2023 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 161.163. Preliminary Review Hearing: Resolution

Sec. 161.163.  PRELIMINARY REVIEW HEARING:  RESOLUTION.  (a)  As soon as practicable after the completion of a preliminary review hearing, the standing preliminary review committee by vote shall issue a decision stating:
(1)  whether there is credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred and whether the violation is technical or de minimis; or
(2)  that there is insufficient evidence for the committee to determine whether a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred.
(b)  If the standing preliminary review committee determines that there is credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation has occurred, the committee shall resolve and settle the complaint to the extent possible.  If the committee successfully resolves and settles the complaint, not later than the 14th day after the date of the final resolution of the complaint, the committee shall send to the complainant and the respondent a copy of the order stating the committee's determination and written notice of the resolution and the terms of the resolution.  If the committee is unsuccessful in resolving and settling the complaint, the committee shall:
(1)  order a formal hearing to be held in accordance with Sections 161.164-161.167; and
(2)  not later than the 14th day after the date of the order, send to the complainant and the respondent:
(A)  a copy of the order;
(B)  written notice of the date, time, and place of the formal hearing;
(C)  a statement of the nature of the alleged violation;
(D)  a description of the evidence of the alleged violation;
(E)  a copy of the complaint;
(F)  a copy of the commission's rules of procedure; and
(G)  a statement of the rights of the respondent.
(c)  If the standing preliminary review committee determines that there is credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has not occurred, the committee shall:
(1)  dismiss the complaint; and
(2)  not later than the 10th day after the date of the dismissal, send to the complainant and the respondent a copy of the order stating the committee's determination and written notice of the dismissal and the grounds for dismissal.
(d)  If the standing preliminary review committee determines that there is insufficient credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred, the commission may dismiss the complaint or order a formal hearing under Sections 161.164-161.167.  Not later than the 10th day after the date of the committee's determination under this subsection, the committee shall send to the complainant and the respondent a copy of the decision stating the committee's determination and written notice of the grounds for the determination.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 160 (H.B. 2002), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2011.