Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HR3 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	H.R. No. 3
	1	+	86R6893 ESC/HLB
	2	+	By: Geren H.R. No. 3
2	3
3	4
4	5		R E S O L U T I O N
5	6		BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of
6	7		Texas, That the following is adopted as the housekeeping resolution
7	8		for the House of Representatives of the 86th [85th] Legislature:
8	9		HOUSEKEEPING RESOLUTION FOR
9	10		THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
10	11		OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE
11	12		TABLE OF CONTENTS
12	13		ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 4
13	14		SECTION 1.01. PURPOSE 4
14	15		SECTION 1.02. PRECEDENCE 4
15	16		ARTICLE 2. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 5
16	17		SECTION 2.01. SPEAKER'S GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES 5
17	18		SECTION 2.02. SPEAKER'S APARTMENT AND OFFICES 5
18	19		SECTION 2.03. INTERSTATE OR FEDERAL-STATE ASSOCIATIONS;
19	20		TRAINING SEMINARS 5
20	21		ARTICLE 3. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON
21	22		HOUSE ADMINISTRATION 7
22	23		SECTION 3.01. CONTRACTS 7
23	24		SECTION 3.02. HOUSE AND COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGETS 7
24	25		SECTION 3.03. OPERATING POLICIES 8
25	26		SECTION 3.04. HOUSE POLICY MANUAL 8
26	27		SECTION 3.05. HOUSE PROPERTY, SUPPLIES, ACCOUNTING 8
27	28		SECTION 3.06. USE OF HOUSE CHAMBER AND FACILITIES; ASSIGNMENT
28	29		OF DESKS, OFFICES, AND PARKING SPACES 9
29	30		SECTION 3.07. RECORDS OF THE HOUSE; PRINTING; JOURNALS;
30	31		COPIES OF LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS10
31	32		SECTION 3.08. HONORARY CERTIFICATES11
32	33		SECTION 3.09. COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPH11
33	34		SECTION 3.10. POLICIES REGARDING TEMPORARY ACTING
34	35		MEMBERS12
35	36		SECTION 3.11. DISPLAY OF "IN GOD WE TRUST" IN HOUSE12
36	37		SECTION 3.12. HOUSE RECYCLING PROGRAM13
37	38		SECTION 3.13. JOINT COMMITTEE HEARING NOTICES ON WEBSITE13
38	39		SECTION 3.14. ACCESS TO HOUSE OFFICES13
39	40		SECTION 3.15. DPS PANIC BUTTONS13
40	41		SECTION 3.16. USE OF HOUSE AUDIO OR VIDEO RESOURCES14
41	42		ARTICLE 4. EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYMENT POLICIES14
42	43		SECTION 4.01. DEFINITION14
43	44		SECTION 4.02. OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORY ADMINISTRATIVE
44	45		EMPLOYEES OF THE HOUSE14
45	46		SECTION 4.03. OTHER CENTRAL HOUSE PERSONNEL16
46	47		SECTION 4.04. EMPLOYEES OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBER16
47	48		SECTION 4.05. COMMITTEE STAFF; AUTHORITY TO REQUEST
48	49		ASSISTANCE16
49	50		SECTION 4.06. WORK SCHEDULE; HOURS OF HOUSE OPERATIONS17
50	51		SECTION 4.07. COMPENSATION17
51	52		SECTION 4.08. DUTIES18
52	53		SECTION 4.09. APPEARANCE BEFORE COMMITTEES18
53	54		SECTION 4.10. CHAMBER ACCESS18
54	55		SECTION 4.11. VOTING19
55	56		SECTION 4.12. VOTING RECORDS19
56	57		SECTION 4.13. CAMPAIGN FOR SPEAKER19
57	58		SECTION 4.14. POLITICAL INFLUENCE19
58	59		SECTION 4.15. OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT, EXTRA COMPENSATION, OR
59	60		GIFTS19
60	61		SECTION 4.16. DISCHARGE19
61	62		SECTION 4.17. DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT20
62	63		SECTION 4.18. EMPLOYMENT BY MORE THAN ONE MEMBER OR
63	64		COMMITTEE21
64	65		SECTION 4.19. POSITION TITLES AND CLASSIFICATIONS21
65	66		ARTICLE 5. ACCOUNTING22
66	67		SECTION 5.01. FUNDING OF OFFICE OPERATIONS22
67	68		SECTION 5.02. OPERATING ACCOUNTS22
68	69		SECTION 5.03. CREDIT FOR NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS23
69	70		SECTION 5.04. MONTHLY CREDIT23
70	71		SECTION 5.045. DETERMINATION OF OPERATING ACCOUNT BALANCE23
71	72		SECTION 5.05. ACCOUNT CLOSING24
72	73		SECTION 5.06. EXPENDITURES CHARGED WHEN ENCUMBERED25
73	74		SECTION 5.07. TRAVEL FROM AUSTIN DURING SESSION NOT
74	75		CHARGED TO OPERATING ACCOUNT25
75	76		SECTION 5.08. TRAVEL OUTSIDE TEXAS26
76	77		SECTION 5.09. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES26
77	78		SECTION 5.10. USE OF FUNDS FOR INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
78	79		PROHIBITED26
79	80		ARTICLE 6. CAUCUSES27
80	81		SECTION 6.01. DEFINITION27
81	82		SECTION 6.02. USE OF HOUSE FUNDS, EMPLOYEES, EQUIPMENT, AND
82	83		FACILITIES27
83	84		SECTION 6.03. CONTRIBUTIONS28
84	85		SECTION 6.04. MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICER LISTS28
85	86		SECTION 6.05. REPORT TO ETHICS COMMISSION28
86	87		ARTICLE 7. HOUSE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION29
87	88		SECTION 7.01. ESTABLISHMENT29
88	89		SECTION 7.02. STEERING COMMITTEE29
89	90		SECTION 7.03. BUDGET29
90	91		ARTICLE 8. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR INTERIM29
91	92		SECTION 8.01. INTERIM COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES29
92	93		SECTION 8.02. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEE ON HOUSE
93	94		ADMINISTRATION DURING INTERIM30
94	95		ARTICLE 9. APPROPRIATE WORKPLACE CONDUCT31
95	96		SECTION 9.01. PURPOSE31
96	97		SECTION 9.02. TRAINING32
97	98		SECTION 9.03. COMPLAINTS; FILING, INVESTIGATION, AND
98	99		RESOLUTION33
99	100		ARTICLE 10. COMMITTEE GIFTS36
100	101		SECTION 10.01. COMMITTEE GIFTS36
101	102		ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
102	103		SECTION 1.01. PURPOSE. This resolution is adopted by the
103	104		members of the House of Representatives of the 86th [85th]
104	105		Legislature to provide for the efficient and orderly operation of
105	106		the house under the supervision of the speaker and the Committee on
106	107		House Administration.
