Tex. Local Gov't Code Section 161.158
Preliminary Review: Initiation


(a)

The standing preliminary review committee shall promptly conduct a preliminary review on receipt of a written complaint that is in compliance with the form requirements of Section 161.155 (Filing of Complaint; Contents).

(b)

The standing preliminary review committee 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 (Processing of Complaint).

(c)

If the standing preliminary review committee determines that the commission has jurisdiction, the committee shall issue a notice under Section 161.156 (Processing of Complaint)(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 (Categorization of Violations);

(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.

(d)

If the standing preliminary review committee determines that the commission does not have jurisdiction over the violation alleged in the complaint, the committee shall:

(1)

dismiss the complaint; and

(2)

not later than the 14th 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.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 160 (H.B. 2002), Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2011.

Source: Section 161.158 — Preliminary Review: Initiation, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.­161.­htm#161.­158 (accessed May 4, 2024).

161.001
Applicability of Chapter
161.002
Definitions
161.003
Conflict with Civil Service Agreement
161.051
Creation of Commission by Order
161.052
Creation of Commission by Election
161.053
Ballot
161.054
Result of Election
161.055
Appointment of Commission
161.056
Eligibility
161.057
Terms
161.058
Vacancies
161.059
Meetings
161.060
Removal of Commission Member
161.061
Legal Representation
161.101
General Powers
161.102
Advisory Opinions
161.103
Public Interest Information
161.104
Commission Member Education and Training
161.105
Education and Training for Persons Covered by Ethics Code
161.106
Certain Discussions of Pending Complaints Prohibited
161.107
Disclosure of Certain Contracts
161.151
Definitions
161.152
Complaint Procedures and Hearings
161.153
Hearings and Settlement
161.154
Categorization of Violations
161.155
Filing of Complaint
161.156
Processing of Complaint
161.157
Retaliation Against County Employee Reporting Violation of Ethics Code Prohibited
161.158
Preliminary Review: Initiation
161.159
Preliminary Review: Response by Respondent
161.160
Preliminary Review: Written Questions
161.161
Preliminary Review and Preliminary Review Procedures
161.162
Preliminary Review Hearing: Procedure
161.163
Preliminary Review Hearing: Resolution
161.164
Formal Hearing: Standard of Evidence
161.165
Formal Hearing: Subpoenas and Witnesses
161.166
Formal Hearing: Procedure
161.167
Formal Hearing: Resolution
161.168
Status of Complaint
161.169
Extension of Deadline
161.170
Subpoena
161.171
Status of Complainant
161.172
Applicability of Other Acts
161.173
Confidentiality
161.174
Availability of Commission Orders on Internet
161.201
Order
161.202
Civil Penalty for Delay or Violation
161.203
Waiver or Reduction of Penalty
161.204
Notification of Regulatory or Supervisory Entity
161.205
Civil Penalty for Frivolous or Bad-faith Complaint
161.206
Factors Considered for Assessment of Sanction
161.207
Appeals
161.208
Delivery of Record to Reviewing Court
161.209
Cost of Preparing Commission Record
161.210
Collections
161.301
Petition for Dissolution of Commission
161.302
Dissolution Election
161.303
Dissolution of Commission
161.304
Saving Provisions
161.0591
Chair
161.1551
Standing Preliminary Review Committee

Accessed:
May 4, 2024

§ 161.158’s source at texas​.gov