House Bill No. 1677 amends the Government Code to establish specific procedures for the investigation of municipal fire fighters in municipalities with populations of 10,000 or more. The bill introduces Section 614.024, which defines key terms such as "fire fighter," "investigation," and "punitive action." It stipulates that investigations must be conducted in accordance with existing laws and any additional requirements set forth in collective bargaining agreements. Notably, the bill clarifies that it applies to fire fighters regardless of whether their municipality is covered by a meet and confer or collective bargaining agreement, and it supersedes any conflicting provisions in such agreements.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 614.021(b) to specify that the subchapter does not apply to peace officers or fire fighters under certain collective bargaining agreements if those agreements include provisions for investigations and disciplinary actions. It also amends Section 614.023(a) to require that a signed complaint against a municipal fire fighter be provided within a reasonable time or according to the procedures outlined in the new Section 614.024. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 614.021, Government Code 614.023 (Government Code 614)
House Committee Report: Government Code 614.021, Government Code 614.023 (Government Code 614)
Engrossed: Government Code 614.021, Government Code 614.023 (Government Code 614)