81R7863 ESH-F
By: Marquez H.B. No. 2301
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the creation of a county ethics commission in certain
counties; providing civil and criminal penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 5, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 161 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 161. COUNTY ETHICS COMMISSION IN CERTAIN COUNTIES
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 161.001. APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter
applies only to a county with a population of 650,000 or more that
is located on the international border.
Sec. 161.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) "Commission" means a county ethics commission
created under this chapter.
(2) "Commission staff" means county employees
assigned to provide administrative support to the commission.
(3) "County affiliate" means a person described and
determined by order of the commissioners court on recommendation of
the commission. As determined by the commissioners court, the term
includes:
(A) any person whose goods and services are
purchased under the terms of a purchase order or contractual
agreement with the county; and
(B) as determined by the county, any other
persons doing business with the county.
(4) "County employee" means a person employed by the
county or a county officer and includes a person employed in the
judicial branch of the county government who is not subject to the
Code of Judicial Conduct. The term does not include a county
officer.
(5) "County office" means a position held by a county
officer.
(6) "County officer" means a county judge, county
commissioner, county attorney, sheriff, county tax
assessor-collector, county clerk, district clerk, county
treasurer, county auditor, county purchasing agent, and constable.
(7) "County public servant" means a person elected,
selected, appointed, employed, or otherwise designated as one of
the following, even if the person has not yet qualified for or
assumed the duties of office:
(A) a county officer or county employee;
(B) a person appointed by the commissioners court
or a county officer to a position on one of the following, whether
the position is compensated or not:
(i) an authority, board, bureau,
commission, committee, council, department, district, division, or
office of the county; or
(ii) a multi-jurisdictional board;
(C) an attorney at law or notary public when
participating in the performance of a governmental function;
(D) a candidate for nomination or election to an
elected county office; or
(E) a person who is performing a governmental
function under a claim of right although the person is not legally
qualified or authorized to do so.
(8) "Lobbyist" means a person who communicates with a
county officer or county employee to influence official action.
[Sections 161.003-161.050 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B. CREATION OF COMMISSION; APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSION
MEMBERS
Sec. 161.051. CREATION OF COMMISSION BY ORDER. (a) The
commissioners court of a county, by an order adopted by a majority
of the court's full membership, may create a county ethics
commission.
(b) A copy of an order adopted under this section shall be
placed in the minutes of the court's proceedings. The copy of the
order is public information.
Sec. 161.052. CREATION OF COMMISSION BY ELECTION. (a) A
county ethics commission may be created by approval of the system by
a majority of the qualified voters of the county voting at an
election called for that purpose.
(b) The commissioners court by order may call an election on
the question of the creation of a county ethics commission.
(c) The commissioners court shall hold the election called
under this section on the first authorized uniform election date
prescribed by Chapter 41, Election Code, that allows sufficient
time for publication of the notice required by Subsection (d) and
for compliance with any other requirements established by law.
(d) In addition to the notice required by Chapter 4,
Election Code, the commissioners court must publish in a newspaper
of general circulation in the county, and on the home page of the
county's Internet website, a substantial copy of the order calling
the election. The first newspaper publication must be made on or
before the 15th day before the date of the election and continue
once a week for two consecutive weeks, and the notice on the
county's Internet website shall remain on the home page each day
beginning not later than the 16th day before the election and ending
on the date of the election.
Sec. 161.053. BALLOT. The commissioners court shall order
the ballot at the election to be printed to provide for voting for
or against the proposition: "Creation of a county ethics
commission."
Sec. 161.054. RESULT OF ELECTION. If the proposition is
approved, the commissioners court shall declare the result and by
order create the county ethics commission. A copy of the order
creating the commission shall be placed in the minutes of the
court's proceedings.
Sec. 161.055. APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSION. (a) The
commission is composed of:
(1) five members, each of whom is appointed by the
county judge or a county commissioner; and
(2) four public representative members, appointed as
provided by this section.
(b) Not later than the 60th day after the date of the order
creating the commission as provided in Section 161.051 or Section
161.054:
(1) the county judge and each county commissioner
shall each appoint one member of the commission; and
(2) the commissioners court shall order publication of
a notice seeking applicants for four public representative members
of the commission.
(c) The commissioners court shall set the date for the first
meeting of the initial members appointed by the county judge and the
commissioners court. The first meeting must be set not earlier than
the 60th day after the date of the order creating the commission and
not later than the 90th day after the date of that order.
(d) At the first meeting of the commission, the initial
members shall elect one member as chair of the commission.
