Sec. 301.153. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

(a) The division is governed by the human rights commission, which consists of seven members as follows:

(1) one member who represents industry;

(2) one member who represents labor; and

(3) five members who represent the public.

(b) The members of the human rights commission established under this section shall be appointed by the governor. In making appointments to the human rights commission, the governor shall strive to achieve representation on the human rights commission that is diverse with respect to disability, religion, age, economic status, sex, race, and ethnicity.

(c) The term of office of each commissioner is six years. The governor shall designate one commissioner to serve as presiding officer.

(d) A commissioner is entitled to reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

(e) The human rights commission shall establish policies for the division and supervise the director in administering the activities of the division.

(f) The human rights commission is the state authority established as a fair employment practice agency and is authorized, with respect to an unlawful employment practice, to:

(1) grant relief from the practice;

(2) seek relief from the practice; or

(3) institute criminal proceedings.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 302, Sec. 2.