What authority does the Texas Ethics Commission have?

The Texas Ethics Commission has the authority to subpoena and initiate investigations related to violations of ethics laws. This power is essential for ensuring compliance with the state's regulations governing ethical conduct among public officials and employees. The commission investigates complaints and can compel the production of documents and testimony as part of its function to ensure transparency and accountability in government.

The other options, while they may relate to aspects of governmental functions, do not accurately represent the specific powers granted to the Texas Ethics Commission. Regulating public servants' salaries, creating new laws, and managing employee performance reviews fall under different entities or processes within state governance and are not within the commission's scope of authority. The focus of the commission is primarily on maintaining ethical standards and providing oversight, which is why the ability to subpoena and conduct investigations is central to its mission.