HBA-LCA H.B. 3373 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3373 By: Talton Urban Affairs 4/3/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In order to protect information that emerges during voluntary internal mediation, H.B. 3373 codifies language agreed upon by the City of Houston and officers of the Houston Police Department during a meet and confer contract process. This codification is intended to ensure that the protective order language will withstand a court challenge. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 143, Local Government Code, by adding Section 143.135, as follows: Sec. 143.135. MEDIATION AND ITS EFFECT ON TIME SCHEDULES FOR APPEALS. (a) Authorizes the police department head to develop and implement an alternative means of resolution of police officer discipline and training through a program of mediation. Requires that dates and deadlines for actions taken under certain specified sections of Chapter 143, Local Government Code (Municipal Civil Service) be calculated from the date the matter is received by the alternative dispute resolution unit until its completion with or without a written resolution, its referral to another investigatory or grievance process, or until 60 days have elapsed. (b) Provides that mediation is conducted in accordance with state laws and police department rules and guidelines. Provides that communications, records, conduct, and demeanor are confidential. Provides for the disclosure of confidential information during or after a mediation under certain specified conditions. (c) Exempts meetings or other procedures during mediation from notice requirements under Chapter 143, Local Government Code. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.