TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 11. TEXAS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Chapter 321. GENERAL PROVISIONS

40 TAC §321.1

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights proposes an amendment to §321.1, concerning Definitions. Amended §321.1 deletes the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rule.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the proposed amendments in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§321.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in these chapters, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

Age--"Because of" or "on the basis of age" refers only to discrimination because of age or on the basis of age against an individual 40 years of age or older. Nothing in the Texas Labor Code prohibits the compulsory retirement of any employee who has attained 65 years of age, and who, for the two-year period immediately before retirement, is employed in a bona fide executive or high policy-making position, if the employee is entitled to an immediate, nonforfeitable annual retirement benefit from a pension, profit-sharing, savings, or deferred compensation plan, or any combination of plans, of the employer of the employee, that equals, in the aggregate, at least $27,000. For purposes of the Texas Labor Code, §21.054(b) [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §5.04(b)) ], "because of age" refers only to discrimination because of age against an individual who is at least 40 years of age but younger than 56 years of age.

(3) - (4)

(No change.)

(5)

Chairman--That member of the commission designated by the governor, pursuant to the Texas Government Code, §461.056 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §3.01(a)) ].

(6)

(No change.)

(7)

Commissioner--Any one of the duly appointed members of the commission, including the chairman, pursuant to the Texas Government Code, §461.051 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §3.01(a) ].

(8) - (10)

(No change.)

(11)

Deferral or referral--The same meaning pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.155 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04) ].

(12) - (20)

(No change.)

(21)

Government Code--The Texas Government Code, Title 4, Subtitle E, Chapter 461, §§461.001-461.101, as enacted by House Bill 752, Acts 1993, 73rd Legislature, Chapter 269, effective September 1, 1993, relating to the partial codification and adoption of nonsubstantive revisions of the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §1.01 et seq (1993)) ].

(22)

Labor Code--The Texas Labor Code, Title 2, Subtitle A, Chapter 21, §§21.001-21.306, as enacted by House Bill 752, Acts 1993, 73rd Legislature, Chapter 269, effective September 1, 1993, relating to the partial codification and adoption of nonsubstantive revisions of the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act and as substantively amended by Senate Bill 959, Acts 1995, 74th Legislature, Chapter 76, effective September 1, 1995 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §1.01 et seq (1993)) ].

(23)

(No change.)

(24)

Local commission--Created by a political subdivision or two or more political subdivisions acting jointly pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.152[ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.02) ], and recognized as a deferral agency by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission pursuant to the United States Civil Rights Act, Title VII, §706(c), as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the Americans With Disabilities Act.

(25) - (31)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102307

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458


Chapter 323. COMMISSION

40 TAC §323.1, §323.2

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights proposes amendments to §323.1, concerning General Description, and §323.2, concerning Term of Office. Amended §323.1 and §323.2 delete the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rule.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the proposed amendments in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§323.1.General Description.

The appointment of the commissioners, the composition of the commission, and the designation of the chairman shall be in accordance with the Texas Government Code, §461.051 and §461.056 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 5221k, §3.01(a)) ].

§323.2.Term of Office.

The term of office of commissioners, filling of vacancies on the commission, reappointment, and removal shall be in accordance with the Texas Government Code, Title 4, Subtitle E, Chapter 461, §§461.051-461.054 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 5221k, §3.01(b) and §3.011 ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102308

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458


Chapter 325. LOCAL COMMISSIONS

40 TAC §§325.1 - 325.3, 325.5

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights propose amended §§325.1 concerning Deferral Authority, 325.2, concerning Deferral Procedures, 325.3, concerning Meetings, and 325.5, concerning General Powers. Amended §§325.1, 325.2, 325.3, and 325.5 delete the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rule.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses or individuals as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendment must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the amended section in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

This amendment is proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§325.1.Deferral Authority.

The commission shall defer a complaint filed with it to a local commission within five working days pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.155(a) [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04(a)) ].

§325.2.Deferral Procedures.

(a)

For a complaint filed with the commission over which the federal government has deferred jurisdiction, timeliness of the complaint shall be measured by the date on which the complaint is received by the commission for the purpose of satisfying the filing requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.201 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01(a)) ].

(b)

For a complaint deferred to the commission by the federal government, timeliness of the complaint shall be measured by the date on which the complaint is received by the federal government for the purpose of satisfying the filing requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.201 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01(a)) ].

(c)

For a complaint deferred to the commission by a local commission, timeliness of the complaint shall be measured by the date on which the complaint is received by the local commission for the purpose of satisfying the filing requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.201 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01(a)) ].

