The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) is designated to conduct the hearings on contested cases for TABC. Following a hearing an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) prepares a Proposal for Decision (PFD) which contains findings of fact and conclusions of law, and also the ALJ's recommendation for the decision in the contested case.
Hearings held by SOAH are conducted under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) , Chapter 2001, Texas Government Code, and procedural rules adopted by SOAH found in Title 1, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 155
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The Executive Director has authority to enter final orders for TABC. The Executive Director may enter an order adopting the PFD as written, modify the PFD and enter an order based on the modifications, or remand the case back to SOAH for further action. A PFD is not a final decision of TABC until the Executive Director enters an order. A final order of TABC is subject to judicial review, which means that a PFD and Order may be appealed to district court.
Orders of district courts are not on this web site.