reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.174 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter D. Complaint Procedures and Hearings|Section 161.174. Availability of Commission Orders on Internet

Sec. 161.174.  AVAILABILITY OF COMMISSION ORDERS ON INTERNET.  (a)  As soon as practicable following a preliminary review, preliminary review hearing, or formal hearing at which the commission determines that a person has committed a violation within the commission's jurisdiction, the commission shall make available on the Internet:(1)  a copy of the commission's order stating the determination; or(2)  a summary of the commission's order.(b)  This section does not apply to a determination of a violation that is technical or de minimis.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.201 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.201. Order

Sec. 161.201.  ORDER.  The commission may:(1)  issue and enforce a cease and desist order to stop a violation;(2)  issue an affirmative order to require compliance with the laws administered and enforced by the commission; and(3)  issue an order of public censure with or without a civil penalty imposed under Section 161.202.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.202 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.202. Civil Penalty for Delay or Violation

Sec. 161.202.  CIVIL PENALTY FOR DELAY OR VIOLATION.  (a)  The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each delay in complying with a commission order.(b)  The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than $4,000 for a violation of the ethics code adopted by the commission.(c)  A penalty paid under this section shall be deposited to the credit of the general fund of the county.(d)  This section is cumulative of any other available sanctions under this chapter.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.203 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.203. Waiver or Reduction of Penalty

Sec. 161.203.  WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF PENALTY.  (a)  A person may request the waiver or reduction of a civil penalty by submitting an affidavit to the commission that states the filer's reasons for requesting a waiver or reduction.(b)  The commission may waive or reduce a civil penalty if the commission finds that a waiver or reduction is in the public interest and in the interest of justice.  The commission shall consider the following before acting to waive or reduce a civil penalty:(1)  the facts and circumstances supporting the person's request for a waiver or reduction;(2)  the seriousness of the violation, including the nature, circumstances, consequences, extent, and gravity of the violation, and the amount of the penalty;(3)  any history of previous violations by the person;(4)  the demonstrated good faith of the person, including actions taken to rectify the consequences of the violation;(5)  the penalty necessary to deter future violations; and(6)  any other matter that justice may require.(c)  After hearing the waiver request, the commission may affirm, reduce, or waive the civil penalty.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.204 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.204. Notification of Regulatory or Supervisory Entity

Sec. 161.204.  NOTIFICATION OF REGULATORY OR SUPERVISORY ENTITY.  The commission may notify the appropriate regulatory or supervisory entity, including any agency, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, or the State Bar of Texas, of a violation of the ethics code adopted by the commission.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.205 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.205. Civil Penalty for Frivolous or Bad-Faith Complaint

Sec. 161.205.  CIVIL PENALTY FOR FRIVOLOUS OR BAD-FAITH COMPLAINT.  (a)  The commission may impose a civil penalty of not more than $4,000 for the filing of a frivolous or bad-faith complaint.  In this subsection, "frivolous complaint" means a complaint that is groundless and brought in bad faith or is groundless and brought for the purpose of harassment.(b)  In addition to other penalties, the respondent may commence a civil action on the respondent's own behalf against any person who filed a frivolous complaint against the respondent.  Any action under this chapter shall be brought in a district court in the county.  The court may award costs and attorney's fees.(c)  A person may file a sworn complaint with the commission, in accordance with Section 161.155, alleging that a complaint relating to that person filed with the commission is frivolous or brought in bad faith.  A complaint may be filed under this subsection without regard to whether the complaint alleged to be frivolous or brought in bad faith is pending before the commission or has been resolved.  The commission shall act on a complaint made under this subsection as provided by Subchapter D.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.206 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.206. Factors Considered for Assessment of Sanction

Sec. 161.206.  FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR ASSESSMENT OF SANCTION.  The commission shall consider the following factors in assessing a sanction:(1)  the seriousness of the violation, including the nature, circumstances, consequences, extent, and gravity of the violation;(2)  the history and extent of previous violations;(3)  the demonstrated good faith of the violator, including actions taken to rectify the consequences of the violation;(4)  the penalty necessary to deter future violations; and(5)  any other matters that justice may require.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.207 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.207. Appeals