(e) Not later than the 120th day after the date of the order
creating the commission, the initial members shall appoint four
public representatives from the applications received pursuant to
Subsection (b)(2). After the initial public representatives are
appointed, the entire board shall appoint the successor public
representatives.
Sec. 161.056. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To be eligible for
appointment to the commission, a person must:
(1) be at least 25 years old; and
(2) have resided in the county for the two years
immediately preceding the date on which the person's term will
begin.
(b) A person is not eligible for appointment to the
commission if the person is:
(1) an elected officer;
(2) a county employee;
(3) a county affiliate;
(4) a person employed as a lobbyist;
(5) a person convicted of a misdemeanor involving
moral turpitude or a felony; or
(6) a person who is delinquent in payment of local,
state, or federal taxes.
Sec. 161.057. TERMS. (a) Members of the commission serve
staggered terms of two years, with the terms of four or five members
expiring each year.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), the initial members of
the commission shall select by lot five members to serve a term of
two years and four members to serve a term of one year.
Sec. 161.058. VACANCIES. (a) A vacancy on the commission
shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term as follows:
(1) if the vacancy represents a member appointed by
the county judge or a county commissioner, the vacancy is filled,
except as provided by Subsection (b), by appointment of that
officer or the officer's successor-in-office; or
(2) if the vacancy represents a public representative
member, by the commission.
(b) If the county judge or county commissioner, as
applicable, does not fill the vacancy before the 60th day after the
date the position becomes vacant, the commission may fill the
vacancy by a majority vote of the remaining members.
Sec. 161.059. MEETINGS. (a) The commission shall meet on a
regular basis.
(b) The commission is a governmental body for purpose of
Chapter 551, Government Code.
Sec. 161.060. REMOVAL OF COMMISSION MEMBER. A member of the
commission may be removed as provided by Chapter 87 if, after a
trial, the jury finds good cause for removal, including:
(1) failure to pay local, state, or federal taxes when
due;
(2) violation of the ethics code adopted by the
commission;
(3) conviction of a felony or misdemeanor;
(4) excessive absenteeism as determined by the
commission; and
(5) official misconduct.
Sec. 161.061. LEGAL REPRESENTATION. The county attorney, or
district attorney, or criminal district attorney, as appropriate,
with the duty to represent the county in civil matters shall
represent the commission in all legal matters.
[Sections 161.062-161.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS
Sec. 161.101. GENERAL POWERS. (a) The commission shall
adopt, publish, and enforce an ethics code governing county public
servants.
(b) The commission may adopt or use as a guide any ethics law
or rule of the United States, this state, or a political subdivision
in this state to the extent that the law or rule promotes the
purposes of this chapter and serves the needs of the county.
(c) The commission may adopt bylaws, rules, forms,
policies, or procedures to assist in the administration of the
commission's duties under this chapter. The commission may be
guided by Robert's Rules of Order to the extent that it does not
conflict with the constitution and laws of the United States and
this state or conflict with other guidelines adopted by the
commission.
(d) The commission shall be assigned staff by the county and
provided access to county resources to assist in its duties.
(e) The commission shall develop and implement polices that
provide the public with information on the commission and the
ethics code.
(f) The commission may adopt or use as a guide the
provisions of Subchapter D or E.
(g) The commission shall enforce the provisions of the
ethics code by issuing appropriate orders or recommendations or by
imposing appropriate penalties.
Sec. 161.102. ADVISORY OPINIONS. On its own initiative or
on the request of any person covered by the ethics code adopted by
the commission, the commission may issue a written ethics advisory
opinion regarding the application of the ethics code to a specified
existing or hypothetical factual situation. The commission may not
issue an opinion that includes the name of any person who may be
affected by the opinion. If made at the request of a person covered
by the ethics code, the name of that person shall be deemed
confidential.
Sec. 161.103. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION. (a) The
commission shall develop plain-language materials as described by
this section. The commission shall post the information on the
county's Internet website and make the information otherwise
available to the public.
(b) The materials must include:
(1) a description of:
(A) the commission's responsibilities;
(B) the types of conduct that constitute a
violation of the ethics code adopted by the commission;
(C) the types of sanctions the commission may
impose;
(D) the commission's policies and procedures
relating to complaint investigation and resolution; and
(E) the duties of a person filing a complaint
with the commission; and
(2) a diagram showing the basic steps in the
commission's procedures relating to complaint investigation and
resolution.
(c) The commission shall provide the materials described by
this section to each complainant and respondent.
(d) The commission shall adopt a policy to effectively
distribute materials as required by this section.