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The Act grants a local commission the exclusive right to take appropriate action within the scope of its powers and jurisdiction to process a complaint deferred by the commission pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.155 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04) ], and this chapter.

(f)

A local commission may waive its right to the period of exclusive processing of a complaint provided by the Act with respect to any complaint or category of complaints by deferring a matter under its jurisdiction to the commission pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.156 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04(c)) ].

(g) - (k)

(No change.)

(l)

For purposes of satisfying the requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.155 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04) ], the commission shall not assume jurisdiction over a complaint deferred to a local commission, except as follows:

(1) - (2)

(No change.)

(3)

where the local commission has not acted on the complaint pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.155(c) [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04(b)) ], and this chapter.

§325.3.Final Determination of a Local Commission.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

For purposes of satisfying the Texas Labor Code, §§21.208 and 21.251-21.256 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §7.01(a)) ], a local commission shall submit to the commission by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, notification if a deferred complaint is dismissed, or shall submit, within 120 days of the date the complaint is deferred by the commission, written notification if the local commission has not filed a civil action or not successfully negotiated a conciliation agreement between the complainant and respondent. A local commission shall notify the commission within five working days if the local commission does not intend to act on a complaint deferred by the commission or if it receives a complaint over which the commission has deferral jurisdiction.

§325.5.Eligibility.

(a)

Notwithstanding any other rules of the commission, the commission shall defer complaints pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.155 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.04) ], to local commissions which are in compliance with the following requirements:

(1)

a political subdivision adopts and enforces an ordinance pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.151 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.01) ];

(2)

a political subdivision or two or more political subdivisions acting jointly creates a local commission pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.152 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.02) ];

(3)

the local commission can exercise the powers pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §§21.153-21.154 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §4.03) ]; and

(4)

(No change.)

(b)

To be certified by the commission as a local commission pursuant to this chapter and the Texas Labor Code, Subchapter D, §§21.151-21.156 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §§4.01-4.04) ], the following materials and information shall be submitted to the commission:

(1) - (6)

(No change.)

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

If the commission does not certify the local commission as subject to this chapter and the Texas Labor Code, Subchapter D, §§21.151-21.156 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §§4.01-4.04) ], it shall identify in writing the reasons for noncertification and endeavor to provide the local commission the necessary assistance to comply with the requirements established by this chapter and the Texas Labor Code, Subchapter D, §§21.151-21.156 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §§4.01-4.04) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102309

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458


Chapter 327. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

Subchapter A. ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATION AND REVIEW

40 TAC §§327.3, 327.4, 327.6 - 327.10, 327.12

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights propose amended §§327.3 concerning Subpoena, 327.4 concerning Dismissal of Complaint, 327.6 concerning Conciliation, 327.7 concerning Notice to Complainant, 327.8 concerning Failure to Issue Notice, 327.9 concerning Access to Commission Records, 327.10 concerning Confidentiality, and 327.12 concerning Temporary Injunctive Relief. Amended §§327.3, 327.4, 327.6, 327.7, 327.8, 327.9, 327.10, and 327.12 delete the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rules.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses or individuals as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendments must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the amended section in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§327.3.Subpoena.

(a)

To effect the purposes of this Act pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.003(4) [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §3.02(a)(7)) ], any commissioner, the executive director, or his or her designee, shall have the authority to sign and issue a subpoena to compel attendance of necessary witnesses for examination or testimony under oath or affirmation, and the production of records, documents, and other evidence relevant to the investigation of alleged violations of the Texas Labor Code, for inspection and copying. The issuance of subpoenas shall be governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 268, Subchapter D, §2001.089 and §2001.103. The commission authorizes the executive director, or his or her designee, or a commissioner to exercise this power on behalf of the commission.

(b) - (c)

(No change.)

(d)

On a failure to comply with a subpoena, the commission shall apply to the district court of the county in which the person is found, resides, or transacts business, for an order directing compliance pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.306(b) [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §8.02(b)) ].

§327.4.Dismissal of Complaint.

(a) - (f)

(No change.)

(g)

Where the commission dismisses a complaint filed with it, the commission shall so notify in writing the complainant and the respondent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Such notification shall inform the complainant of his or her right to file a civil action against the respondent named in the complaint pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.208 and §21.252 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §7.01(a)) ]. The commission shall delegate authority to issue such notifications to the executive director or his or her designee.

§327.6.Conciliation.

(a) - (f)

(No change.)

(g)

Where the commission has not successfully negotiated a conciliation agreement between the respondent and complainant, the commission shall so notify in writing the complainant and respondent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Such notification shall inform the complainant of his or her right to file a civil action against the respondent named in the complaint pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §§21.208-21.252 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §7.01(a)) ]. The executive director is authorized to issue this notification on behalf of the commission.