107	108		SECTION 1.02. PRECEDENCE. The provisions of this
108	109		resolution take precedence over the provisions of any resolution
109	110		not passed in full compliance with the rules of the house and,
110	111		except as otherwise noted herein, shall be in effect during the full
111	112		term of the 86th [85th] Legislature whether in session or
112	113		adjournment.
113	114		ARTICLE 2. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
114	115		SECTION 2.01. SPEAKER'S GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. The
115	116		speaker may make any expenditures or transfers and perform any
116	117		function deemed necessary for the effective and efficient operation
117	118		of the house of representatives.
118	119		SECTION 2.02. SPEAKER'S APARTMENT AND OFFICES. (a) The
119	120		speaker's apartment and offices shall be set aside for the use of
120	121		the speaker, the speaker's family, and house members, as the
121	122		speaker may designate, throughout the speaker's term of office.
122	123		(b) The Committee on House Administration may make the
123	124		necessary expenditures to operate and properly equip and service
124	125		the speaker's apartment and offices and may employ such help as may
125	126		be necessary to properly maintain and care for the apartment and
126	127		offices.
127	128		(c) The speaker and the speaker's family may occupy the
128	129		speaker's apartment during the speaker's term of office, utilizing
129	130		the services of employees of the house and others on a temporary
130	131		basis, if and as needed.
131	132		(d) The speaker may obtain through the Committee on House
132	133		Administration the necessary supplies and services to operate the
133	134		speaker's office and may also have paid through that committee
134	135		necessary telephone charges.
135	136		SECTION 2.03. INTERSTATE OR FEDERAL-STATE ASSOCIATIONS;
136	137		TRAINING SEMINARS. (a) The speaker may attend any meetings of or
137	138		sponsored by the Council of State Governments and any meetings on
138	139		problems of federal-state relations and interstate relations and
139	140		cooperation, and any other governmental meeting in or outside the
140	141		state.
141	142		(b) The speaker may appoint members of the house, staff
142	143		members, and other employees of the house to accompany or represent
143	144		the speaker at these meetings or to attend in-service training
144	145		courses sponsored by the Council of State Governments or the
145	146		National Conference of State Legislatures or similar training
146	147		courses, conferences, or seminars as the speaker may determine.
147	148		(c) Members of the house attending meetings under this
148	149		section while the legislature is in session may be reimbursed for
149	150		actual and necessary expenses. Members of the house attending
150	151		meetings under this section while the legislature is not in session
151	152		and staff members and other employees of the house attending
152	153		meetings at any time under this section may be reimbursed for either
153	154		actual and necessary expenses or receive a per diem not to exceed
154	155		that provided by law for state officials or state employees. In
155	156		addition, members, staff, and other employees attending meetings
156	157		under this section may be reimbursed for mileage or other
157	158		transportation expenses at the same rate as provided by law for
158	159		state officials or state employees together with registration fees
159	160		and tuition. To receive payment under this subsection, sworn
160	161		expense accounts must be filed with and approved by the chair of the
161	162		Committee on House Administration or an officer of the house
162	163		designated in writing by the Committee on House Administration.
163	164		Prior written approval of the chair of the Committee on House
164	165		Administration to attend any such meetings, conferences, seminars,
165	166		or training courses is a prerequisite for reimbursement for travel
166	167		and other related expenses.
167	168		(d) Reimbursement for expenses incurred by a member, staff
168	169		member, or employee of the house in an appointive capacity
169	170		resulting from an appointment made by anyone other than the speaker
170	171		shall be made only in the event that the appointment and expenses to
171	172		be incurred have been previously approved in writing by the
172	173		Committee on House Administration.
173	174		(e) The speaker may expend money for memberships in
174	175		interstate associations of legislators considered necessary to
175	176		discharge properly the duties and responsibilities of the office of
176	177		speaker.
177	178		ARTICLE 3. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE
178	179		COMMITTEE ON HOUSE ADMINISTRATION
179	180		SECTION 3.01. CONTRACTS. The Committee on House
180	181		Administration shall approve all contracts necessary for the
181	182		effective operation of the divisions of the house and its
182	183		committees.
183	184		SECTION 3.02. HOUSE AND COMMITTEE OPERATING BUDGETS. The
184	185		Committee on House Administration shall consider and adopt
185	186		operating budgets that cover both session and interim periods for
186	187		the divisions of the house and all committees appointed pursuant to
187	188		the resolution adopting the rules of the house or appointed by the
188	189		speaker pursuant to any other resolution. A budget adopted by the
189	190		Committee on House Administration must be adopted in a public
190	191		hearing. Each requested operating budget and each operating budget
191	192		proposed for adoption must be posted on the Internet website of the
192	193		committee in advance of the hearing.
193	194		SECTION 3.03. OPERATING POLICIES. The Committee on House
194	195		Administration shall effectuate policies and determine guidelines
195	196		for the operation of the divisions and committees of the house.
196	197		SECTION 3.04. HOUSE POLICY MANUAL. The Committee on House
197	198		Administration shall prepare and distribute to all members, within
198	199		60 days after the convening of the regular session, policy
199	200		statements to include, but not be limited to, policies pertaining
200	201		to members as a class.
201	202		SECTION 3.05. HOUSE PROPERTY, SUPPLIES, ACCOUNTING. The
202	203		Committee on House Administration shall:
203	204		(1) provide and maintain for the use of the speaker,
204	205		members, employees, divisions, and committees of the house such
205	206		stationery, stamps, office equipment, furniture, fixtures,
206	207		supplies, and telephone and other services as may be necessary;
207	208		(2) keep an itemized account of the quantity and cost
208	209		of every kind of material received, and the source from which it was
209	210		received;
210	211		(3) maintain an annual operating account for each
211	212		member, division, and committee authorized by the Committee on
212	213		House Administration to make expenditures and charge each operating
213	214		account with daily expenditures, withdrawals from inventory, and
214	215		interdepartmental services;
215	216		(4) furnish a monthly statement for the expenditures
216	217		of each member, division, and committee of the house; and
217	218		(5) adopt any rules, regulations, and policies
218	219		necessary to effectively provide and account for the
219	220		above-mentioned services.
