TITLE: Relating to procedures for formal hearings conducted by the Texas Ethics Commission.

SUMMARY: Relating to procedures for formal hearings conducted by the Texas Ethics Commission.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to procedures for formal hearings conducted by the Texas Ethics Commission. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 571.131, Government Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows: (d) Chapter 27, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, applies to a formal hearing conducted under this chapter. For purposes of this subsection: (1) the authority holding the hearing has the duties and authority of the court under Chapter 27, Civil Practice and Remedies Code; and (2) a formal hearing is considered to be a legal action. SECTION 2. Section 571.131, Government Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to a formal hearing conducted by the Texas Ethics Commission on or after the effective date of this Act. A formal hearing conducted by the Texas Ethics Commission before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect at the time the hearing is conducted, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.