Sec. 161.104. COMMISSION MEMBER EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
(a) Not later than the 60th day after the date a person is appointed
to the commission, the person must complete training on the
following matters:
(1) the legislation that created the commission;
(2) the role and functions of the commission; and
(3) the requirements of:
(A) the open meetings law, Chapter 551,
Government Code;
(B) the public information law, Chapter 552,
Government Code; and
(C) other laws relating to public officials,
including conflict-of-interest laws.
(b) A member of the commission must complete subsequent
training programs on the following matters:
(1) the ethics code adopted by the commission; and
(2) the procedural rules adopted by the commission.
(c) Other than the initial appointees and public
representatives, a person who is appointed to and qualifies for
office as a member of the commission may not vote, deliberate, or be
counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission
until the person completes a training program that complies with
this section.
Sec. 161.105. EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR PERSONS COVERED BY
ETHICS CODE. (a) The commission and commission staff shall provide
periodic training for persons covered by the ethics code adopted by
the commission on at least a quarterly basis.
(b) The training program must provide information
regarding:
(1) the ethics code;
(2) the role and functions of the commission; and
(3) plain-language materials as further described by
Section 161.103.
(c) In addition to the qualifications under Subchapter C,
Chapter 262, before submitting a bid, responding to a request for
qualifications or proposals, or otherwise contracting with the
county, an officer, principal, or other person with the authority
to bind the vendor shall complete training on the ethics code.
(d) A lobbyist intending to meet with a person covered by
the ethics code shall complete training on the ethics code.
[Sections 161.106-161.150 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER D. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES AND HEARINGS
Sec. 161.151. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Category One violation" means a violation of the
ethics code adopted by the commission as to which it is generally
not difficult to ascertain whether the violation occurred or did
not occur, including:
(A) the failure by a person required to file a
statement or report required under the ethics code to:
(i) file the statement or report in a manner
that complies with applicable requirements; or
(ii) file the statement or report in a
timely manner;
(B) a misrepresentation in a report required
under the ethics code; or
(C) a failure to respond in a timely manner to a
written notice under Section 161.156(b).
(2) "Category Two violation" means a violation of the
ethics code adopted by the commission that is not a Category One
violation.
Sec. 161.152. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES AND HEARINGS. The
commission may adopt the complaint procedures and hearings set
forth in this subchapter.
Sec. 161.153. HEARINGS AND SETTLEMENT. (a) The commission
may:
(1) hold hearings, on its own motion adopted by an
affirmative vote of at least six commission members or on a sworn
complaint, and render decisions on complaints or reports of
violations as provided by this chapter; and
(2) agree to the settlement of issues.
(b) The commission may not consider a complaint or vote to
investigate a matter outside the commission's jurisdiction.
Sec. 161.154. CATEGORIZATION OF VIOLATIONS. An allegation
of a violation listed as a Category One violation shall be treated
as a Category Two violation if the commission at any time determines
that:
(1) the allegation arises out of the same set of facts
as those that give rise to an allegation of a Category Two
violation, and the interests of justice or efficiency require
resolution of the allegations together; or
(2) the facts and law related to a particular
allegation or a defense to the allegation present a level of
complexity that prevents resolution through the preliminary review
procedures for Category One violations prescribed by Section
161.159(a).
Sec. 161.155. FILING OF COMPLAINT; CONTENTS. (a) An
individual may file with the commission a sworn complaint, on a form
prescribed by the commission, alleging that a person subject to the
ethics code has violated the ethics code. The commission shall make
the complaint form available on the county website.
(b) A complaint filed under this section must be in writing
and under oath and must set forth in simple, concise, and direct
statements:
(1) the name of the complainant;
(2) the street or mailing address of the complainant;
(3) the name of each respondent;
(4) the position or title of each respondent;
(5) the nature of the alleged violation, including if
possible the specific rule or provision of the ethics code alleged
to have been violated;
(6) a statement of the facts constituting the alleged
violation and the dates on which or period of time in which the
alleged violation occurred; and
(7) all documents or other material available to the
complainant that are relevant to the allegation, a list of all
documents or other material within the knowledge of the complainant
and available to the complainant that are relevant to the
allegation but that are not in the possession of the complainant,
including the location of the documents, if known, and a list of all
documents or other material within the knowledge of the complainant
that are unavailable to the complainant and that are relevant to the
complaint, including the location of the documents, if known.
(c) The complaint must be accompanied by an affidavit
stating either that the information contained in the complaint is
correct or that the complainant has good reason to believe and does
believe that the violation occurred. If the complaint is based on
information and belief, the complaint shall state the source and
basis of the information and belief. The complainant may swear to
the facts by oath before a notary public or other authorized
official.