220	221		SECTION 3.06. USE OF HOUSE CHAMBER AND FACILITIES;
221	222		ASSIGNMENT OF DESKS, OFFICES, AND PARKING SPACES. (a) The
222	223		Committee on House Administration shall:
223	224		(1) be in charge of and provide for the protection,
224	225		maintenance, and use of the hall of the house, all committee rooms,
225	226		offices of members and house departments, the speaker's office and
226	227		apartment, and other space under the jurisdiction of the house;
227	228		(2) make permanent assignments of desks and offices to
228	229		members of the house;
229	230		(3) adopt and enforce a plan for the parking of motor
230	231		vehicles on the portion of the Capitol grounds under house
231	232		jurisdiction;
232	233		(4) be in charge of and provide for the protection,
233	234		maintenance, and use of the furniture, fixtures, equipment, and
234	235		records of the house;
235	236		(5) purchase, remodel, repair, restore, or replace any
236	237		furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other furnishings to maintain
237	238		the dignity and appearance of space occupied by the house;
238	239		(6) in consultation with the State Preservation Board,
239	240		identify and establish a space that provides privacy, security, a
240	241		water faucet, and a power outlet, within or near the hall of the
241	242		house for use for breastfeeding or breast pumping by house members
242	243		and employees of the house or media representatives entitled to the
243	244		privileges of the floor when the house is in session; and
244	245		(7) determine the hours the hall of the house shall be
245	246		open to visitors.
246	247		(b) Any member who is not a member-elect of the 87th [86th]
247	248		Legislature shall vacate the member's office space before December
248	249		1, 2020 [2018]. If the office is not vacated on that date, the
249	250		Committee on House Administration shall immediately remove the
250	251		member's personal effects and store them in an appropriate place in
251	252		order that the member-elect to whom the office space is assigned may
252	253		move in. The Committee on House Administration shall ensure that
253	254		each member-elect of the 87th [86th] Legislature who was not a
254	255		member of the 86th [85th] Legislature is permitted to move into and
255	256		begin using the member-elect's office space at least 72 hours
256	257		before the time the 87th [86th] Legislature is scheduled to
257	258		convene.
258	259		SECTION 3.07. RECORDS OF THE HOUSE; PRINTING; JOURNALS;
259	260		COPIES OF LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS. (a) The Committee on House
260	261		Administration shall:
261	262		(1) have completed and preserved the official records
262	263		of the house;
263	264		(2) have charge of and approve the operation and
264	265		maintenance of the printing and duplicating facilities of the
265	266		house, provided, however, that the use of the house printing and
266	267		duplicating facilities is restricted to agencies of the legislative
267	268		branch and any other operation thereof is strictly prohibited
268	269		unless previously authorized in writing by the Committee on House
269	270		Administration or an officer of the house designated in writing by
270	271		the speaker;
271	272		(3) determine the number of copies of the daily House
272	273		Journal to be printed and have jurisdiction over the mailing and
273	274		distribution of the daily journal; and
274	275		(4) determine the number of copies of the House
275	276		Journal that will be furnished to each member for distribution by
276	277		the member.
277	278		(b) The employee in charge of the printing facilities must
278	279		keep at least one copy of all items printed or duplicated and a copy
279	280		of the work order authorizing such printing.
280	281		(c) Copies of bills, resolutions, and attachments thereto
281	282		shall be made available free of charge to members of the house who
282	283		call at the bill distribution office and request them, and the cost
283	284		of these copies shall be paid from funds appropriated for that
284	285		purpose by the legislature. If the Committee on House
285	286		Administration finds gross abuse of this privilege, it may
286	287		establish a policy regarding such distribution.
287	288		SECTION 3.08. HONORARY CERTIFICATES. The Committee on
288	289		House Administration shall provide for the use of members
289	290		appropriate certificates to commend, congratulate, and
290	291		memorialize. Such certificates shall be printed with a signature
291	292		line for the name of the presenting member and adequate space for
292	293		insertion of the name of the individual or organization to be
293	294		honored.
294	295		SECTION 3.09. COMPOSITE PHOTOGRAPH. (a) The Committee on
295	296		House Administration shall select a suitable photographer to take
296	297		individual photographs of each member. The photographer shall
297	298		prepare a composite photograph of the members of the house composed
298	299		of the individual photographs of each member arranged on a panel, of
299	300		the same size as used in previous sessions, in such manner as to
300	301		approximate the location of each member's desk on the house floor.
301	302		The member's name and the county of residence shall be printed under
302	303		the member's photograph, and the composite shall be framed and hung
303	304		in the hall of the house during the regular session.
304	305		(b) The photographs for the composite panel shall be
305	306		provided without cost to the members, and the expense of the
306	307		composite panel shall be paid from the expense fund of the house.
307	308		(c) The Committee on House Administration shall establish,
308	309		with concurrence of the photographer, a price to charge members for
309	310		any prints of photographs they wish to purchase.
310	311		SECTION 3.10. POLICIES REGARDING TEMPORARY ACTING MEMBERS.
311	312		If a person is serving as a temporary acting member of the house
312	313		under Section 72, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, in the place of a
313	314		house member on active military duty, the Committee on House
314	315		Administration, with the approval of the speaker and in
315	316		consultation with the temporary acting member and, if available,
316	317		the member on military duty, may adopt policies regarding a
317	318		temporary acting member that the committee considers necessary for
318	319		the efficient administration and performance of the duties of the
319	320		house consistent with this resolution, the rules of the house, and
320	321		the Texas Constitution.
321	322		SECTION 3.11. DISPLAY OF "IN GOD WE TRUST" IN HOUSE. [(a)
322	323		The Committee on House Administration shall display the motto "In
323	324		God We Trust" on the electronic message screen at the front of the
324	325		hall of the house.
325	326		[(b) The motto shall be large enough to be read throughout
326	327		the hall.
327	328		[(c) The motto shall be displayed at all times that the
328	329		electronic message screen is not being used to conduct legislative
329	330		business during a session of the house and shall be at least as
330	331		prominent as any other information displayed on the electronic
331	332		message screen.
332	333		[(d)] The Committee on House Administration shall direct
333	334		[convey to] the State Preservation Board [the desire of the house of
334	335		representatives] to maintain the permanent display of the motto "In
335	336		God We Trust" on the face of the portico located over the speaker's
336	337		podium.
337	338		SECTION 3.12. HOUSE RECYCLING PROGRAM. The Committee on
338	339		House Administration, in coordination with the State Preservation
339	340		Board, shall implement a program for recycling paper, plastic, and
340	341		other recyclable materials from house offices.
341	342		SECTION 3.13. JOINT COMMITTEE HEARING NOTICES ON WEBSITE.
342	343		The Committee on House Administration shall provide for the posting
343	344		of all notices for hearings of joint committees of the house and
344	345		senate on the house website regardless of whether the notice is
345	346		posted on the senate website.
346	347		SECTION 3.14. ACCESS TO HOUSE OFFICES. A house member and
347	348		the member's staff may control access by the public to the member's
348	349		office and may exclude visitors from the office at their
349	350		discretion. If a person refuses to leave the member's office when
350	351		requested, the member may request assistance from the Department of
351	352		Public Safety.
352	353		SECTION 3.15. DPS PANIC BUTTONS. The Committee on House
353	354		Administration shall work with the Department of Public Safety to
354	355		ensure that each house office may request a panic button that the
355	356		house member and the member's staff may use to alert the department
356	357		to an emergency in the office. The member may reimburse the
357	358		Committee on House Administration for the cost of the panic button
358	359		equipment in monthly installments over the fiscal year.
