Sec. 54.034.  PROCEEDINGS OF COMMISSION PANELS.  (a)  All cases to be heard by the commission may be heard by any panel of the commission.  A majority of the members of a panel must hear a case.
(b)  A majority of the entire commission shall adopt rules for the entire commission in accordance with any ordinances adopted pursuant to this subchapter.  The rules shall establish procedures for use in hearings, providing ample opportunity for presentation of evidence and testimony by respondents or persons opposing charges brought by the municipality or its building officials relating to alleged violations of ordinances.
(c)  The governing body of the municipality by ordinance shall designate the appropriate official of the municipality who shall present all cases before the commission panels.
(d)  Meetings of the commission panels shall be held at the call of the chairman of each panel and at other times as determined by the commission.  All meetings of the commission and its panels shall be open to the public.  Each chairman of a panel, or in the chairman's absence each acting chairman, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses.
(e)  Each commission panel shall keep minutes of its proceedings showing the vote of each member on each question or the fact that a member is absent or fails to vote.  Each commission panel shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions.  The minutes and records shall be filed immediately in the office of the commission as public records.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1113, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1989.  Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 836, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993;  Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 413, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.