(d) The complaint must state on its face an allegation that,
if true, constitutes a violation of the ethics code.
Sec. 161.156. PROCESSING OF COMPLAINT. (a) The commission
shall determine whether a sworn complaint filed with the commission
complies with the form requirements of Section 161.155.
(b) Not later than the 10th business day after the date a
complaint is filed, the commission shall send written notice to the
complainant and the respondent. The notice must state whether the
complaint complies with the form requirements of Section 161.155
and include the information required by Section 161.158(d).
(c) If the commission determines that the complaint does not
comply with the form requirements, the commission shall send the
complaint to the complainant with the written notice, a statement
explaining how the complaint fails to comply, and a copy of the
rules for filing sworn complaints. The complainant may resubmit
the complaint not later than the 21st day after the date the notice
under Subsection (b) is mailed. If the commission determines that
the complaint is not resubmitted within the 21-day period, the
commission shall:
(1) dismiss the complaint; and
(2) not later than the 10th business day after the date
of the dismissal, send written notice to the complainant and the
respondent of the dismissal and the grounds for dismissal.
(d) If the commission determines that a complaint is
resubmitted under Subsection (c) within the 21-day period but is
not in proper form, the commission shall send the notice required
under Subsection (c), and the complainant may resubmit the
complaint under that subsection.
(e) If the commission determines that a complaint returned
to the complainant under Subsection (c) or (d) is resubmitted
within the 21-day period and that the complaint complies with the
form requirements, the commission shall send the written notice
under Subsection (b).
Sec. 161.157. RETALIATION AGAINST COUNTY EMPLOYEE
REPORTING VIOLATION OF ETHICS CODE PROHIBITED. (a) The county may
not suspend or terminate the employment of or take other adverse
action against a county employee who in good faith files a complaint
or otherwise reports to the ethics commission, commission staff, or
another law enforcement authority a violation of the ethics code by
a person subject to the ethics code.
(b) The county may not suspend or terminate the employment
of or take other adverse action against a county employee who in
good faith participates in the complaint processing, preliminary
review, hearing, or any other aspect of the investigation and
resolution by the commission of an alleged violation of the ethics
code by a person subject to the ethics code.
(c) A commission created by a county under this chapter is a
part of the "local governmental entity" for purposes of Section
554.002, Government Code.
(d) An ethics code adopted by a commission pursuant to this
chapter is a "law" as defined by Section 554.001, Government Code.
Sec. 161.158. PRELIMINARY REVIEW: INITIATION. (a) The
commission staff shall promptly conduct a preliminary review on
receipt of a written complaint that is in compliance with the form
requirements of Section 161.155.
(b) On a motion adopted by an affirmative vote of at least
six commission members, the commission may initiate a preliminary
review of the matter that is the subject of the motion without a
sworn complaint.
(c) The commission shall determine in writing whether the
commission has jurisdiction over the violation of the ethics code
provision alleged in a sworn complaint processed under Section
161.156.
(d) If the commission determines that it has jurisdiction,
it shall issue a notice under Section 161.156(b) that must include:
(1) a statement that the commission has jurisdiction
over the violation alleged in the complaint;
(2) a statement of whether the complaint will be
processed as a Category One violation or a Category Two violation,
subject to reconsideration as provided for by Section 161.154;
(3) the date by which the respondent is required to
respond to the notice;
(4) a copy of the complaint and the rules of procedure
of the commission;
(5) a statement of the rights of the respondent;
(6) a statement inviting the respondent to provide to
the commission any information relevant to the complaint; and
(7) a statement that a failure to timely respond to the
notice will be treated as a separate violation.
(e) If the commission determines that the commission does
not have jurisdiction over the violation alleged in the complaint,
the commission shall:
(1) dismiss the complaint; and
(2) not later than the 10th business day after the date
of the dismissal, send to the complainant and the respondent
written notice of the dismissal and the grounds for the dismissal.
Sec. 161.159. PRELIMINARY REVIEW: RESPONSE BY RESPONDENT.
(a) If the alleged violation is a Category One violation:
(1) the respondent must respond to the notice required
by Section 161.156(b) not later than the 10th business day after the
date the respondent receives the notice; and
(2) if the matter is not resolved by agreement between
the commission and the respondent before the 30th business day
after the date the respondent receives the notice under Section
161.156(b), the commission shall set the matter for a preliminary
review hearing to be held at the next commission meeting for which
notice has not yet been posted.