359	360		SECTION 3.16. USE OF HOUSE AUDIO OR VIDEO RESOURCES. The
360	361		Committee on House Administration shall adopt a policy that allows
361	362		members the use of house audio or visual resources. Use of house
362	363		audio or visual resources may only be prohibited for the following
363	364		reasons:
364	365		(1) the use is otherwise prohibited by law;
365	366		(2) the use maligns the reputation of an individual;
366	367		or
367	368		(3) the use is for political advertising, as defined
368	369		by Section 251.001, Election Code.
369	370		ARTICLE 4. EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYMENT POLICIES
370	371		SECTION 4.01. DEFINITION. Unless expressly provided
371	372		otherwise, in this article "employee" means any person compensated
372	373		from funds appropriated to the house. The term includes persons for
373	374		whom the employing authority is the speaker, the Committee on House
374	375		Administration, an individual member, or a committee.
375	376		SECTION 4.02. OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORY ADMINISTRATIVE
376	377		EMPLOYEES OF THE HOUSE. (a) Officers [The officers] of the house
377	378		authorized to be appointed under this section shall be appointed by
378	379		and serve at the pleasure of the speaker. Employees [and the
379	380		employees] of the house responsible for supervising the departments
380	381		and divisions that support the operation of the house shall also be
381	382		appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the speaker.
382	383		(a-1) The following are the officers of the house that shall
383	384		be appointed by the speaker under this section:
384	385		(1) Chief Clerk;
385	386		(2) Journal Clerk;
386	387		(3) Reading Clerks;
387	388		(4) Sergeant-at-Arms;
388	389		(5) Doorkeeper;
389	390		(6) Chaplain;
390	391		(7) Voting Clerk;
391	392		(8) Committee Coordinator;
392	393		(9) Parliamentarians (not more than two individuals);
393	394		and
394	395		(10) Executive Director, House Business Office.
395	396		(a-2) In addition to the officers listed in Subsection (a-1)
396	397		of this section, the speaker may also appoint a chief assistant to
397	398		any officer listed in Subsection (a-1) of this section. An
398	399		assistant appointed under this subsection is also an officer of the
399	400		house who serves at the pleasure of the speaker.
400	401		(b) The speaker shall have the right to discharge any
401	402		officer or supervisory administrative employee when the best
402	403		interest of the house of representatives would be served by so
403	404		doing.
404	405		(c) The authority to appoint and discharge officers and
405	406		supervisory administrative employees may be delegated to the
406	407		Committee on House Administration to the extent and for the length
407	408		of time the speaker determines.
408	409		(d) In the event of the absence, resignation, or death of
409	410		any officer or supervisory administrative employee the speaker may
410	411		designate a person to take charge of and attend to all the duties of
411	412		the office affected until the officer or employee returns or until a
412	413		successor is chosen.
413	414		SECTION 4.03. OTHER CENTRAL HOUSE PERSONNEL. (a) The
414	415		Committee on House Administration shall employ all personnel
415	416		necessary for the operation of the house other than:
416	417		(1) those appointed under Section 4.02; or
417	418		(2) employees of an individual member or committee.
418	419		(b) For purposes of this article, the Committee on House
419	420		Administration is the employing authority for all house employees
420	421		other than those for whom the employing authority is the speaker, an
421	422		individual member, or a committee.
422	423		SECTION 4.04. EMPLOYEES OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBER. A member may
423	424		employ, with funds from the member's operating budget, such staff
424	425		as the member deems necessary.
425	426		SECTION 4.05. COMMITTEE STAFF; AUTHORITY TO REQUEST
426	427		ASSISTANCE. (a) The Committee on House Administration shall
427	428		provide funds for the adequate staffing of all standing committees
428	429		of the house and all other committees appointed by the speaker.
429	430		(b) Select committees, interim study committees, standing
430	431		committees, or subcommittees appointed pursuant to the resolution
431	432		adopting the rules of the house or appointed by the speaker pursuant
432	433		to any other resolution may employ any person, firm, or
433	434		corporation, subject to budget limitations. Those committees or
434	435		subcommittees may ask for the assistance of any of the employees,
435	436		agencies, departments, or branches of the state government.
436	437		SECTION 4.06. WORK SCHEDULE; HOURS OF HOUSE OPERATIONS.
437	438		(a) An employee shall be on duty on the days and hours determined by
438	439		the employing authority.
439	440		(b) All offices of the departments and divisions that
440	441		support the operations of the house shall be open on days and hours
441	442		determined by the Committee on House Administration or the speaker
442	443		and other hours that the house or its committees are in session.
443	444		SECTION 4.07. COMPENSATION. (a) Officers and supervisory
444	445		administrative employees of the house shall receive the
445	446		compensation that the speaker or Committee on House Administration
446	447		determines.
447	448		(b) The Committee on House Administration shall fix the
448	449		compensation of house personnel employed under Section 4.03. A
449	450		person employed under that section who is absent without leave
450	451		shall not receive compensation for the time missed.
451	452		(c) The salaries of employees of individual members,
452	453		committees, and the house shall begin when they are instructed to
453	454		start work by their respective employing authority.
454	455		(d) Except as provided by Subsections (e) and (f) of this
455	456		section, an employee of an individual member, a committee employee,
456	457		or any person, firm, or corporation employed by a committee or
457	458		subcommittee may not be paid a salary in excess of $5,280 for any
458	459		one month.
459	460		(e) A member may exempt one employee of the individual
460	461		member and, if the member is a chair of a standing or select
461	462		committee, one employee of the standing or select committee the
462	463		member chairs from the salary cap imposed by Subsection (d) of this
463	464		section. Each calendar year the member shall file with the
464	465		Committee on House Administration a statement designating the
465	466		exempt employee or employees, as appropriate. During a calendar
466	467		year after an exempt employee has been designated, the member may
467	468		exempt a different employee from the salary cap only if the employee
468	469		previously designated as exempt for the calendar year is no longer
469	470		employed by the member or committee, as appropriate. The exempt
470	471		employee may not receive compensation from the operating account of
471	472		any other committee or member.
472	473		(f) The Committee on House Administration may increase the
473	474		amount of the salary cap imposed by Subsection (d) of this section
474	475		to account for any increase in salary provided to all state
475	476		employees during the biennium that begins during the term of the
476	477		legislature to which this resolution applies.
477	478		SECTION 4.08. DUTIES. An employee shall perform all duties
478	479		directed by the employing authority.
479	480		SECTION 4.09. APPEARANCE BEFORE COMMITTEES. An employee
480	481		may appear before a standing or select committee on a measure when
481	482		granted permission by majority vote of the committee.
482	483		SECTION 4.10. CHAMBER ACCESS. (a) An employee may not
483	484		enter the house chamber when the house is in session except when
484	485		performing official duties and specifically authorized by the
485	486		Committee on House Administration.
