1. (a) The director of the department may meet regularly with representatives of an eligible state employee organization, as certified by the comptroller under Section 403.0165, that represents department employees in disciplinary or grievance matters to identify:

   1. (1) department policies or practices that impair the efficient, safe, and effective operation of department facilities; and
   2. (2) issues that could lead to unnecessary conflicts between the department and department employees and that could undermine retention and recruitment of those employees.

2. (b) The director annually shall submit a report to each standing committee of the legislature with primary jurisdiction over the department on the outcome of any meetings held under this section. The report must:

   1. (1) be signed by the director and each representative of an employee organization described by Subsection (a) that participates in the meetings; and
   2. (2) include a statement from each party regarding the impact of the meetings on the recruitment and retention of department employees and on employee morale.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1308 (S.B. 909), Sec. 18, eff. June 15, 2007.

Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 780 (S.B. 860), Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 2025.