Sec. 161.207.  APPEALS.  (a)  A respondent may appeal the decision by filing a petition in a district court in the county within 30 days after the date of the decision.(b)  An appeal brought under this section is not limited to questions of law, and the substantial evidence rule does not apply.  The action shall be determined by trial de novo.  The reviewing court shall try all issues of fact and law in the manner applicable to other civil suits in this state but may not admit in evidence the fact of prior action by the commission or the nature of that action, except to the limited extent necessary to show compliance with statutory provisions that vest jurisdiction in the court.  A party is entitled, on demand, to a jury determination of any issue of fact on which a jury determination is available in other civil suits in this state.(c)  If the district court renders judgment for the petitioner, and the petitioner is a county employee, the court may order reinstatement of the county employee, payment of back pay, or other appropriate relief.(d)  If the district court renders judgment for the petitioner, the court may order appropriate relief, including costs and attorney's fees.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.208 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.208. Delivery of Record to Reviewing Court

Sec. 161.208.  DELIVERY OF RECORD TO REVIEWING COURT.  (a)  After service of the petition on the commission and within the time permitted for filing an answer or within additional time allowed by the court, the commission shall send to the reviewing court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceeding under review.(b)  The record shall be filed with the clerk of the court.  The record may be shortened by stipulation of all parties to the review proceedings.  The court may assess additional costs against a party who unreasonably refuses to stipulate to limit the record, unless the party pays all costs of record preparation.(c)  The court may require or permit later corrections or additions to the record.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.209 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.209. Cost of Preparing Commission Record

Sec. 161.209.  COST OF PREPARING COMMISSION RECORD.  (a)  The commission may require a party who appeals a final decision under Section 161.207 to pay one-half of the cost of preparation of the original or a certified copy of the record of the commission proceeding that is required to be sent to the reviewing court.(b)  A charge imposed under this section is a court cost and may be assessed by the court in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.210 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter E. Enforcement|Section 161.210. Collections

Sec. 161.210.  COLLECTIONS.  The county attorney may collect a fine or other penalty imposed by the commission under this chapter in the same manner as provided for the collection of a debt owed to the county.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.301 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter F. Dissolution of Commission|Section 161.301. Petition for Dissolution of Commission

Sec. 161.301.  PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF COMMISSION.  If, after an ethics commission created pursuant to Section 161.052 has been in effect for at least one year, 10 percent of the qualified voters of the county petition the commissioners court to dissolve the commission, the commissioners court shall call an election to determine whether the commission will be dissolved.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.302 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter F. Dissolution of Commission|Section 161.302. Dissolution Election

Sec. 161.302.  DISSOLUTION ELECTION.  (a)  An election under this subchapter must be held in the manner provided for an election to create a county ethics commission.(b)  The ballot for the election shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the proposition:  "Dissolution of the county ethics commission."|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.303 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter F. Dissolution of Commission|Section 161.303. Dissolution of Commission

Sec. 161.303.  DISSOLUTION OF COMMISSION.  If the proposition is approved by a majority of the qualified voters voting at the election, the commissioners court shall declare the result and by order dissolve the ethics commission.  A copy of the order dissolving the commission shall be placed in the minutes of the court's proceedings.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 161.304 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees|Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties|Subchapter F. Dissolution of Commission|Section 161.304. Saving Provisions

Sec. 161.304.  SAVING PROVISIONS.  The dissolution of a county ethics commission under this subchapter does not affect:(1)  the prior operation of the ethics code adopted by the commission or any prior action taken under it; or(2)  any penalty, forfeiture, or punishment incurred for a violation of the ethics code before the effective date of the dissolution.|Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.001 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.001. Short Title

Sec. 174.001.  SHORT TITLE.  This chapter may be cited as The Fire and Police Employee Relations Act.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.002 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.002. Policy

