Former Tarrant lawmaker fined over "rent-to-own" flap

Former state Rep. Toby Goodman, R-Arlington, has been fined $10,000 for allegedly violating laws designed to prevent politicians from using campaign funds to buy real estate or pay a mortgage, Politex has learned.

Goodman said he's done nothing wrong and plans to appeal the ruling.

The order and fine, one of the largest levied by the Texas Ethics Commission in recent years, could have implications for other Tarrant-area state lawmakers who engaged in the same controversial practice. The Legislature has since tightened the loophole that sparked the so-called “rent to own” scheme, but the commission has the power to levy fines based on past behavior.

This is a developing story, so more is on the way.

-- Jay Root