486	487		(b) An employee may not enter the area on the floor of the
487	488		house enclosed by the railing when the house is in session except
488	489		when specifically authorized by the Committee on House
489	490		Administration.
490	491		SECTION 4.11. VOTING. An employee may not cast a vote for a
491	492		member on the voting machine or otherwise.
492	493		SECTION 4.12. VOTING RECORDS. An employee may not compile
493	494		or release any information concerning the voting record of any
494	495		member of the house for any session of the legislature except when a
495	496		member requests information about that member's personal voting
496	497		record or when the information is for the journal or other official
497	498		records.
498	499		SECTION 4.13. CAMPAIGN FOR SPEAKER. An employee may not
499	500		campaign or assist in the campaign of any candidate for speaker.
500	501		SECTION 4.14. POLITICAL INFLUENCE. An employee may not
501	502		attempt to, or aid anyone in an attempt to, influence any member of
502	503		the house in favor of or against any measure pending before the
503	504		legislature, either directly or indirectly, except when answering
504	505		questions or giving information at the request of a member of the
505	506		house.
506	507		SECTION 4.15. OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT, EXTRA COMPENSATION, OR
507	508		GIFTS. An employee may not receive, directly or indirectly, any
508	509		compensation, by gift or otherwise, from any other source, unless
509	510		specifically authorized by the employing authority.
510	511		SECTION 4.16. DISCHARGE. (a) The employing authority of an
511	512		employee shall have primary responsibility for overseeing and
512	513		discharging the employee. An employee is subject to immediate
513	514		discharge by the employing authority for violation of any section
514	515		of this article or any other applicable rule.
515	516		(b) An individual member or chair of a committee employing
516	517		an employee who violates any applicable section of this article or
517	518		any rule shall be advised of the violation by the chair of the
518	519		Committee on House Administration, and the employing authority
519	520		shall take appropriate action with regard to the employee in
520	521		question.
521	522		(c) In addition to being subject to immediate discharge by
522	523		the employing authority under Subsection (a) of this section, an
523	524		employee is subject to discharge by the chair of the Committee on
524	525		House Administration, with the approval of the committee, if:
525	526		(1) the employee is not needed and, if the employee is
526	527		employed in an individual member's office or by a committee, the
527	528		member or committee chair has resigned, is deceased, or is
528	529		incapacitated; or
529	530		(2) the employee is guilty of gross misconduct.
530	531		(d) The Committee on House Administration may authorize the
531	532		chair of the Committee on House Administration to conduct an
532	533		investigation into allegations of gross misconduct. The chair may,
533	534		with the approval of the committee, discharge or otherwise
534	535		discipline an employee of an individual member or committee if the
535	536		Committee on House Administration finds that the employee has
536	537		engaged in gross misconduct.
537	538		SECTION 4.17. DURATION OF EMPLOYMENT. The period of
538	539		employment of all employees shall be determined by the employing
539	540		authority, except that employees of all committees and of
540	541		individual members who are not members-elect of the next
541	542		legislature shall be terminated not later than noon on the day of
542	543		the convening of the next regular session.
543	544		SECTION 4.18. EMPLOYMENT BY MORE THAN ONE MEMBER OR
544	545		COMMITTEE. (a) Members may join in the employment of a research
545	546		assistant or assistants to be paid jointly from their operating
546	547		budgets. Unless expressly authorized by the provisions of this
547	548		resolution, the members who join together to sponsor such research
548	549		shall not constitute a committee, task force, or group to operate in
549	550		any official or quasi-official manner not specifically authorized
550	551		under the Rules of the House of Representatives.
551	552		(b) No person, firm, or corporation may be employed by more
552	553		than two committees or subcommittees.
553	554		SECTION 4.19. POSITION TITLES AND CLASSIFICATIONS. The job
554	555		title for each position shall be determined by the employing
555	556		authority. The employing authority and the house business office
556	557		shall classify each job title for accounting purposes according to
557	558		the following position classifications, unless otherwise
558	559		determined by the Committee on House Administration:
559	560		(a) Member Employees
560	561		1. Chief of Staff
561	562		2. General Counsel
562	563		3. Legislative Director
563	564		4. Legislative Assistant
564	565		5. Administrative Assistant
565	566		6. Special Project Coordinator
566	567		7. Intern
567	568		(b) Committee Employees
568	569		1. Committee General Counsel
569	570		2. Chief Committee Clerk
570	571		3. Committee Clerk
571	572		(c) Research Employees
572	573		1. Research Director
573	574		2. Research Assistant
574	575		3. Policy Analyst
575	576		ARTICLE 5. ACCOUNTING
576	577		SECTION 5.01. FUNDING OF OFFICE OPERATIONS. (a) Each
577	578		member of the house shall be allocated funds for staff, office
578	579		supplies, office equipment, postage, printing, telephone, travel,
579	580		and such other reasonable and necessary office expenses as may be
580	581		determined by the Committee on House Administration.
581	582		(b) The manner in which funds are allocated, and the amounts
582	583		thereof, are as provided by this article.
583	584		SECTION 5.02. OPERATING ACCOUNTS. (a) Each member who
584	585		served in the 85th [84th] Legislature shall have the following
585	586		operating accounts for the 86th [85th] Legislature:
586	587		(1) a Fiscal Year 19 [17] Operating Account (September
587	588		1, 2018 [2016], through August 31, 2019 [2017]);
588	589		(2) a Fiscal Year 20 [18] Operating Account (September
589	590		1, 2019 [2017], through August 31, 2020 [2018]); and
590	591		(3) a Fiscal Year 21 [19] Operating Account (September
591	592		1, 2020 [2018], through January 12, 2021 [8, 2019]).
592	593		(b) Each member who did not serve in the 85th [84th]
593	594		Legislature shall have the same operating accounts for the 86th
594	595		[85th] Legislature as a returning member under Subsection (a) of
595	596		this section except that the duration of the Fiscal Year 19 [17]
596	597		Operating Account is from January 8, 2019 [10, 2017], through
597	598		August 31, 2019 [2017].
598	599		(c) For each member who served in the 85th [84th]
599	600		Legislature, it shall not be necessary to close the member's Fiscal
600	601		Year 19 [17] Operating Account when the 86th [85th] Legislature
601	602		convenes.
602	603		SECTION 5.03. CREDIT FOR NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS. Each
603	604		member who did not serve in the 85th [84th] Legislature may have
604	605		credited to the member's Fiscal Year 19 [17] Operating Account the
605	606		amount of $2,000.
606	607		SECTION 5.04. MONTHLY CREDIT. (a) Each member's operating
607	608		account shall be credited with $15,250 [$14,250] for each month
608	609		that falls wholly or partly during the regular legislative session
609	610		or a special legislative session. In any other month, each member's
610	611		operating account shall be credited with $13,500.
