citizens of District 9, which covers 29 counties including a large portion of Northeast Texas.
The Public Integrity Unit said Ratliff has notified his clients about his new position and has informed the board of all of his clients, therefore no conflict of interest exists.