People may file complaints, but public complaints must be written, sworn, and filed with the secretary-treasurer or online. The board must accept complaints, keep them confidential during the investigation, and dismiss complaints it lacks jurisdiction to resolve.
Sec. 1002.202. COMPLAINTS. (a) A person may file a complaint alleging a violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter. (b) A complaint from a member of the public must be: (1) in writing; (2) sworn to by the person making the complaint; and (3) filed with the secretary-treasurer or electronically through the board's Internet website. (c) A complaint that is initiated by the board or board staff must be: (1) in writing; and (2) signed by the person who became aware of information that may indicate a violation. (d) A complaint must contain sufficient information for the board to determine whether the board has the jurisdiction and authority to resolve the complaint. If the board does not have the jurisdiction and authority, the board shall dismiss the complaint. A complaint must have sufficient information for the board to commence an investigation, though the amount of information ultimately required for the board to determine the validity of the complaint may be more than the information initially included with the complaint. (d-1) The board shall accept a complaint regardless of whether the complaint is notarized. (e) The board shall maintain the confidentiality of a complaint from the time of receipt through the conclusion of the investigation of the complaint. Complaint information is not confidential after the date formal charges are filed. (f) For any complaint determined to be frivolous or without merit, the complaint and other information related to the complaint are confidential. The information is not subject to discovery, subpoena, or other disclosure. A complaint is considered to be frivolous if the executive director and investigator, with board approval, determine that the complaint: (1) was made for the likely purpose of harassment; and (2) does not demonstrate apparent harm to any person. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14A.004(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 504 (S.B. 940), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 733 (S.B. 138), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.