611	612		(b) The Committee on House Administration may provide to the
612	613		dean and the speaker pro tempore of the house additional funds as
613	614		may be determined to be necessary for the duties of those offices to
614	615		be fulfilled.
615	616		(c) The Committee on House Administration may increase the
616	617		amount credited each month to each member's operating account in an
617	618		amount to allow for an increase in:
618	619		(1) the salary cap as provided by Section 4.07(f); or
619	620		(2) longevity pay as authorized by legislation.
620	621		SECTION 5.045. DETERMINATION OF OPERATING ACCOUNT BALANCE.
621	622		(a) On the third business day of each calendar month, the House
622	623		Business Office shall determine the available, unobligated balance
623	624		at the end of the preceding calendar month for each member's
624	625		operating account and each committee operating account. If the
625	626		House Business Office determines that a member's operating account
626	627		has a negative balance at the end of the preceding calendar month,
627	628		the office shall provide notice to the member and the member shall
628	629		deposit funds in the account equal to the negative balance not later
629	630		than the 10th business day after the date the member receives notice
630	631		of the deficit from the House Business Office; provided, however,
631	632		that if a member deposits funds in the member's operating account to
632	633		cover a negative balance under this subsection and the member later
633	634		has a positive balance in the member's operating account at the end
634	635		of a calendar month in the same fiscal year in which the member
635	636		deposited the funds to cover the negative balance, the member may
636	637		use the excess money in the member's operating account at that time
637	638		to reimburse the member in an amount not to exceed the amount the
638	639		member earlier deposited to cover the negative balance.
639	640		(b) A committee operating account may not operate at a
640	641		deficit.
641	642		(c) If a member is not a member-elect of the 87th [86th]
642	643		Legislature, the member's operating account may not operate at a
643	644		deficit after November 30, 2020 [2018].
644	645		SECTION 5.05. ACCOUNT CLOSING. (a) Each member's Fiscal
645	646		Year 19 [17] Operating Account shall be closed as of August 31, 2019
646	647		[2017].
647	648		(b) Each member may carry forward and have credited to the
648	649		member's Fiscal Year 20 [18] Operating Account the unexpended
649	650		balance of the member's Fiscal Year 19 [17] Operating Account, not
650	651		to exceed $20,000. If the member is the chair of a committee, the
651	652		member may transfer and have credited to that committee's operating
652	653		account all or part of that unexpended balance, not to exceed
653	654		$20,000, and may have the remainder of that amount credited to the
654	655		member's Fiscal Year 20 [18] Operating Account.
655	656		(c) Each member's Fiscal Year 20 [18] Operating Account
656	657		shall be closed as of August 31, 2020 [2018].
657	658		(d) Each member may carry forward and have credited to the
658	659		member's Fiscal Year 21 [19] Operating Account the unexpended
659	660		balance of the member's Fiscal Year 20 [18] Operating Account, not
660	661		to exceed $20,000. If the member is the chair of a committee, the
661	662		member may transfer and have credited to that committee's operating
662	663		account all or part of that unexpended balance, not to exceed
663	664		$20,000, and may have the remainder of that amount credited to the
664	665		member's Fiscal Year 21 [19] Operating Account.
665	666		(e) A member who is the chair of a committee may not transfer
666	667		and have credited to that member's operating account any portion of
667	668		the unexpended balance of the committee's operating account.
668	669		SECTION 5.06. EXPENDITURES CHARGED WHEN ENCUMBERED. All
669	670		expenditures shall be charged to the period in which they are
670	671		encumbered.
671	672		SECTION 5.07. TRAVEL FROM AUSTIN DURING SESSION NOT CHARGED
672	673		TO OPERATING ACCOUNT. While the legislature is in session, the
673	674		travel expenses of members for one trip each week between Austin and
674	675		their districts and return shall not be charged against the
675	676		members' operating accounts but shall be paid from funds
676	677		appropriated for that purpose by the legislature.
677	678		SECTION 5.08. TRAVEL OUTSIDE TEXAS. A member is entitled to
678	679		be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred while
679	680		traveling outside Texas in the performance of legislative duties
680	681		and responsibilities. If the reimbursement is for travel inside
681	682		the conterminous United States, reimbursement is limited to twice
682	683		the amount that would be reimbursed to state employees for the same
683	684		travel under the comptroller's guidelines and rates governing
684	685		travel by state employees.
685	686		SECTION 5.09. APPROVAL OF EXPENDITURES. (a) No allowance
686	687		included in this resolution shall be expended except for actual
687	688		salaries or actual expenses of the house, its members, departments,
688	689		committees, and employees and for such other expenses as are
689	690		authorized by the Committee on House Administration.
690	691		(b) The Committee on House Administration may not authorize
691	692		any expenditures of funds for personal or political campaign
692	693		reasons.
693	694		(c) All expenditures authorized by this resolution shall be
694	695		paid from funds appropriated for the use of the house of
695	696		representatives by vouchers or other forms approved by the speaker
696	697		of the house and the Committee on House Administration.
697	698		SECTION 5.10. USE OF FUNDS FOR INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
698	699		PROHIBITED. No public funds appropriated to the house or expended
699	700		by any house member, committee, or office may be spent or promised
700	701		to settle in whole or part a legal claim brought or threatened to be
701	702		brought against the house or a member, committee, office, or
702	703		employee of the house unless the settlement is made with the
703	704		participation and approval of the attorney general and notice of
704	705		any settlement is promptly given to the public.
705	706		ARTICLE 6. CAUCUSES
706	707		SECTION 6.01. DEFINITION. In this article, "caucus" means
707	708		an organization that is composed exclusively of members of the
708	709		legislature, that elects or appoints officers and recognizes
709	710		identified legislators as members of the organization, and that
710	711		exists for research and other support of policy development and
711	712		interests that the membership holds in common. An organization
712	713		whose only nonlegislator members are the lieutenant governor or the
713	714		governor remains a "caucus" for purposes of this section.
714	715		SECTION 6.02. USE OF HOUSE FUNDS, EMPLOYEES, EQUIPMENT, AND
715	716		FACILITIES. (a) Except as expressly authorized by this section,
716	717		funds appropriated to the house may not be expended in support of a
717	718		caucus, employees compensated from funds appropriated to the house
718	719		may not perform caucus activities, and state-owned equipment may
719	720		not be used in the performance of caucus activities.
720	721		(b) An individual member of the house may authorize the use
721	722		of state equipment assigned to the member's office and the
722	723		performance of caucus activities by an employee of the member only
723	724		if:
724	725		(1) the member determines that the activities support
725	726		the member's official duties;
726	727		(2) the caucus does not endorse or support a candidate
727	728		for public office; and
728	729		(3) the caucus does not accept contributions from
729	730		nonmembers that are in violation of Section 253.0341, Election
730	731		Code.
