TX HB2097

Allows commissioners courts to authorize civil service commissions to establish an independent hearing examiner appeal process for deputy sheriffs facing demotions, suspensions of three or more days, or terminations

Requires the deputy sheriff and sheriff to attempt to agree on a hearing examiner; if no agreement is reached within 10 days, a list of seven qualified arbitrators is requested from the American Arbitration Association or Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service for selection through alternating strikes

Grants hearing examiners the same powers as civil service commissions, including subpoena authority, with decisions required within 10 days for expedited procedures or 30 days for standard appeals

Makes hearing examiner decisions final and binding, with deputy sheriffs waiving their right to district court appeal except on grounds of lack of jurisdiction or fraud/collusion

Assigns hearing examiner fees and expenses to the losing party, while each party pays costs for their own witnesses