78R8227 T

By:  Bailey                                                       H.B. No. 2371



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to an appeal by a police officer or fire fighter.                    
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Chapter 614, Subchapter B, Government Code is 
amended by adding 614.024 to read as follows:
	Sec.  614.024 Right to Appeal Disciplinary Action  (a)  A 
peace officer or fire fighter shall have the right to appeal a 
disciplinary action that involves suspension without pay, 
demotion, or termination of employment to the governing body of the 
employing entity.
	(b)  This Section does not apply to police officers or fire 
fighters covered by a state or local civil service statute or 
ordinance that provides for the appeal of disciplinary action.
	(c)  This section does not limit any rights granted to police 
officers or fire fighters under a policy adopted by the governing 
body of the employing entity that provides for appeal of 
disciplinary action that meet or exceed the rights granted under 
614.024(a).
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.