Texas Local Government Code - LOC GOV'T § 143.053. Appeal of Disciplinary Suspension

(a) This section does not apply to a municipality with a population of 1.5 million or more.

(b) If a suspended fire fighter or police officer appeals the suspension to the commission, the commission shall hold a hearing and render a decision in writing within 30 days after the date it receives notice of appeal. The suspended person and the commission may agree to postpone the hearing for a definite period.

(c) In a hearing conducted under this section, the department head is restricted to the department head's original written statement and charges, which may not be amended.

(d) The commission may deliberate the decision in closed session but may not consider evidence that was not presented at the hearing. The commission shall vote in open session.

(e) In its decision, the commission shall state whether the suspended fire fighter or police officer is:

(f) If the commission finds that the period of disciplinary suspension should be reduced, the commission may order a reduction in the period of suspension. If the suspended fire fighter or police officer is restored to the position or class of service from which the person was suspended, the fire fighter or police officer is entitled to:

(g) The commission may suspend or dismiss a fire fighter or police officer only for violation of civil service rules and only after a finding by the commission of the truth of specific charges against the fire fighter or police officer.