(A) Employees in the Fire Department or Police Department shall not be permitted to take an active part in any political campaign of another for an elective position of the city if they are in uniform or on active duty. As used in this section, the term
ACTIVE PART means making political speeches, passing out cards or other political literature, writing letters, signing petitions, actively and openly soliciting votes or making public derogatory remarks about candidates for these elective positions.
(B) Firefighters and police officers coming under the provisions of this subchapter are not required to contribute to any political fund or render any political service to any person or party whatsoever; and no person shall be removed, reduced in classification or salary, or otherwise prejudiced by refusing to do so; and any official of the city coming under the provisions of this subchapter who attempts such actions shall be guilty of violating the provisions of this subchapter.
(C) No firefighter or police officer shall be refused reasonable leave of absence without pay; provided that, a sufficient number of employees to carry out the normal functions of the Department shall be provided, for the purpose of attending any fire or police school, convention or meeting, the purpose of which is to secure more efficient departments and better working conditions for the personnel thereof, nor shall any rule ever be adopted affecting their constitutional right to appear before or petition the legislature; provided, however, that, the Civil Service Commission or the City Commission may not further restrict the rights of employees of the Police and Fire Departments to engage in political activities, except as expressly provided in this section.
(1998 Code, § 90-35)
Statutory reference:
Similar provisions, see Tex. Local Gov’t Code §§ 143.071, 143.086