TITLE rule-review

Proposed Rule Review

Texas Historical Commission

Title 13, Part II

The Texas Historical Commission files its notice of intention to review its rules contained within Title 13, Texas Administrative Code, Chapters 11, 13, 24, 25, and 26. This review is conducted pursuant to Appropriations Act, 1997, House Bill 1, Article IX, §167.

The commission will review its rules associated with Chapter 11 (Administrative Department), Chapter 13 (State Cemetery), Chapter 24 (concerning the Restricted Cultural Resources Information), Chapter 25 (concerning the Office of the State Archeologist), and Chapter 26 (concerning the Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Antiquities Code of Texas) to determine what change, if any, is needed to these chapters. Chapter 11 will be reviewed to determine administrative efficiency and clarity of functions and policies. Chapter 13, regarding the State Cemetery, has been repealed now that the Texas State Cemetery Committee considers and approves applications for burial. The Chapter 24 Rules are the commission's newest rules that were adopted on October 30, 1998, for the purpose of controlling access to sensitive data associated with the exact location of archeological sites and other significant resources on public lands in the State of Texas. The commission has no current plans to change Chapter 24, but we are open to any suggestion from the public about these new rules and the procedures associated with their implementation. The Chapter 25 Rules are related to the functions, authority, and responsibilities of the State Archeologist. The Chapter 26 Rules are the primary rules that assist the commission in the implementation of the Antiquities Code of Texas which are constantly being modified to adapt to changes and problems associated with cultural resources management projects in Texas. The commission is currently considering modifying both Chapters 25 and 26 to bring them more in line with changes that were made to the Antiquities Code during the 1995 and 1997 Legislative Sessions, and to amend them to reflect the merger of the Office of the State Archeologist, and the old Department of Antiquities Protection into the new Archeology Division of the commission. To accomplish this goal the commission may repeal these chapters and replace them entirely with new language, or merely change appropriate sections by the end of 2001.

Comments may be submitted in writing within 30 days following the publication of this notice in the Texas Register to Mark H. Denton, Director, State and Federal Review Section, Texas Historical Commission, P. O. Box 12276, Austin, TX 78711.

TRD-9904626

F. Lawerence Oaks

Executive Director

Texas Historical Commission

Filed: July 30, 1999


Motor Vehicle Board, Texas Department of Transportation

Title 16, Part VI

The Texas Motor Vehicle Board of the Texas Department of Transportation files this notice of proposed review Title 16, Chapter 109, Lessors and Lease Facilitators, relating to the regulation of leasing motor vehicles, pursuant to the Appropriations Act of 1997, House Bill 1, Article IX, §167.

As required by §167, the Board will accept comments regarding whether the reason for adopting each of the rules in 16 TAC Chapter 109 continues to exist. The Board will conduct the rule review at its November 4, 1999 meeting.

Any questions or written comments pertaining to this notice of intention to review should be directed to Brett Bray, Director, Motor Vehicle Division, Texas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 2293, Austin, Texas 78768-2293 or at (512) 416-4910 by October 5, 1999.

TRD-9904749

Brett Bray

Director

Motor Vehicle Division

Filed: August 3, 1999


Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Title 22, Part XXII

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy will review and consider for readoption, revision or repeal Title 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 501; 503; 511; 513; 515; 517; 519; and 521.

This review is conducted pursuant to Article IX, Rider 167 (section), House Bill 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997.

In conducting its review the Board will determine whether the reasons for the rule continue to exist. The rule review will also determine whether the rule is obsolete, whether the rule reflects current legal and policy considerations and whether the rule reflects current procedures of the Board.

Comments on the review may be submitted within the next 120 days to Amanda G. Birrell, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900, Austin, Texas 78701. Any proposed changes to the rules as a result of this review will be published in the Proposed Rule Section of the Texas Register and will be open for an additional 30 day comment period prior to final adoption or repeal by the Board.

