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Texas Statutes (Last Updated: January 4, 2014) |
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GOVERNMENT CODE |
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Title 4. EXECUTIVE BRANCH |
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Subtitle B. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION |
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Chapter 411. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS |
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Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ADMINISTRATION |
Sec. 411.0197. ADVISORY OVERSIGHT COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE
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(a) The commission shall establish an Advisory Oversight Community Outreach Committee in the department and may adopt rules for the implementation and operation of the committee. The committee shall meet at the times and places specified by commission rule or at the call of the presiding officer or any two members.
(b) The commission shall appoint the members of the committee, which must include border crossing bridge owners, persons serving in the capacity of director of entities governing ports of entry, community leaders, planning developers, mayors, or persons designated by mayors, of the major municipalities in the area of the border of this state and the United Mexican States, representatives of law enforcement agencies, and representatives of the general public.
(c) The commission shall designate the presiding officer of the committee from among the committee's members. The presiding officer serves at the will of the commission.
(d) The committee shall:
(1) document to the commission trade-related incidents involving department personnel;
(2) develop recommendations and strategies to improve community relations, department personnel conduct, and the truck inspection process at this state's ports of entry; and
(3) act as ombudsman between the department and the communities located and residents residing in the area of the border of this state and the United Mexican States and between the department and the department's personnel.
(e) In determining action to be taken on the information and recommendations received from the committee, the commission shall consider the importance of trade with the United Mexican States, the safety of the traveling public, preservation of the highway system, applicable federal laws and regulations, and the concerns expressed by communities.
(f) Not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year the commission shall submit to the lieutenant governor, speaker of the house of representatives, and each other member of the legislature a report documenting the committee's recommendations and comments, incident reports received by the committee, and the actions taken by the commission and department to address those matters.