(h)

(No change.)

§327.7.Notice to Complainant.

(a)

If the complaint filed with the commission pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.201 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01(a)) ], is dismissed by the commission or is not resolved before the expiration of the 180th day after the date of filing of the complaint, the commission shall so inform the complainant in writing by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Any complainant who is so informed may request the commission's notice of right to file a civil action. The complainant shall request the notice in writing and identify the respondent, the commission's complaint number, and the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's complaint number, if the complaint has been deferred by the federal government.

(b) - (c)

(No change.)

§327.8.Failure to Issue Notice.

The commission's failure to issue a notice of right to file civil action after 180 days from the date the complaint is received by the commission does not affect the complainant's right under the Texas Labor Code, §21.252(d) [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §7.01(j)) ], to bring a civil action against the respondent.

§327.9.Access to Commission Records.

Pursuant to the limitations established by the Texas Labor Code, §§21.304-21.305 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §8.02(a)) ], the executive director shall, on written request of a party to a complaint filed under the Texas Labor Code, §21.201 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01(a)) ], allow the party access to the commission's records, unless the complaint has been resolved through a voluntary settlement or conciliation agreement, if:

(1) - (2)

(No change.)

§327.10.Confidentiality.

(a)

No officer or employee of the commission may make public any information obtained by the commission under its authority under the Texas Labor Code, §§21.201-21.207 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01) ], except as necessary to the conduct of a proceeding under this Act.

(b)

(No change.)

§327.12.Temporary Injunctive Relief.

Based on a preliminary investigation of a complaint, the commission may seek temporary injunctive relief pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.210 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §6.01(g)) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102310

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458


Chapter 329. JUDICIAL ACTION

40 TAC §329.1

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights propose amended §329.1 concerning Enforcement. Amended §329.1 deletes the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated. Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rules.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses or individuals as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendment must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the amended section in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

This amendment is proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§329.1.Enforcement.

(a)

The commission may bring a civil action against the respondent named in a complaint to effect the purposes of the Act pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.251 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §7.01(a)) ].

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The commission, on a majority vote of the commissioners, may intervene in any civil action pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §21.255 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §7.01(a)) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102311

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458


Chapter 331. REPORTS AND RECORD KEEPING

40 TAC §331.1

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights propose amended §331.1 concerning Preservation and Use. Amended §331.1 deletes the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated. Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rules.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendment must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the amended section in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

This amendment is proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§331.1.Preservation and Use.

The commission shall require a person under investigation in connection with a complaint filed under this Act or subject to the Act to make and keep records pursuant to the requirements of the Texas Labor Code, §§21.301-21.303 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §8.01) ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102312

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458


Chapter 333. CONFORMITY

40 TAC §333.1

The Commissioners of the Texas Commission on Human Rights propose amended §333.1 concerning Conformity. Amended §333.1 deletes the reference to Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, which appear in parentheses after each citation to Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code. Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k was codified into Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code in 1995 by the 74th Texas Legislature. It is no longer necessary to provide the reference to the historic citation.

Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as a result the amended rules.

Ms. Antwi has also determined that the public benefit will be clarity and consistency within the rules. There will be neither an economic cost nor adverse impact on small businesses or individiuals as a result of the amended rule.

Comments on the proposed amendment must be submitted within 30 days after the publication of the amended section in the Texas Register to Katherine A. Antwi, Interim Executive Director, Mail Code 344, Texas Commission on Human Rights, P.O. Box 13006, Austin, Texas, 78711 or by e-mail to katherine.antwi@mail.capnet.state.tx.us. Any requests for a public hearing must be submitted separately to the Interim Executive Director.

This amendment is proposed under the Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21, Sections 21.556 and 21.003, and Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 321, Section 321.4 and Chapter 323, Section 323.5. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.556, provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules as are necessary and proper to execute its duties and functions. The Texas Labor Code, Section 21.003, and the Texas Administrative Code, Sections 321.4 and 323.5, grant the Commission authority to adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of Texas Commission on Human Rights Act.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this action.

§333.1.Conformity.

Pursuant to the Texas Labor Code, §21.006 [ (formerly Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 5221k, §10.05) ], the commission is authorized to administer the provisions of this Act in a manner necessary to qualify for 706 deferral agency designation and the receipt of funds from the federal government.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on April 23, 2001.

TRD-200102313

Katherine A. Antwi

Interim Executive Director

Texas Commission on Human Rights

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 3, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 437-3458