(b) If the alleged violation is a Category Two violation:
(1) the respondent must respond to the notice required
by Section 161.156(b) not later than the 25th business day after the
date the respondent receives the notice under Section 161.156(b);
and
(2) if the matter is not resolved by agreement between
the commission and the respondent before the 75th business day
after the date the respondent receives the notice under Section
161.156(b), the commission shall set the matter for a preliminary
review hearing to be held at the next commission meeting for which
notice has not yet been posted.
(c) A respondent's failure to timely respond as required by
Subsection (a)(1) or (b)(1) is a Category One violation.
(d) The response required by Subsection (a) or (b) must
include any challenge the respondent seeks to raise to the
commission's exercise of jurisdiction. In addition, the respondent
may:
(1) acknowledge the occurrence or commission of a
violation;
(2) deny the allegations contained in the complaint
and provide evidence supporting the denial; or
(3) agree to enter into an assurance of voluntary
compliance or other agreed order, which may include an agreement to
immediately cease and desist.
(e) If the commission sets the matter for a preliminary
review hearing, the commission shall promptly send to the
complainant and the respondent written notice of the date, time,
and place of the preliminary review hearing.
Sec. 161.160. PRELIMINARY REVIEW: WRITTEN QUESTIONS.
During a preliminary review, the commission staff may submit to the
complainant or respondent written questions reasonably intended to
lead to the discovery of matters relevant to the investigation.
Sec. 161.161. PRELIMINARY REVIEW AND PRELIMINARY REVIEW
PROCEDURES. The commission shall adopt procedures for the conduct
of preliminary reviews and preliminary review hearings. The
procedures must include:
(1) a reasonable time for responding to questions
submitted by the commission and commission staff and subpoenas
issued by the commission; and
(2) the tolling or extension of otherwise applicable
deadlines where:
(A) the commission issues a subpoena and the
commission's meeting schedule makes it impossible both to provide a
reasonable time for response and to comply with the otherwise
applicable deadlines; or
(B) the commission determines that, despite the
commission staff's diligence and the reasonable cooperation of the
respondent, a matter is too complex to resolve within the otherwise
applicable deadlines without compromising either the commission
staff's investigation or the rights of the respondent.
Sec. 161.162. PRELIMINARY REVIEW HEARING: PROCEDURE. (a)
The commission shall conduct a preliminary review hearing if:
(1) following the preliminary review, the commission
and the respondent cannot agree to the disposition of the complaint
or motion; or
(2) the respondent in writing requests a hearing.
(b) The commission shall provide written notice to the
complainant, if any, and the respondent of the date, time, and place
the commission will conduct the preliminary review hearing.
(c) At or after the time the commission provides notice of a
preliminary review hearing, the commission may submit to the
complainant and the respondent written questions and require those
questions to be answered under oath within a reasonable time.
(d) During a preliminary review hearing, the commission:
(1) may consider all submitted evidence related to the
complaint or to the subject matter of a motion under Section
161.158(b);
(2) may review any documents or material related to
the complaint or to the motion; and
(3) shall determine whether there is credible evidence
that provides cause for the commission to conclude that a violation
within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred.
(e) During a preliminary review hearing, the respondent may
appear before the commission with the assistance of counsel, if
desired by the respondent, and present any relevant evidence,
including a written statement.
Sec. 161.163. PRELIMINARY REVIEW HEARING: RESOLUTION. (a)
As soon as practicable after the completion of a preliminary review
hearing, the commission by vote shall issue a decision stating:
(1) whether there is credible evidence for the
commission 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
commission to determine whether a violation within the jurisdiction
of the commission has occurred.
(b) If the commission determines that there is credible
evidence for the commission to determine that a violation has
occurred, the commission shall resolve and settle the complaint or
motion to the extent possible. If the commission successfully
resolves and settles the complaint or motion, not later than the
10th business day after the date of the final resolution of the
complaint or motion, the commission shall send to the complainant,
if any, and the respondent a copy of the decision stating the
commission's determination and written notice of the resolution and
the terms of the resolution. If the commission is unsuccessful in
resolving and settling the complaint or motion, the commission
shall:
(1) order a formal hearing to be held in accordance
with Sections 161.164 through 161.167; and
(2) not later than the 10th business day after the date
of the decision, send to the complainant, if any, and the
respondent:
(A) a copy of the decision;
(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 or motion;
(F) a copy of the commission's rules of
procedure; and
(G) a statement of the rights of the respondent.
(c) If the commission determines that there is credible
evidence for the commission to determine that a violation within
the jurisdiction of the commission has not occurred, the commission
shall:
(1) dismiss the complaint or motion; and
(2) not later than the fifth business day after the
date of the dismissal, send to the complainant, if any, and the
respondent a copy of the decision stating the commission's
determination and written notice of the dismissal and the grounds
for dismissal.
