reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 177.001. Certain Coverage Authorized

Sec. 177.001.  CERTAIN COVERAGE AUTHORIZED.  (a)  A county or other political subdivision of this state may procure contracts insuring the political subdivision's officials, employees, and retirees or any class of the political subdivision's officials, employees, and retirees under a policy of group life, group health, accident, accidental death and dismemberment, or hospital, surgical, or medical expense insurance.
(b)  The dependents of those officials, employees, and retirees may be insured under a group policy that provides:
(1)  health insurance; or
(2)  hospital, surgical, or medical expense insurance.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 177.002. Payment of Premiums

Sec. 177.002.  PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS.  (a)  A county or other political subdivision of this state that is authorized to procure a contract insuring the political subdivision's officials, employees, and retirees or any class of the political subdivision's officials, employees, and retirees under a policy of group insurance that covers one or more risks may pay from the local funds of the political subdivision all or any portion of the premiums for the policy.  The political subdivision may also pay all or any portion of the premiums on group health, hospital, surgical, or medical expense insurance for dependents of the political subdivision's officials, employees, and retirees.
(b)  If authorized by the official, employee, or retiree in writing to make the deduction, the county or other political subdivision may deduct from the person's salary an amount equal to any required contribution by the person to the premiums for the insurance issued under Section 177.001 to the political  subdivision as the policyholder.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 177.003. Use of State Funds

Sec. 177.003.  USE OF STATE FUNDS.  State funds may not be used to procure a contract under this subchapter or pay premiums under that contract.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter B. Health and Insurance Fund › Section 177.051. Fund Authorized

Sec. 177.051.  FUND AUTHORIZED.  (a)  A county or other political subdivision of this state may establish a fund to provide insurance authorized by Subchapter A.
(b)  A fund established under Subsection (a)  shall be known as the "health and insurance fund--employees and dependents."
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter B. Health and Insurance Fund › Section 177.052. Payment of Money Into Fund

Sec. 177.052.  PAYMENT OF MONEY INTO FUND.  There shall be credited to a fund established under this subchapter:
(1)  any salary deduction to which an official, employee, or retiree agrees in writing; and
(2)  contributions from the county or other political subdivision.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter B. Health and Insurance Fund › Section 177.053. Use of Money in Fund

Sec. 177.053.  USE OF MONEY IN FUND.  Payment from a fund established under this subchapter:
(1)  is authorized only for the payment of premiums on life, group health, accident, accidental death and dismemberment, or hospital, surgical, or medical expense insurance for officials, employees, retirees, and their dependents; and
(2)  must be made in accordance with rules adopted by the county or other political subdivision establishing the fund.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177 - Life, Health, and Accident Insurance for Officials, Employees, and Retirees of Political Subdivisions › Subchapter B. Health and Insurance Fund › Section 177.054. Payment of Claims From Fund

Sec. 177.054.  PAYMENT OF CLAIMS FROM FUND.  A claim against a fund established under this subchapter shall be payable in the same manner as other claims of the county or other political subdivision.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 730 (H.B. 2636), Sec. 1K.002, eff. April 1, 2009.
2023 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 177A - Illness or Injury Leave of Absence for Firefighters, Police Officers, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel of Political Subdivision › Section 177A.001. Definitions

Sec. 177A.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Emergency medical services personnel" means a person described by Section 773.003, Health and Safety Code, who is a paid employee of a political subdivision.
(2)  "Firefighter" means a firefighter who is a permanent, paid employee of the fire department of a political subdivision.  The term includes the chief of the department.  The term does not include a volunteer firefighter.
(3)  "Police officer" means a paid employee who is full-time, holds an officer license issued under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code, and regularly serves in a professional law enforcement capacity in the police department of a political subdivision.  The term includes the chief of the department.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 665 (H.B. 471), Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 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 177A - Illness or Injury Leave of Absence for Firefighters, Police Officers, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel of Political Subdivision › Section 177A.002. Effect on Labor Agreements

Sec. 177A.002.  EFFECT ON LABOR AGREEMENTS.  Notwithstanding any other law, including Section 142.067, 142.117, 143.207, 143.307, 143.361, 147.004, or 174.005, a collective bargaining, meet and confer, or other similar agreement that provides a benefit for an ill or injured employee must provide a benefit that, at a minimum, complies with this chapter.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 665 (H.B. 471), Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 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 177A - Illness or Injury Leave of Absence for Firefighters, Police Officers, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel of Political Subdivision › Section 177A.003. Line of Duty Illness or Injury Leave of Absence

