Tex. Local Gov't Code Section 161.163
Preliminary Review Hearing: Resolution


(a)

As soon as practicable after the completion of a preliminary review hearing, the standing preliminary review committee by vote shall issue a decision stating:

(1)

whether there is credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred and whether the violation is technical or de minimis; or

(2)

that there is insufficient evidence for the committee to determine whether a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred.

(b)

If the standing preliminary review committee determines that there is credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation has occurred, the committee shall resolve and settle the complaint to the extent possible. If the committee successfully resolves and settles the complaint, not later than the 14th day after the date of the final resolution of the complaint, the committee shall send to the complainant and the respondent a copy of the order stating the committee’s determination and written notice of the resolution and the terms of the resolution. If the committee is unsuccessful in resolving and settling the complaint, the committee shall:

(1)

order a formal hearing to be held in accordance with Sections 161.164-161.167; and

(2)

not later than the 14th day after the date of the order, send to the complainant and the respondent:

(A)

a copy of the order;

(B)

written notice of the date, time, and place of the formal hearing;

(C)

a statement of the nature of the alleged violation;

(D)

a description of the evidence of the alleged violation;

(E)

a copy of the complaint;

(F)

a copy of the commission’s rules of procedure; and

(G)

a statement of the rights of the respondent.

(c)

If the standing preliminary review committee determines that there is credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has not occurred, the committee shall:

(1)

dismiss the complaint; and

(2)

not later than the 10th day after the date of the dismissal, send to the complainant and the respondent a copy of the order stating the committee’s determination and written notice of the dismissal and the grounds for dismissal.

(d)

If the standing preliminary review committee determines that there is insufficient credible evidence for the committee to determine that a violation within the jurisdiction of the commission has occurred, the commission may dismiss the complaint or order a formal hearing under Sections 161.164-161.167. Not later than the 10th day after the date of the committee’s determination under this subsection, the committee shall send to the complainant and the respondent a copy of the decision stating the committee’s determination and written notice of the grounds for the determination.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 799 (S.B. 1368), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 160 (H.B. 2002), Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2011.

Source: Section 161.163 — Preliminary Review Hearing: Resolution, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/LG/htm/LG.­161.­htm#161.­163 (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

§ 161.163’s source at texas​.gov