By:  Lindsay                                                              S.B. No. 120



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a sheriff's appeal to a district court of a decision by 
a civil service commission.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Sections 158.037(a) and (c), Local Government 
Code, are amended to read as follows:
	(a)  An employee who, on a final decision by the commission, 
is demoted, suspended, or removed from a position may appeal the 
decision by filing a petition in a district court in the county 
within 30 days after the date of the decision.  The sheriff may 
appeal a final commission decision that reverses or modifies an 
employee's demotion, suspension, or removal by filing a petition in 
a district court in the county within 30 days after the date of the 
decision.
	(c)  If the district court renders judgment for the 
petitioner, the court may order reinstatement of the employee, 
payment of back pay, or other appropriate relief.  If the district 
court renders judgment for the sheriff, the court shall reverse the 
decision of the commission and affirm the decision of the sheriff.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.