Sec. 177A.003.  LINE OF DUTY ILLNESS OR INJURY LEAVE OF ABSENCE.  (a)  A political subdivision shall provide to a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel a leave of absence for an illness or injury related to the person's line of duty.  The leave is with full pay for a period commensurate with the nature of the line of duty illness or injury.  If necessary, the political subdivision shall continue the leave for at least one year.
(b)  At the end of the leave of absence under Subsection (a), the governing body of the political subdivision may extend the leave of absence at full or reduced pay.
(c)  If the firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel is temporarily disabled by a line of duty injury or illness and the leave of absence and any extension granted by the governing body has expired, the person may use accumulated sick leave, vacation time, and other accrued benefits before the person is placed on temporary leave.
(d)  If the leave of absence and any extension granted by the governing body has expired, a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel who requires additional leave described by this section shall be placed on temporary leave.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 665 (H.B. 471), Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 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 177A - Illness or Injury Leave of Absence for Firefighters, Police Officers, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel of Political Subdivision › Section 177A.004. Return to Duty

Sec. 177A.004.  RETURN TO DUTY.  (a)  If able, a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel may return to light duty while recovering from a temporary disability.  If medically necessary, the light duty assignment may continue for at least one year.
(b)  After recovery from a temporary disability, a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel shall be reinstated at the same rank and with the same seniority the person had before going on temporary leave.  Another firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel may voluntarily do the work of the injured firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical services personnel until the person returns to duty.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 665 (H.B. 471), Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 2023.
2023 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 178 - Removal of Special District Board Members › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 178.001. Definitions

Sec. 178.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Board" means the governing body of a special district.
(2)  "Director" means a board member.
(3)  "Misconduct" means intentionally or knowingly:
(A)  violating a law relating to the office of director; or
(B)  misapplying any thing of value belonging to a special district that has come into the custody or possession of a director by virtue of the director's office.
(4)  "Special district" means a political subdivision of this state with a limited geographic area created by local law or under general law for a special purpose.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (S.B. 1207), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Renumbered from Local Government Code, Section 177.001 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(65), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 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 178 - Removal of Special District Board Members › Subchapter B. Removal of Appointed Board Members for Misconduct › Section 178.052. Exemptions

Sec. 178.052.  EXEMPTIONS.  (a)  This subchapter does not apply to a regional planning commission under Chapter 391.
(b)  This subchapter does not apply to a director who is a county officer under Section 24, Article V, Texas Constitution.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (S.B. 1207), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Renumbered from Local Government Code, Section 177.052 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(65), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 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 178 - Removal of Special District Board Members › Subchapter B. Removal of Appointed Board Members for Misconduct › Section 178.053. Removal of Director by Commissioners Court for Misconduct

Sec. 178.053.  REMOVAL OF DIRECTOR BY COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR MISCONDUCT.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county may remove for misconduct a director who:
(1)  serves as a director of a special district located wholly or partly in the county; and
(2)  was appointed by the commissioners court.
(b)  To the extent of a conflict, this section prevails over any conflicting law.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (S.B. 1207), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Renumbered from Local Government Code, Section 177.053 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(65), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 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 178 - Removal of Special District Board Members › Subchapter B. Removal of Appointed Board Members for Misconduct › Section 178.054. Hearing

Sec. 178.054.  HEARING.  (a)  A commissioners court that desires to remove a director for misconduct shall hold a hearing on the director's removal.
(b)  The director and any interested person is entitled to appear at the hearing.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (S.B. 1207), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Renumbered from Local Government Code, Section 177.054 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(65), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 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 178 - Removal of Special District Board Members › Subchapter B. Removal of Appointed Board Members for Misconduct › Section 178.055. Order Removing Director

