Sullivan v. Tex. Ethics Comm'n

In this interlocutory appeal, we are faced with a legal question of first impression: can a motion to dismiss authorized by the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA) be used to dismiss one's own administrative appeal? See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 27.003. In the proceedings below, Michael Quinn Sullivan appealed to the district court a final order of the Texas Ethics Commission determining that he *851failed to register as a lobbyist and assessing a civil penalty against him. See Tex. Gov't Code §§ 305.003, .032. Pursuant to Sullivan's own motion, the trial court realigned the parties,…