(d) If the commission determines that there is insufficient
credible evidence for the commission to determine that a violation
within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred, the
commission may dismiss the complaint or motion or promptly conduct
a formal hearing under Sections 161.164 through 161.167. Not later
than the fifth business day after the date of the commission's
determination under this subsection, the commission shall send to
the complainant, if any, and the respondent a copy of the decision
stating the commission's determination and written notice of the
grounds for the determination.
Sec. 161.164. FORMAL HEARING: STANDARD OF EVIDENCE.
During a formal hearing, the commission shall determine by a
preponderance of the evidence whether a violation within the
jurisdiction of the commission has occurred.
Sec. 161.165. FORMAL HEARING: SUBPOENAS AND WITNESSES.
(a) A subpoena or other request to testify shall be served
sufficiently in advance of the scheduled appearance at a formal
hearing to allow a reasonable period, as determined by the
commission, for the person subpoenaed to prepare for the hearing
and to employ counsel if desired.
(b) Except as provided by Section 161.166(a)(1), the
commission may order that a person may not, except as specifically
authorized by the presiding officer, make public the name of a
witness subpoenaed by the commission before the date of that
witness's scheduled appearance.
(c) A witness may read a written statement or present a
brief oral opening statement at a formal hearing.
(d) A person whose name is mentioned or who is identified or
referred to in testimony or in statements made by a commission
member, commission staff member, or witness and who reasonably
believes that the statement tends to adversely affect the person's
reputation may:
(1) request to appear personally before the commission
to testify in the person's own behalf; or
(2) file a sworn statement of facts relevant to the
testimony or statement that the person believes adversely affects
the person's reputation.
(e) A witness who testifies at a formal hearing must be
sworn.
Sec. 161.166. FORMAL HEARING: PROCEDURE. (a) Not later
than the fifth business day before the date of a scheduled formal
hearing or on the granting of a motion for discovery by the
respondent, the commission shall provide to the complainant, if
any, and to the respondent:
(1) a list of proposed witnesses to be called at the
hearing;
(2) copies of all documents expected to be introduced
as exhibits at the hearing; and
(3) a brief statement as to the nature of the testimony
expected to be given by each witness to be called at the hearing.
(b) The respondent may not be compelled to give evidence or
testimony that violates the respondent's right against
self-incrimination under the United States Constitution or the
Texas Constitution.
(c) The commission shall adopt rules governing discovery,
hearings, and related procedures consistent with this chapter and
Chapter 2001, Government Code.
Sec. 161.167. FORMAL HEARING: RESOLUTION. (a) Not later
than the 30th business day after the date of the formal hearing, the
commission shall convene a meeting and by motion shall issue:
(1) a final decision stating the resolution of the
formal hearing; and
(2) a written report stating the commission's findings
of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendation of criminal
referral or imposition of a civil penalty, if any.
(b) Six members of the commission are required for a quorum
at a formal hearing.
(c) Not later than the 10th business day after the date the
commission issues the final decision and written report, the
commission shall:
(1) send a copy of the decision and report to the
complainant, if any, and to the respondent; and
(2) make a copy of the decision and report available to
the public during reasonable business hours.
Sec. 161.168. STATUS OF COMPLAINT. (a) The commission
shall keep an information file about each sworn or other complaint
filed with the commission. The file must include:
(1) the name of the person who filed the complaint;
(2) the date the complaint is received by the
commission;
(3) the subject matter of the complaint;
(4) the name of each person contacted in relation to
the complaint;
(5) a summary of the results of the review or
investigation of the complaint; and
(6) an explanation of the reason the file was closed,
if the commission closed the file without taking action other than
to investigate the complaint.
(b) The commission shall provide to the person filing the
complaint and to each person who is a subject of the complaint a
copy of the commission's policies and procedures relating to
complaint investigation and resolution.
(c) In addition to the notice required by Sections 161.156
and 161.167, the commission, at least quarterly until final
disposition of a complaint, shall notify the person who filed the
complaint and each person who is a subject of the complaint, if any,
of the status of the sworn or other complaint.
(d) The commission shall resolve a complaint within six
months of its receipt unless it makes a determination that
additional time is required to resolve the matter. On a
determination that additional time is required, the commission may
extend the investigation in three-month increments. Each extension
requires separate approval by the commission.
(e) If the commission does not resolve the matter within six
months or within an authorized extension, the complaint shall be
deemed to have been dismissed without prejudice.