Sec. 178.055.  ORDER REMOVING DIRECTOR.  (a)  To remove a director of a special district located wholly in one county, the commissioners court of the county must:
(1)  find after the hearing that the director engaged in misconduct; and
(2)  issue an order removing the director.
(b)  To remove a director of a special district located in more than one county:
(1)  a commissioners court that appointed the director on its sole authority must find after the hearing that the director engaged in misconduct and issue an order removing the director; or
(2)  for a director appointed other than on the sole authority of a single commissioners court, the commissioners court of each county in which the district is located must find after the hearing held by that court that the director engaged in misconduct and issue an order removing the director.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (S.B. 1207), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Renumbered from Local Government Code, Section 177.055 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(65), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 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 178 - Removal of Special District Board Members › Subchapter B. Removal of Appointed Board Members for Misconduct › Section 178.056. Vacancy

Sec. 178.056.  VACANCY.  (a)  If a general or special law that governs the special district does not provide a method for filling a vacancy, the commissioners court that removed the director by order may appoint a director to serve the remainder of the removed director's term.
(b)  If the special district is located wholly or partly in more than one county and if the action of more than one commissioners court was needed under Section 178.055(b)(2) to remove the director, the commissioners court of each of those counties must agree on the appointment.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 985 (S.B. 1207), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
Renumbered from Local Government Code, Section 177.056 by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.001(65), eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 27.002(14), eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 179.001. Definitions

Sec. 179.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Department" means the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas.
(2)  "First responder" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code.
(3)  "Handgun" has the meaning assigned by Section 46.01, Penal Code.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 179.002. Applicability of Chapter

Sec. 179.002.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER.  This chapter applies only to:
(1)  a municipality with a population of 30,000 or less that has not adopted Chapter 174; and
(2)  a county with a population of 250,000 or less that has not adopted Chapter 174.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 179.003. Construction of Chapter

Sec. 179.003.  CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER.  (a)  This chapter does not create a cause of action or liability.
(b)  This chapter may not be construed to waive, under Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, or any other law, a municipality's or county's governmental immunity from suit or to liability.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.051. Authority of Municipality or County to Prohibit or Regulate Carrying Handgun

Sec. 179.051.  AUTHORITY OF MUNICIPALITY OR COUNTY TO PROHIBIT OR REGULATE CARRYING HANDGUN.  (a)  A municipality or county to which this chapter applies and that employs or supervises first responders may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, order, or other measure that generally prohibits a first responder who holds a license to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, an unexpired certificate of completion from the department under Section 411.1883(d), Government Code, and the required liability policy under Section 179.053 from:
(1)  carrying a concealed or holstered handgun while on duty; or
(2)  storing a handgun on the premises of or in a vehicle owned or leased by the municipality or county if the handgun is secured with a device approved by the department under Section 411.1883(f), Government Code.
(b)  This section does not prohibit a municipality or county from adopting an ordinance, order, or other measure that:
(1)  prohibits a first responder from carrying a handgun while on duty based on the conduct of the first responder; or
(2)  limits the carrying of a handgun only to the extent necessary to ensure that carrying the handgun does not interfere with the first responder's duties.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 768 (H.B. 4595), Sec. 24.002(14), eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.052. Authority of Employers and Supervisors

Sec. 179.052.  AUTHORITY OF EMPLOYERS AND SUPERVISORS.  (a)  A municipal or county department or private entity that employs or supervises first responders providing services for a municipality or county to which this chapter applies may adopt a policy authorizing a first responder who is employed or supervised by the municipal or county department or private entity and who holds a license to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, an unexpired certificate of completion from the department under Section 411.1883(d), Government Code, and the required liability policy under Section 179.053 to:
(1)  carry a concealed or holstered handgun while on duty; or
(2)  store a handgun on the premises of or in a vehicle owned or leased by the applicable municipality or county, or by the private entity if the handgun is secured with a device approved by the department under Section 411.1883(f), Government Code.
(b)  A first responder employed or supervised by a municipal or county department or private entity may not engage in conduct described by Subsection (a)(1) or (2) unless the municipal or county department or private entity has adopted a policy under Subsection (a) that authorizes that conduct.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 768 (H.B. 4595), Sec. 24.002(15), eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.053. Liability Insurance Required

Sec. 179.053.  LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIRED.  A first responder shall maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of at least $1 million if:
(1)  the first responder carries a handgun while on duty; and
(2)  the handgun is not an essential part of the first responder's duties.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.054. Storage of Handgun

