350 S.W.3d 740
Tex. App.2011Background
- Forge alleges race discrimination and hostile work environment against Nueces County and Sheriff Kaelin after termination of his jailer position on Dec 31, 2008.
- Forge followed county grievance procedures, denial issued, appeal abated due to pending criminal charges.
- Forge timely filed discrimination charges with TWC, EEOC, and DOJ; received right-to-sue letters and filed a TCHRA suit within 60 days; submitted post-suit notice under § 89.0041.
- Forge did not present the claim to the commissioners court under § 89.004 before filing suit.
- The trial court dismissed for lack of jurisdiction; Forge appeals challenging the jurisdictional impact of § 89.004(a).
- The court holds § 89.004(a) is not jurisdictional and the TCHRA exhaustion scheme applies, reversing and remanding.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether § 89.004(a) presentment is jurisdictional and applicable to TCHRA claims | Forge argues § 89.004(a) is not jurisdictional and TCHRA exhaustion governs | Kaelin/Nueces County contend § 89.004(a) is a jurisdictional prerequisite | Not jurisdictional; TCHRA exhaustion governs |
Key Cases Cited
- Essenburg v. Dallas County, 988 S.W.2d 188 (Tex. 1998) (presentment not jurisdictional; mandatory precondition)
- Pelzel & Assocs., Inc. v. County of Dallas, 77 S.W.3d 246 (Tex. 2002) (presentment not jurisdictional; conditional prerequisite)
- Lubbock County v. Trammel's Lubbock Bail Bonds, 80 S.W.3d 580 (Tex. 2002) (presentment not jurisdictional; condition precedent)
- Parsons v. Dallas County, 197 S.W.3d 915 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2006) (TTCA notice provisions exclusive; not applicable here)
- Dillard v. Harris County, 841 S.W.2d 552 (Tex. App.-Houston 1992) (TTCA notice analysis; not applicable to TCHRA)
- Alexander v. Tex. Dep't of Pub. Safety, 300 S.W.3d 62 (Tex. App.-Austin 2009) (administrative exhaustion under TCHRA is mandatory and jurisdictional)
- C. Green Scaping, L.P. v. Colquitt, 301 S.W.3d 872 (Tex. App.-Dallas 2009) (section 311.034 interplay; presentment not a sovereignty waiver)
- Colquitt v. Brazoria County, 324 S.W.3d 539 (Tex. 2010) (amendments to 311.034; notice as jurisdictional prerequisite context)