The City of Houston, Petitioner v. Donald Clark, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that Chapter 143 of the Local Government Code, specifically § 143.1016(j), authorizes a municipality such as the City of Houston to appeal an independent hearing examiner’s adverse decision, reversing the Court of Appeals and remanding for further proceedings. The Court based its decision on a plain‑meaning analysis of the statute, legislative history, and the need to avoid an unconstitutional delegation of authority.