Sec. 179.054.  STORAGE OF HANDGUN.  (a)  A first responder who enters a location where carrying a handgun is prohibited by federal law or otherwise shall use a device approved by the department under Section 411.1883(f), Government Code, to secure and store the handgun.
(b)  A first responder is responsible for procuring the device approved by the department under Section 411.1883(f), Government Code, or for reimbursing the first responder's employer or supervisor for the use of a device provided by the employer or supervisor.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 768 (H.B. 4595), Sec. 24.002(16), eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.055. Discharge of Handgun

Sec. 179.055.  DISCHARGE OF HANDGUN.  A first responder may discharge a handgun while on duty only in self-defense.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.056. Limited Liability

Sec. 179.056.  LIMITED LIABILITY.  (a)  A municipality or county that employs or supervises first responders is not liable in a civil action arising from the discharge of a handgun by a first responder who is licensed to carry the handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.
(b)  The discharge of a handgun by a first responder who is licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, is outside the course and scope of the first responder's duties.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 179 - Authority of Certain First Responders to Carry Handgun › Subchapter B. Authority and Requirements to Carry Handgun › Section 179.057. Complaints

Sec. 179.057.  COMPLAINTS.  A member of the public may submit a complaint to the municipality or county employing or supervising the first responder using the municipality's or county's existing complaint procedure.  One or more complaints received with respect to a specific first responder are grounds for prohibiting or limiting that first responder's carrying a handgun while on duty.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1026 (H.B. 1069), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.001. Coercion of Police Officer or Fire Fighter in Connection With Political Campaign

Sec. 180.001.  COERCION OF POLICE OFFICER OR FIRE FIGHTER IN CONNECTION WITH POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.  (a)  An individual commits an offense if the individual coerces a police officer or a fire fighter to participate or to refrain from participating in a political campaign.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $2,000, confinement in the county jail for not more than two years, or both a fine and confinement.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.002. Defense of Civil Suits Against Peace Officers, Fire Fighters, and Emergency Medical Personnel

Sec. 180.002.  DEFENSE OF CIVIL SUITS AGAINST PEACE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL PERSONNEL.
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2025
(a)  In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Article 2.12, Code of Criminal Procedure.
Text of subsection effective on January 01, 2025
(a)  In this section, "peace officer" has the meaning assigned by Article 2A.001, Code of Criminal Procedure.
(b)  A municipality or a school district or other special purpose district shall provide a municipal or district employee who is a peace officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical services employee with legal counsel without cost to the employee to defend the employee against a suit for damages by a party other than a governmental entity if:
(1)  legal counsel is requested by the employee; and
(2)  the suit involves an official act of the employee within the scope of the employee's authority.
(c)  To defend the employee against the suit, the municipality or district may provide counsel already employed by it or may employ private counsel.
(d)  An employee may recover from a municipality or district that fails to provide counsel as required by Subsection (b) the reasonable attorney's fees incurred in defending the suit if the trier of fact finds:
(1)  that the fees were incurred in defending a suit covered by Subsection (b); and
(2)  that the employee is without fault or that the employee acted with a reasonable good faith belief that the employee's actions were proper.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 42(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 56 (H.B. 1016), Sec. 1, eff. May 18, 2013.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 765 (H.B. 4504), Sec. 2.140, eff. January 1, 2025.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.003. Maximum Duty Hours of Peace Officers

Sec. 180.003.  MAXIMUM DUTY HOURS OF PEACE OFFICERS.  (a)  In a county with a population of 372,000 to 400,000, a sheriff, deputy, constable, or other peace officer of the county or a municipality located in the county may not be required to be on duty more than 48 hours a week unless the peace officer is called on by a superior officer to serve during an emergency as determined by the superior officer.
(b)  Hours of duty over 48 hours a week, compiled by a peace officer under Subsection (a), may be treated as overtime and may be deducted from future required hours of duty if:
(1)  the overtime is used within one year after it is compiled;  and
(2)  the peace officer obtains the permission of the superior officer.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 597, Sec. 93, eff. Sept. 1, 1991;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 669, Sec. 72, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 77, eff. September 1, 2011.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 4559), Sec. 139, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.004. Working Conditions for Pregnant Employees

