Texas § LG.143.003 - DEFINITIONS
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § LG.143.003 — DEFINITIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ LG.143.003. DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Civilian oversight board" means a board or office established by a municipality to practice oversight, monitoring, or investigations of fire fighters or police officers, or departments, by members of the public who are not fire fighters or police officers. (1-a) "Commission" means the Fire Fighters' and Police Officers' Civil Service Commission. (2) "Department head" means the chief or head of a fire or police department or that person's equivalent, regardless of the name or title used. (3) "Director" means the director of fire fighters' and police officers' civil service. (4) "Fire fighter" means a member of a fire department who was appointed in substantial compliance with this chapter or who is entitled to civil service status under Section 143.005 or 143.084 . The term: (A) applies only to an employee of a fire department whose position requires substantial knowledge of fire fighting and who has met the requirements for certification by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection under Chapter 419 , Government Code, including an employee who performs: (i) fire suppression; (ii) fire prevention; (iii) fire training; (iv) fire safety education; (v) fire maintenance; (vi) fire communications; (vii) fire medical emergency technology; (viii) fire photography; (ix) fire administration; or (x) fire arson investigation; and (B) does not apply to a secretary, clerk, budget analyst, custodial engineer, or other administrative employee. (5) "Police officer" means a member of a police department or other peace officer who was appointed in substantial compliance with this chapter or who is entitled to civil service status under Section 143.005 , 143.084 , or 143.103 . Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 498, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 738 (H.B. 2640 ), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 867 (S.B. 1957 ), Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § LG.143.003
What does The Texas Constitution § LG.143.003 cover?
Section LG.143.003 ("DEFINITIONS") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § LG.143.003?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § LG.143.003" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § LG.143.003 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.