Sec. 174.002.  POLICY.  (a)  The policy of this state is that a political subdivision shall provide its fire fighters and police officers with compensation and other conditions of employment that are substantially the same as compensation and conditions of employment prevailing in comparable private sector employment.(b)  The policy of this state is that fire fighters and police officers, like employees in the private sector, should have the right to organize for collective bargaining, as collective bargaining is a fair and practical method for determining compensation and other conditions of employment.  Denying fire fighters and police officers the right to organize and bargain collectively would lead to strife and unrest, consequently injuring the health, safety, and welfare of the public.(c)  The health, safety, and welfare of the public demands that strikes, lockouts, and work stoppages and slowdowns of fire fighters and police officers be prohibited, and therefore it is the state's duty to make available reasonable alternatives to strikes by fire fighters and police officers.(d)  Because of the essential and emergency nature of the public service performed by fire fighters and police officers, a reasonable alternative to strikes is a system of arbitration conducted under adequate legislative standards.  Another reasonable alternative, if the parties fail to agree to arbitrate, is judicial enforcement of the requirements of this chapter regarding compensation and conditions of employment applicable to fire fighters and police officers.(e)  With the right to strike prohibited, to maintain the high morale of fire fighters and police officers and the efficient operation of the departments in which they serve, alternative procedures must be expeditious, effective, and binding.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.003 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.003. Definitions

Sec. 174.003.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:(1)  "Association" means any type of organization, including an agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which fire fighters, police officers, or both, participate and that exists, in whole or in part, to deal with one or more public or private employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, or conditions of employment affecting fire fighters, police officers, or both.(2)  "Fire fighter" means a permanent, paid employee of the fire department of a political subdivision.  The term does not include:(A)  the chief of the department;  or(B)  a volunteer fire fighter.(3)  "Police officer" means a paid employee who is sworn, certified, and full-time, and who regularly serves in a professional law enforcement capacity in the police department of a political subdivision.  The term does not include the chief of the department.(4)  "Political subdivision" includes a municipality.(5)  "Public employer" means the official or group of officials of a political subdivision whose duty is to establish the compensation, hours, and other conditions of employment of fire fighters, police officers, or both, and may include the mayor, city manager, town manager, town administrator, municipal governing body, director of personnel, personnel board, commissioners, or another official or combination of those persons.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 13.16, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.004 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.004. Liberal Construction

Sec. 174.004.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION.  This chapter shall be liberally construed.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.005 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.005. Preemption of Other Law

Sec. 174.005.  PREEMPTION OF OTHER LAW.  This chapter preempts all contrary local ordinances, executive orders, legislation, or rules adopted by the state or by a political subdivision or agent of the state, including a personnel board, civil service commission, or home-rule municipality.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.006 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.006. Effect on Civil Service Provisions

Sec. 174.006.  EFFECT ON CIVIL SERVICE PROVISIONS.  (a)  A state or local civil service provision prevails over a collective bargaining contract under this chapter unless the collective bargaining contract specifically provides otherwise.(b)  A civil service provision may not be repealed or modified by arbitration or judicial action but may be interpreted or enforced by an arbitrator or court.(c)  This chapter does not limit the authority of a municipal fire chief or police chief under Chapter 143 except as modified by the parties through collective bargaining.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.007 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.007. Effect on Existing Benefits

Sec. 174.007.  EFFECT ON EXISTING BENEFITS.  This chapter may not be construed as repealing any existing benefit provided by statute or ordinance concerning fire fighters' or police officers' compensation, pensions, retirement plans, hours of work, conditions of employment, or other emoluments.  This chapter is in addition to the benefits provided by existing statutes and ordinances.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.008 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter A. General Provisions|Section 174.008. Waiver of Immunity

Sec. 174.008.  WAIVER OF IMMUNITY.  This chapter is binding and enforceable against the employing public employer, and sovereign or governmental immunity from suit and liability is waived only to the extent necessary to enforce this chapter against that employer.|Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1200 (H.B. 1473), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2007.|
TX Loc Govt Code § 174.021 (2021)
2021 Texas Statutes|Local Government Code|Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees|Subtitle C - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government|Chapter 174 - Fire and Police Employee Relations|Subchapter B. Conditions of Employment and Right to Organize|Section 174.021. Prevailing Wage and Working Conditions Required

Sec. 174.021.  PREVAILING WAGE AND WORKING CONDITIONS REQUIRED.  A political subdivision that employs fire fighters, police officers, or both, shall provide those employees with compensation and other conditions of employment that are:(1)  substantially equal to compensation and other conditions of employment that prevail in comparable employment in the private sector;  and(2)  based on prevailing private sector compensation and conditions of employment in the labor market area in other jobs that require the same or similar skills, ability, and training and may be performed under the same or similar conditions.|Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.|