[Minor revision–posted 7/5/22 (replaces 5/1/20 edition)]
[PDF Version]

 

Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 62.21: University Employees Indebted to the State of Texas

DATE: July 5, 2022

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to establish a university policy for employees who are indebted to the State of Texas insofar as the constitution and laws of Texas allow.

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed in January of even-numbered years by the Chief Payroll Officer with substantive revisions forwarded through administrative channels to the Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  Authority to Withhold Payroll Check(s) or Warrant(s)

a.    In accordance with Section 403.055 of the Government Code, a warrant or electronic funds transfer may not be issued to a person who has been reported as indebted to the state or has a tax delinquency.

b.    However, under the constitution and laws of Texas, no warrant may be withheld unless the employee who is indebted voluntarily signs a valid waiver agreement (see attachment), which states that the employee understands the protection afforded by the Texas Constitution and waives that protection.

2.  Employee Briefing

This policy provides employees with their responsibilities and obligations to Texas Tech University and the State of Texas concerning indebtedness that might occur from such things as the writing of insufficient fund checks, non-payment of student loans, failure to pay taxes, etc.

3.  Placing a Hold on a Paycheck or Warrant

Collection of the indebtedness will be attempted by contacting the employee directly. Employees will be advised of the option of authorizing a salary hold on their paycheck by completing the Waiver Agreement for Salary Warrant (or Check) Assignment form (see attachment).

The Chief Payroll Officer, upon receipt of the waiver agreement, will ensure the payroll warrant (check) for the period indicated is placed on hold and not distributed to the employee.

The comptroller of the State of Texas will be advised of any employee who leaves the university without clearing any financial obligations to the university.

 

Attachment: Waiver Agreement for Salary Warrant (or Check) Assignment

OP Categories

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10 President
30 Academic and Student Affairs – General
32 Academic Policies – Faculty
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48 Communication Services
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