Sec. 180.004.  WORKING CONDITIONS FOR PREGNANT EMPLOYEES.  (a)  In this section, "office" means a municipal or county office, department, division, program, commission, bureau, board, committee, or similar entity.
(b)  A municipality or a county shall make a reasonable effort to accommodate an employee of the municipality or county who is determined by a physician to be partially physically restricted by a pregnancy.
(c)  If the physician of a municipal or county employee certifies that the employee is unable to perform the duties of the employee's permanent work assignment as a result of the employee's pregnancy and if a temporary work assignment that the employee may perform is available in the same office, the office supervisor who is responsible for personnel decisions shall assign the employee to the temporary work assignment.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 533, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.005. Appointments to Local Governing Bodies

Sec. 180.005.  APPOINTMENTS TO LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES.  (a)  In this section, "local government" means a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state.
(b)  An appointment to the governing body of a local government shall be made as required by the law applicable to that local government and may be made with the intent to ensure that the governing body is representative of the constituency served by the governing body.
(c)  A local government that chooses to implement Subsection (b) shall adopt procedures for the implementation.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 301, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.007. Payments in Excess of Contractual Amount

Sec. 180.007.  PAYMENTS IN EXCESS OF CONTRACTUAL AMOUNT.  (a)  A political subdivision may not pay an employee or former employee more than an amount owed under a contract with the employee unless the political subdivision holds at least one public hearing under this section.
(b)  Notice must be given of the hearing in accordance with notice of a public meeting under Subchapter C, Chapter 551, Government Code.
(c)  The governing body of the political subdivision must state the following at the public hearing:
(1)  the reason the payment in excess of the contractual amount is being offered to the employee or former employee, including the public purpose that will be served by making the excess payment; and
(2)  the exact amount of the excess payment, the source of the payment, and the terms for the distribution of the payment that effect and maintain the public purpose to be served by making the excess payment.
Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 862 (H.B. 483), Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.008. Prohibition on Use of Public Money to Settle or Pay Sexual Harassment Claims

Sec. 180.008.  PROHIBITION ON USE OF PUBLIC MONEY TO SETTLE OR PAY SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS.  (a)  In this section, "political subdivision" means a county, municipality, school district, other special district, or other subdivision of state government.
(b)  A political subdivision may not use public money to settle or otherwise pay a sexual harassment claim made against a person who is:
(1)  an elected or appointed member of the governing body of the political subdivision; or
(2)  an officer or employee of the political subdivision.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 551 (S.B. 282), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 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 180 - Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers and Employees of More Than One Type of Local Government › Section 180.010. Removal for Certain Criminal Offenses

Sec. 180.010.  REMOVAL FOR CERTAIN CRIMINAL OFFENSES.  (a)  In this section, "qualifying offense" means a criminal offense involving:
(1)  bribery;
(2)  theft of public money;
(3)  perjury;
(4)  coercion of public servant or voter;
(5)  tampering with governmental record;
(6)  misuse of official information;
(7)  abuse of official capacity; or
(8)  conspiracy or the attempt to commit any of the offenses described by this subsection.
(b)  A person who holds an elected or appointed office of a political subdivision is automatically removed from and vacates the office on the earlier of the date the person:
(1)  enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a qualifying offense;
(2)  receives deferred adjudication for a qualifying offense; or
(3)  is convicted of a qualifying offense.
(c)  The governing body of a political subdivision shall at the first regularly scheduled meeting of the governing body for which notice is required under Chapter 551, Government Code, following the date an officer of the political subdivision is removed from office under this section:
(1)  order an election on the question of filling the vacancy to be held on the first day that allows sufficient time to comply with other requirements of law, if an election is required to fill the vacancy; or
(2)  fill the vacancy in the manner provided by law, if an election is not required.
Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1048 (S.B. 232), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.001. County Recorder; Seal; General Duties

Sec. 191.001.  COUNTY RECORDER;  SEAL;  GENERAL DUTIES.  (a)  As provided by Article V, Section 20, of the Texas Constitution, the county clerk of a county serves as the county recorder.
(b)  The county clerk shall use the county court seal to authenticate all of the clerk's official acts as county recorder. The clerk may affix the seal on an original document by stamp, electronic means, facsimile, or other means that legibly reproduces all of the required elements of the seal for the purposes of reproduction.
(c)  The county clerk shall record, exactly, without delay, and in the manner provided by this subtitle, the contents of each instrument that is filed for recording and that the clerk is authorized to record.
(d)  The county clerk shall keep the records properly indexed and arranged as provided by this subtitle.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1248, Sec. 49, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 946 (H.B. 1728), Sec. 4, eff. June 14, 2013.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.002. Records to Be Kept in Well-Bound Books or on Microfilm or Other Media

