Sec. 158.035. POWERS OF COMMISSION. (a) The commission shall adopt, publish, and enforce rules regarding:
(1) selection and classification of employees;
(2) competitive examinations;
(3) promotions, seniority, and tenure;
(4) layoffs and dismissals;
(5) disciplinary actions;
(6) grievance procedures;
(7) the rights of employees during an internal investigation; and
(8) other matters relating to the selection of employees and the procedural and substantive rights, advancement, benefits, and working conditions of employees.
(b) The commission may adopt or use as a guide any civil service 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 subchapter and is consistent with the needs and circumstances of the department.
(c) In a county with a population of 2.8 million or more, a panel of three commissioners shall preside at the hearing and vote on the commission's final decision in any case involving termination, demotion, or recovery of back pay. A panel's decision is the final decision of the commission for purposes of Sections 158.0351 and 158.037. The commission shall adopt rules prescribing the commission's procedures for assigning members to a panel. A panel may not include more than one member who was appointed to the commission by the same individual appointing authority.
(d) In rendering a final decision regarding a disciplinary action by the department, the commission may only sustain, overturn, or reduce the disciplinary action. The commission may not enhance a disciplinary action by the department.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 218, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 893, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 534, Sec. 2, eff. May 31, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 432 (H.B. 2168), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees
Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees
Chapter 158 - County Civil Service
Subchapter B. Sheriff's Department Civil Service System in Certain Counties
Section 158.032. Eligible Departments
Section 158.033. Petition and Election
Section 158.034. Appointment of Commission
Section 158.035. Powers of Commission
Section 158.0351. Procedures After Felony Indictment or Misdemeanor Complaint
Section 158.0355. Authority to Issue Subpoenas and Administer Oaths
Section 158.036. Compensation and Staff
Section 158.0371. Review Under Substantial Evidence Rule