Sec. 161.169. EXTENSION OF DEADLINE. The commission may,
on its own motion or on the reasonable request of a respondent,
extend any deadline for action relating to a sworn complaint,
motion, preliminary review hearing, or formal hearing.
Sec. 161.170. SUBPOENA. (a) In connection with a formal
hearing, the commission, as authorized by this chapter, may
subpoena and examine witnesses and documents that directly relate
to a sworn complaint.
(b) In connection with a preliminary review, the
commission, for good cause and as authorized by this chapter, may
subpoena documents and witnesses on application by the commission
staff and a motion adopted by a vote of at least five members of the
commission, for the purpose of attempting to obtain from the
documents or witnesses specifically identified information, if the
commission reasonably believes that the specifically identified
information:
(1) is likely to be determinative as to whether the
subject of an investigation has violated a provision of the ethics
code;
(2) can be determined from the documents or is known by
the witnesses; and
(3) is not reasonably available through a less
intrusive means.
(c) The commission shall adopt procedures for the issuance
of subpoenas under this section.
(d) A copy of a subpoena issued under this section must be
delivered to the respondent.
(e) At the written request of at least five members of the
commission, a peace officer shall serve a subpoena of the
commission in the manner prescribed for service of a district court
subpoena.
(f) If a person to whom a subpoena is directed refuses to
appear, refuses to answer inquiries, or fails or refuses to produce
books, records, or other documents that were under the person's
control when the demand was made, the commission shall report that
fact to a district court in the county. The district court shall
enforce the subpoena by attachment proceedings for contempt in the
same manner as the court enforces a subpoena issued by the court.
(g) A respondent has the right to quash a subpoena as
provided by law.
(h) A subpoenaed witness who attends a commission hearing is
entitled to the same mileage and per diem payments as a witness who
appears before a grand jury. A person who provides subpoenaed
documents to the commission is entitled to reimbursement from the
commission for the person's reasonable cost of producing the
documents.
Sec. 161.171. STATUS OF COMPLAINANT. The complainant is
not a party to a preliminary review, preliminary review hearing, or
formal hearing under this subchapter.
Sec. 161.172. APPLICABILITY OF OTHER ACTS. (a) Except as
provided by Section 161.173(b), Chapter 552, Government Code, does
not apply to documents or any additional evidence relating to the
processing, preliminary review, preliminary review hearing, or
resolution of a sworn complaint or motion.
(b) Chapter 551, Government Code, does not apply to the
processing, preliminary review, preliminary review hearing, or
resolution of a sworn complaint or motion, but does apply to a
formal hearing held under Sections 161.164 through 161.167.
(c) Subchapters C through H, Chapter 2001, Government Code,
apply only to a formal hearing under this subchapter, the
resolution of a formal hearing, and the appeal of a final order of
the commission, and only to the extent consistent with this
chapter.
Sec. 161.173. CONFIDENTIALITY; OFFENSE. (a) Except as
provided by Subsection (b) or (c) or by Section 161.201,
proceedings at a preliminary review hearing performed by the
commission, a sworn complaint, and documents and any additional
evidence relating to the processing, preliminary review,
preliminary review hearing, or resolution of a sworn complaint or
motion are confidential and may not be disclosed unless entered
into the record of a formal hearing or a judicial proceeding, except
that a document or statement that was previously public information
remains public information.
(b) An order issued by the commission after the completion
of a preliminary review or hearing determining that a violation
other than a technical or de minimis violation has occurred is not
confidential.
(c) Commission staff may, for the purpose of investigating a
sworn complaint or motion, disclose to the complainant, the
respondent, or a witness information that is otherwise confidential
and relates to the sworn complaint if:
(1) the employee makes a good faith determination that
the disclosure is necessary to conduct the investigation;
(2) the employee's determination under Subdivision (1)
is objectively reasonable;
(3) the commission specifically authorizes the
disclosure; and
(4) the employee discloses only the information
necessary to conduct the investigation.
(d) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally:
(1) destroys, mutilates, or alters information
obtained under this chapter; or
(2) removes information obtained under this chapter
without permission as provided by this chapter.
(e) An offense under Subsection (d) is a misdemeanor
punishable by:
(1) a fine of not less than $25 or more than $4,000;
(2) confinement in the county jail for not less than
three days or more than three months; or
(3) both the fine and confinement.
(f) A person commits an offense if the person distributes
information considered confidential under the terms of this
chapter.
(g) A person who obtains access to confidential information
under this chapter commits an offense if that person knowingly:
(1) uses the confidential information for a purpose
other than the purpose for which the information was received or for
a purpose unrelated to this chapter, including solicitation of
political contributions or solicitation of clients;
(2) permits inspection of the confidential
information by a person who is not authorized to inspect the
information; or
(3) discloses the confidential information to a person
who is not authorized to receive the information.