Sec. 191.002.  RECORDS TO BE KEPT IN WELL-BOUND BOOKS OR ON MICROFILM OR OTHER MEDIA.  When the county clerk records an instrument, the clerk shall do so in a suitable well-bound book.  However, this requirement does not apply to an instrument recorded and maintained on microfilm or other medium as provided by Chapters 204 and 205 and rules adopted under those chapters.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1248, Sec. 50, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.003. Effective Date of Recording

Sec. 191.003.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDING.  An instrument filed with a county clerk for recording is considered recorded from the time that the instrument is filed.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.004. Attested Copies

Sec. 191.004.  ATTESTED COPIES.  (a)  On demand, the county clerk shall give an attested copy of any instrument that is recorded in the clerk's office.
(b)  The fee provided by law for an attested copy shall be paid to the clerk.
(c)  Subsection (a) does not apply to birth and death records maintained under the vital statistics laws of this state as provided by Title 3, Health and Safety Code.  The county clerk shall allow access to and give attested copies of those records only as provided by the vital statistics laws, rules adopted under those laws, and Chapter 552, Government Code.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, Sec. 43(a), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;  Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 920, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;  Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1192, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.005. Effect of Copy

Sec. 191.005.  EFFECT OF COPY.  If made and recorded as provided by law, a transcribed record, a translation of a Spanish archive, a rerecorded deed, any other instrument required by law to be recorded, or a certified copy of such a record has the same effect as the original record.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.006. Public Access to Records

Sec. 191.006.  PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS.  All records belonging to the office of the county clerk to which access is not otherwise restricted by law or by court order shall be open to the public at all reasonable times.  A member of the public may make a copy of any of the records.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1248, Sec. 51, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.008. Authority to Establish Computerized Electronic Information System

Sec. 191.008.  AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH COMPUTERIZED ELECTRONIC INFORMATION SYSTEM.  (a)  The commissioners court of a county by order may provide for the establishment and operation of a computerized electronic information system through which it may provide on a contractual basis direct access to information that relates to all or some county and precinct records and records of the district courts and courts of appeals having jurisdiction in the county, that is public information, and that is stored or processed in the system.  The commissioners court may make records available through the system only if the custodian of the records agrees in writing to allow public access under this section to the records.
(b)  The commissioners court may:
(1)  provide procedures for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the information system;
(2)  establish eligibility criteria for users;
(3)  delineate the public information to be available through the system;
(4)  set a reasonable fee, charged under a contract, for use of the system;  and
(5)  consolidate billing and collection of fees and payments under one county department or office.
(c)  The commissioners court may contract with a person or other governmental agency for the development, acquisition, maintenance, or operation of:
(1)  the information system or any component of the information system, including telecommunication services necessary for access to the system;  and
(2)  billing and collection services for the system.
Added by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 86, Sec. 1, eff. May 15, 1991.
2023 Texas Statutes › Local Government Code › Title 6 - Records › Subtitle B - County Records › Chapter 191 - General Records Provisions Affecting Counties › Section 191.009. Electronic Filing and Recording

Sec. 191.009.  ELECTRONIC FILING AND RECORDING.  (a)  A county clerk may accept electronic documents and other instruments by electronic filing and record the electronic documents and other instruments electronically if the filing or recording complies with the rules adopted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Chapter 195.
(b)  An electronic document or other instrument that is filed electronically in compliance with the rules adopted under Chapter 195 is considered to have been filed in compliance with any law relating to the filing of instruments with a county clerk.
(c)  For purposes of this section:
(1)  an instrument is an electronic record, as defined by Section 322.002, Business & Commerce Code; and
(2)  "electronic document" has the meaning assigned by Section 15.002, Property Code.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 58, Sec. 1, eff. May 10, 1999.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 702, Sec. 2, eff. January 1, 2002.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 699 (S.B. 335), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278), Sec. 2.23, eff. April 1, 2009.