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 of the status of the sworn complaint.
(d) The commission shall resolve a complaint within three 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 three months or within an authorized extension, the complaint shall be deemed to have been dismissed without prejudice.
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. 13, eff. September 1, 2011.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 5 - Matters Affecting Public Officers and Employees
Subtitle B - County Officers and Employees
Chapter 161 - County Ethics Commission in Certain Counties
Subchapter D. Complaint Procedures and Hearings
Section 161.152. Complaint Procedures and Hearings
Section 161.153. Hearings and Settlement
Section 161.154. Categorization of Violations
Section 161.155. Filing of Complaint; Contents
Section 161.1551. Standing Preliminary Review Committee
Section 161.156. Processing of Complaint
Section 161.157. Retaliation Against County Employee Reporting Violation of Ethics Code Prohibited
Section 161.158. Preliminary Review: Initiation
Section 161.159. Preliminary Review: Response by Respondent
Section 161.160. Preliminary Review: Written Questions
Section 161.161. Preliminary Review and Preliminary Review Procedures
Section 161.162. Preliminary Review Hearing: Procedure
Section 161.163. Preliminary Review Hearing: Resolution
Section 161.164. Formal Hearing: Standard of Evidence
Section 161.165. Formal Hearing: Subpoenas and Witnesses
Section 161.166. Formal Hearing: Procedure
Section 161.167. Formal Hearing: Resolution
Section 161.168. Status of Complaint
Section 161.169. Extension of Deadline
Section 161.171. Status of Complainant
Section 161.172. Applicability of Other Acts
Section 161.173. Confidentiality; Offense
Section 161.174. Availability of Commission Orders on Internet