(h) An offense under Subsection (f) or (g) is a misdemeanor
punishable by:
(1) a fine of not more than $1,000;
(2) confinement in the county jail for not more than
six months; or
(3) both the fine and confinement.
(i) A violation under this section constitutes official
misconduct.
(j) In addition to other penalties, the respondent may
commence a civil action for damages on the respondent's own behalf
against any person who is alleged to have disclosed information
made confidential by this subchapter. Any action under this chapter
must be brought in a district court in the county. The court may
award costs and attorney's fees.
(k) A county employee is subject to discipline, including
termination of employment, for disclosing confidential information
under this chapter.
(l) A county employee who discloses confidential
information in compliance with Subsection (c) is not subject to
Subsections (d)-(k).
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.
[Sections 161.175-161.200 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER E. ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 161.201. INITIATION AND REFERRAL. (a) On a motion
adopted by an affirmative vote of at least six commission members,
the commission may initiate civil enforcement actions and refer
matters to the appropriate prosecuting attorney for criminal
prosecution.
(b) On receipt of a sworn complaint, if the commission
reasonably believes that the person who is the subject of the
complaint has violated Chapter 36, 37, or 39, Penal Code, the
commission may refer the matter to the appropriate prosecuting
attorney for criminal prosecution.
(c) In making a referral to a prosecuting attorney under
this section, the commission may disclose confidential
information.
Sec. 161.202. 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
penalty as provided pursuant to Section 161.203.
Sec. 161.203. 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.
Sec. 161.204. 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.
Sec. 161.205. 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.
Sec. 161.206. 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.
Sec. 161.207. 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.
Sec. 161.208. 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 under this section is under the substantial
evidence rule, and the judgment of the district court is appealable
as in other civil cases.
(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.
Sec. 161.209. REVIEW UNDER SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE RULE. In
an appeal under Section 161.208, the district court may not
substitute its judgment for the judgment of the commission on the
weight of the evidence on questions committed to the commission's
discretion but:
(1) may affirm the commission's decision in whole or in
part; and
(2) shall reverse or remand the case for further
proceedings if substantial rights of the petitioner have been
prejudiced because the commission's findings, inferences,
conclusions, or decisions are:
(A) in violation of a constitutional or statutory
provision;
(B) in excess of the commission's authority;
(C) made through unlawful procedure;
(D) affected by other error of law;
(E) not reasonably supported by substantial
evidence considering the reliable and probative evidence in the
record as a whole; or
(F) arbitrary or capricious, characterized by
abuse of discretion, or clearly an unwarranted exercise of
discretion.
Sec. 161.210. PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW UNDER SUBSTANTIAL
EVIDENCE RULE. (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. 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. The court may require or permit later
corrections or additions to the record.
(b) A party may apply to the court to present additional
evidence. If the court is satisfied that the additional evidence is
material and that there were good reasons for the failure to present
it in the proceeding before the commission, the court may order that
the additional evidence be taken before the commission on
conditions determined by the court. The commission may change its
findings and decisions by reason of the additional evidence and
shall file the additional evidence and any changes, new findings,
or decisions with the reviewing court.
(c) The party seeking judicial review shall offer, and the
reviewing court shall admit, the commission record into evidence as
an exhibit.
(d) The court shall conduct the review sitting without a
jury and is confined to the commission record, except that the court
may receive evidence of procedural irregularities alleged to have
occurred before the commission that are not reflected in the
record.
Sec. 161.211. COST OF PREPARING COMMISSION RECORD. (a) The
commission may require a party who appeals a final decision under
Section 161.208 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.
Sec. 161.212. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A county public
servant or county affiliate commits an offense under this chapter
if the person knowingly violates a provision of the ethics code
adopted by the commission.
(b) An offense under this chapter is a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $4,000.
(c) This section is cumulative of any other available
sanctions under this chapter.
Sec. 161.213. VENUE. An offense under this subchapter,
including perjury, may be prosecuted in any county in which it may
be prosecuted under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
[Sections 161.214-161.300 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER F. 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.
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."
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.
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;
(2) any violation of the ethics code or any penalty,
forfeiture, or punishment incurred for a violation of the ethics
code before the effective date of the dissolution; or
(3) any investigation, proceeding, or remedy
concerning any penalty, forfeiture, or punishment, and the
investigation, proceeding, or remedy may be instituted, continued,
or enforced, and the penalty, forfeiture, or punishment imposed, as
if the commission had not been dissolved.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.