GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO HOURS OF LABOR AND VACATION OF MEMBERS OF FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN MUNICIPALITIES

(a) In Sections 142.0013, 142.0015, and 142.0017, "work cycle" means the period in a posted work schedule starting at the time the cycle begins and ending at the time the cycle begins to repeat itself. The cycle may span any number of days or weeks or a part of a day or week. (b) A provision of Section 142.0013, 142.0015, or 142.0017 does not apply if it is inconsistent with a collective bargaining agreement that was in effect on August 31, 1987, and was made in accordance with The Fire and Police Employee Relations Act (Article 5154c-1, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes). (c) Sections 142.0013 and 142.0015 do not prohibit the chief or head of a police department from assigning a police officer under the chief's or head's jurisdiction or supervision to work periods of uncompensated duty as prescribed by Section 143.055. A period of uncompensated duty may not be considered or otherwise taken into account in determining compliance with Section 142.0013 or 142.0015, and Section 142.0013 and Sections 142.0015(f), (g), (h), and (j) do not apply to or include periods of uncompensated duty to which a police officer is assigned. (d) Sections 142.0013, 142.0015, and 142.0017 do not prevent a fire fighter or police officer from working extra hours when exchanging hours of work with another fire fighter or police officer with the consent of the department head. (e) A municipal official having charge of a fire department or police department commits an offense if the official violates Section 142.0013, 142.0015, or 142.0017. An offense under this subsection is punishable by a fine of not less than $10 or more than $100. Each day on which the municipal official causes or permits the section to be violated constitutes a separate offense.