In 1997, the Texas Legislature declared: It is the policy of this state that disputes before governmental bodies be resolved as fairly and expeditiously as possible and that each governmental body support this policy by developing and using alternative dispute resolution procedures in appropriate aspects of the governmental body’s operations and programs.
This policy provides guidelines to establish under what circumstances an employee of the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) may be entitled to or granted each type of leave provided by Chapter 661 of the Texas Government Code. In accordance with Section 661.252, this policy must be posted on SOAH’s website where it is easily accessible by the agency’s employees and the public.
As part of the agency’s Compact with Texans, this policy governs the process for external complaints formally filed with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). SOAH is committed to providing exceptional service to its customers and, therefore, treats all complaints seriously. Each complaint will be thoroughly assessed and every reasonable effort will be made to achieve resolution for the betterment of the public and the agency.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings’ policy on establishing links from its website to other websites is guided by the business needs of the agency and whether there is a public purpose for establishing the link. Links are provided as a public service and for informational purposes only. Links are provided only when the external server provides information that is useful to the public, our constituents, or our employees; and relate to the agency’s programs, activities, or functions. The State Office of Administrative Hearings does not enter into reciprocal linking agreements.
Visitors to SOAH are not permitted to bring a firearm, illegal knife, club, or other prohibited weapon to SOAH courtrooms or offices, unless expressly authorized by law or by written authorization of the court. SOAH acts as a government court in a judicial or quasi-judicial capacity, rendering it unlawful to possess such prohibited weapons on its premises.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings may use official social media sites to provide information related to the State Office of Administrative Hearings and its services. The Chief Administrative Law Judge or designee will be responsible for approving the use of any social media sites by the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings values and protects the public’s privacy and places strict controls on the gathering and use of sensitive information and confidential information. Sensitive information and confidential information is not disclosed, made available, or otherwise used for purposes other than those specified at the time of collection, except with your consent or as authorized by law or regulation.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings provides information via this website as a public service. This site contains links to other sites. Unless otherwise noted on an individual document, file, or home page, the State Office of Administrative Hearings grants permission to copy and distribute files, documents and information for non-commercial use, provided that the information is copied and distributed without alteration.
This policy sets forth the responsibilities of the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) with regard to federal and state accessibility laws, specifically, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (or the ADA) and Texas Government Code Chapter 2054, Subchapter M, Access to Electronic and Information Resources by Individuals with Disabilities.
The State Office of Administrative Hearings is committed to promoting a culture of integrity within the agency. As part of the agency’s commitment, the Office has instituted a Fraud Prevention Program to provide its employees with the necessary guidance and support to prevent, detect, and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within the agency.