731	732		(c) A caucus may use the meeting rooms of the Capitol and
732	733		Capitol extension to conduct meetings of the caucus membership, to
733	734		host public forums on matters of interest to the caucus, or to
734	735		facilitate the work of the caucus or a caucus employee.
735	736		(d) An individual member may house, in the state office
736	737		space assigned to the member, caucus employees or equipment owned
737	738		by a caucus. A member may retain in the member's office a
738	739		telephone, facsimile machine, or computer owned by the caucus for
739	740		purposes of the member's communication with the caucus or caucus
740	741		employees.
741	742		(e) From space under the jurisdiction of the house, the
742	743		Committee on House Administration may assign:
743	744		(1) one office space and one parking space for use by
744	745		the Texas Republican Legislative Caucus; and
745	746		(2) one office space and one parking space for use by
746	747		the House Democratic Caucus.
747	748		SECTION 6.03. CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) A person acting on behalf
748	749		of a caucus may not knowingly accept a contribution in violation of
749	750		Section 253.0341, Election Code.
750	751		(b) A person acting on behalf of a caucus may not knowingly
751	752		accept a contribution, and shall refuse a contribution that is
752	753		received, in the Capitol.
753	754		SECTION 6.04. MEMBERSHIP AND OFFICER LISTS. Each caucus
754	755		shall provide to the chief clerk, on a regular basis, a list of its
755	756		current membership and officers.
756	757		SECTION 6.05. REPORT TO ETHICS COMMISSION. Each caucus
757	758		shall file a report of contributions and expenditures with the
758	759		Texas Ethics Commission as required by Section 254.0311, Election
759	760		Code.
760	761		ARTICLE 7. HOUSE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
761	762		SECTION 7.01. ESTABLISHMENT. The Committee on House
762	763		Administration shall provide operating funds for a house research
763	764		organization that will be an administrative department of the house
764	765		and may for that purpose adopt policies and procedures relating to
765	766		the administrative operation of that organization.
766	767		SECTION 7.02. STEERING COMMITTEE. The functions and duties
767	768		performed by the house research organization shall be governed by a
768	769		15-member steering committee composed of house members serving
769	770		staggered four-year terms, who are subject to approval of the house
770	771		membership.
771	772		SECTION 7.03. BUDGET. The house research organization
772	773		shall have an operating account and in compliance with the terms of
773	774		its establishment shall operate under a budget approved by the
774	775		steering committee and the Committee on House Administration.
775	776		ARTICLE 8. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR INTERIM
776	777		SECTION 8.01. INTERIM COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES. (a) Pursuant
777	778		to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1961 (Subchapter B,
778	779		Chapter 301, Government Code), standing committees of the house
779	780		established by the rules of the house may hold meetings while the
780	781		legislature is not in session.
781	782		(b) The speaker may grant authority to select committees,
782	783		interim study committees, subcommittees, or standing committees of
783	784		the house to hold meetings while the legislature is not in session
784	785		as the speaker considers necessary and desirable to conduct the
785	786		business of the house and to assist the speaker in conducting the
786	787		business of the house, under a pattern of operation and
787	788		restrictions determined by the rules of the house.
788	789		(c) The committee members and employees may either be
789	790		reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses or receive a per diem
790	791		not to exceed that provided by law for state officials or state
791	792		employees, along with mileage or other transportation expenses at
792	793		the same rate as provided by law for state officials or state
793	794		employees when conducting such business and attending those
794	795		meetings when approved by the Committee on House Administration.
795	796		SECTION 8.02. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMITTEE ON HOUSE
796	797		ADMINISTRATION DURING INTERIM. (a) When the legislature is not in
797	798		session, the Committee on House Administration may act as provided
798	799		by this section.
799	800		(b) The committee may call meetings for the transaction of
800	801		necessary business, and the committee members shall be reimbursed
801	802		for expenses incurred by them when attending such meetings or when
802	803		in performance of their duties as members of the Committee on House
803	804		Administration, the reimbursement to be either actual and necessary
804	805		expenses or a per diem not to exceed that provided by law for state
805	806		officials or state employees, along with mileage or other
806	807		transportation expenses at the same rate as provided by law for
807	808		state officials or state employees.
808	809		(c) The committee may reimburse authorized members and
809	810		employees for expenses incurred by them when traveling in the
810	811		performance of their legislative duties and responsibilities
811	812		within their respective districts or within any county in which any
812	813		part of their districts lie or from their districts to the State
813	814		Capitol, the reimbursement to be either actual and necessary
814	815		expenses or a per diem not to exceed that provided by law for state
815	816		officials or state employees, along with mileage or other
816	817		transportation expenses at the same rate as provided by law for
817	818		state officials or state employees.
818	819		(d) The committee may pay for all other reasonable and
819	820		necessary expenses, including operation of each member's district
820	821		office, incurred by the members of the house of representatives.
821	822		The expenses shall be paid from funds appropriated for that
822	823		purpose, or any other funds appropriated for the use of the house of
823	824		representatives, on vouchers or other forms approved by the chair
824	825		of the Committee on House Administration, in accordance with
825	826		regulations governing such expenditures.
826	827		(e) The committee may assign or reassign parking places in
827	828		the best interest of the house under such terms and conditions as
828	829		the committee deems necessary.
829	830		ARTICLE 9. APPROPRIATE WORKPLACE CONDUCT
830	831		SECTION 9.01. PURPOSE. (a) The house finds that early
831	832		intervention is often the most effective way to resolve incidents
832	833		of inappropriate behavior and ensure appropriate workplace
833	834		conduct.
834	835		(b) The house encourages the prompt reporting of concerns
835	836		and complaints, as appropriate, so that constructive action can be
836	837		taken before the offensive conduct continues, escalates, or affects
837	838		others, and to ensure that a timely and thorough investigation can
838	839		occur if necessary.
839	840		(c) This article is adopted to further early intervention
840	841		and remediation of complaints and implements the house rules.
841	842		SECTION 9.02. TRAINING. (a) Each member, officer, and
842	843		employee is required to complete an interactive training program
843	844		related to preventing and resolving violations of the house rules,
844	845		this resolution, and house policy related to appropriate workplace
845	846		conduct that is approved every two years by the Committee on House
846	847		Administration. This training may be combined with training on
847	848		other employment-related topics such as employment discrimination
848	849		and workplace violence.
849	850		(b) The training must include specific information related
850	851		to the process for reporting violations of a house rule, this
851	852		resolution, and house policy related to appropriate workplace
852	853		conduct, for utilizing informal methods of resolving those
853	854		violations, and for filing formal complaints with the house or
854	855		another agency designated by law to receive those complaints.
855	856		(c) The training required by this section must be completed
856	857		not later than the 30th day after:
857	858		(1) the member qualifies;
858	859		(2) the officer is appointed; or
859	860		(3) the employee starts employment.
860	861		(d) A member, officer, or employee is required to complete a
861	862		subsequent approved interactive training program not later than the
862	863		second anniversary of the date the individual was initially
863	864		required to complete the training under Subsection (c) of this
864	865		section.
865	866		(e) The Committee on House Administration shall designate
866	867		an officer or supervisory administrative employee to keep accurate
867	868		records of each individual required to complete an approved
868	869		training program. The officer or employee shall make those records
869	870		available to the public.
870	871		SECTION 9.03. COMPLAINTS; FILING, INVESTIGATION, AND
871	872		RESOLUTION. (a) An individual claiming to be aggrieved by a
872	873		violation of the house rules, this resolution, or house policy
873	874		related to appropriate workplace conduct may file a complaint with:
874	875		(1) the chair of the house general investigating
875	876		committee established under Section 301.017, Government Code, if
876	877		the individual whose complained-of conduct is an individual other
877	878		than the chair, the chair's employee, or an individual related to
878	879		the chair or the chair's employee within the third degree by
879	880		consanguinity or within the second degree by affinity as determined
880	881		under Chapter 573, Government Code; or
881	882		(2) the vice chair of the committee, if the individual
882	883		whose complained-of conduct is the chair of the committee, the
883	884		chair's employee, or an individual related to the chair or the
884	885		chair's employee within the third degree by consanguinity or within
885	886		the second degree by affinity as determined under Chapter 573,
886	887		Government Code.
887	888		(b) Any complaint must be substantially similar in form to
888	889		the requirements of Sections 21.201(b) and (c), Labor Code.
889	890		(c) Upon receipt of a complaint that meets the requirements
890	891		of Subsection (b) of this section, the receiving official may, with
891	892		the agreement of the parties, endeavor to address the alleged
892	893		violation by informal, voluntary, and confidential methods of
893	894		conference and conciliation.
894	895		(d) During the pendency of a complaint, the committee may
895	896		take any appropriate action to reduce the likelihood of a
896	897		complainant and respondent being in regular contact with each
897	898		other.
898	899		(e) The committee shall conduct an investigation of a
899	900		complaint, determine whether reasonable cause exists to believe
900	901		that the respondent violated a house rule, this resolution, or
901	902		house policy, and attempt to resolve the complaint through informal
902	903		or formal methods, as provided by committee rule. The committee's
903	904		rules must provide for a process substantially similar to the
904	905		process provided for the administrative review of complaints under
905	906		Subchapter E, Chapter 21, Labor Code, where applicable, and must
906	907		include a due process hearing by the committee before a report is
907		-	prepared under Subsection (h) of this section.
	908	+	prepared under Subsection (g) of this section.
908	909		(f) If the respondent is a member of the house, the
909	910		committee's investigation must be conducted by a competent
910	911		individual who is not an officer, employee, or annuitant of state
911	912		government. The prohibition under this subsection does not apply to
912	913		a retired or former judge subject to assignment under Subchapter C,
913	914		Chapter 74, Government Code.
914		-	(g) The individual employed or compensated by the committee
915		-	under Subsection (f) of this section shall only perform the
916		-	investigative functions of determining facts and reporting those
917		-	facts to the committee and shall not perform any other functions
918		-	for, or provide other services to, the committee in connection with
919		-	a complaint.
920		-	(h) If the committee cannot resolve the complaint, the
	915	+	(g) If the committee cannot resolve the complaint, the
921	916		committee shall determine whether the respondent violated a house
922	917		rule, this resolution, or house policy as alleged in a complaint and
923	918		shall prepare a report containing:
924	919		(1) the committee's findings of fact and conclusions
925	920		of law to support its final determination; and
926	921		(2) if the committee finds that the respondent
927	922		violated a house rule, this resolution, or house policy, a
928	923		recommendation for any discipline or remedial action, in proportion
929	924		to the seriousness of the conduct, necessary to prevent the
930	925		violation from occurring again.
931		-	(i) No committee report shall be made unless ordered by
	926	+	(h) No committee report shall be made unless ordered by
932	927		two-thirds of the membership of the committee. If a committee
933	928		report is ordered, any member of the committee dissenting from the
934	929		views of the majority may file a minority report, which is not
935	930		subject to House Rule 4, Section 28. The minority report shall be
936	931		included with the majority report at each distribution. If the
937	932		committee is unable to agree on a recommendation for action or has
938	933		an insufficient number of votes to adopt the report prepared by the
939	934		committee, it shall submit a statement of this fact as its report.
940	935		The committee shall deliver a copy of its report to the complainant
941	936		and respondent and, if the respondent is:
942	937		(1) a member of the house, to the speaker and the chief
943	938		clerk;
944	939		(2) an officer of the house, to the speaker; and
945	940		(3) an employee of the house, to the employee's
946	941		employing authority as set out in this resolution.
947		-	(j) All proceedings on a complaint are completely
	942	+	(i) All proceedings on a complaint are completely
948	943		confidential, and information related to those proceedings may not
949	944		be released by any person unless authorized by committee rule or by
950	945		the house. Notices of committee hearings, minutes, and witness
951	946		lists required under the house rules shall be prepared as directed
952	947		by the Committee on House Administration to ensure that no
953	948		information is provided that would reasonably lead to the
954	949		identification of a complainant, respondent, or witness. If an
955	950		individual releases information made confidential by this section
956	951		without authorization, that individual is subject to sanction by
957	952		the house as authorized by Section 15, Article III, Texas
958	953		Constitution, or other law. Any report of the house general
959	954		investigating committee under this section is confidential until it
960	955		is ordered printed by the house or ordered released by the committee
961	956		if the house is not in session.
962		-	(k) To the extent of any conflict between this section and
	957	+	(j) To the extent of any conflict between this section and
963	958		Rule 4 of the House Rules, this section prevails.
964	959		ARTICLE 10. COMMITTEE GIFTS
965	960		SECTION 10.01. COMMITTEE GIFTS. (a) Subject to the
966	961		limitation in Subsection (b) of this section, a member of the house
967	962		may not offer, confer, or agree to confer to a committee member one
968	963		or more gifts per year with a total value of more than the amount of
969	964		the per diem set by the Texas Ethics Commission pursuant to Section
970	965		24a(e), Article III, Texas Constitution.
971	966		(b) If two or more members of the house join together to
972	967		offer, confer, or agree to confer to a committee chair or vice chair
973	968		one or more gifts per year, the total value of the gifts may not
974	969		exceed three times the amount of the per diem described in
975	970		Subsection (a) of this section.
976		-	Geren
977		-	______________________________
978		-	Speaker of the House
979		-	I certify that H.R. No. 3 was adopted by the House on January
980		-	9, 2019, by the following vote: Yeas 142, Nays 0, 1 present, not
981		-	voting.
982		-	______________________________
983		-	Chief Clerk of the House