Chapter 501, Professional Conduct

Chapter 503, Definitions

Chapter 511, Certification As CPA

Chapter 513, Registration

Chapter 515, Licenses

Chapter 517, Temporary Practice In Texas

Chapter 519, Practice And Procedure

Chapter 521, Fee Schedule

TRD-9904631

William Treacy

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

Filed: July 30, 1999


Texas Racing Commission

Title 16, Part VIII

The Texas Racing Commission files this notice of intention to review Chapter 305. Licenses for Pari-Mutuel Racing in accordance with Chapter 1275, Acts of the 75th Legislature, 1997, §55 and the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature, 1997, §167 (section).

As part of this process, the Commission is proposing the repeal of the entire Chapter. Rule sections in Chapter 305 that deal with the licensing of a racetrack will be incorporated into the new proposed Chapter 309. Rule sections in Chapter 305 that deal with the licensing of occupational licensees will be incorporated into the new Chapter 311. Section 305.55 and §305.56, that deal with the hearing process for racetrack license applicants will be moved to Chapter 307. Section 305.46, that deals with totalisator systems, will be moved to Chapter 321. The proposed repeal of Chapter 305, proposed new Chapter 309 and 311 and a more detailed explanation of these proposals may be found in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register . The commission will accept comments on the §167 requirement as to the reasons for repealing and moving the sections in this chapter and whether the provisions in the new sections continue to exist. Comments may be submitted on or before September 13, 1999, to Roselyn Marcus, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

Any questions pertaining to this notice of intention to review should be directed to Roselyn Marcus, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080 or telephone (512)833-6699.

TRD-9904668

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Filed: August 2, 1999


The Texas Racing Commission files this notice of intention to review Chapter 309. Operation of Racetracks in accordance with Chapter 1275, Acts of the 75th Legislature, 1997, §55 and the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature, 1997, §167 (section).

As part of this process, the Commission is proposing the repeal of the entire Chapter and replacing it with a new Chapter 309. New Chapter 309, Racetrack Licenses and Operations, will deal exclusively with the licensing and operation of horse racetracks and greyhound racetracks. Rule sections in Chapter 305 that deal with the licensing of a racetrack will be incorporated into the new proposed Chapter 309. The proposed repeal and replacement of Chapter 309 is explained in greater detail in the preamble of proposed new Chapter 309 and may be found in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register . The commission will accept comments on the §167 requirement as to the reasons for repealing and replacing Chapter 309 and whether the provisions in the new chapter continue to exist. Comments may be submitted on or before September 13, 1999, to Roselyn Marcus, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

Any questions pertaining to this notice of intention to review should be directed to Roselyn Marcus, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080 or telephone (512)833-6699.

TRD-9904669

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Filed: August 2, 1999


The Texas Racing Commission files this notice of intention to review Chapter 311. Conduct and Duties of Individuals in accordance with Chapter 1275, Acts of the 75th Legislature, 1997, §55 and the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature, 1997, §167 (section).

As part of this process, the Commission is proposing the repeal of the entire Chapter. New Chapter 311, Other Licenses, will relate to the licensing and regulation of occupational licenses. Rule sections in Chapter 305 that deal with the licensing of occupational licensees will be incorporated into the new Chapter 311. The proposed repeal and replacement of Chapter 311 is explained in greater detail in the preamble of proposed new Chapter 311 and may be found in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register . The commission will accept comments on the §167 requirement as to the reasons for repealing and replacing Chapter 311 and whether the provisions in the new chapter continue to exist. Comments may be submitted on or before September 13, 1999, to Roselyn Marcus, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

Any questions pertaining to this notice of intention to review should be directed to Roselyn Marcus, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080 or telephone (512)833-6699.

TRD-9904670

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Filed: August 2, 1999


Adopted Rule Reviews

Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board

Title 22, Part VIII

As part of the rule review specified by the General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1997, the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board a reviewed Chapter 155, Rules Relating to Standards of Practice.

As a result of the review, the Board determined that the reasons for adopting the rules continue to exist and has readopted §155.1, Standards of Practice, with changes as specified in the Adopted Rules section of this edition of the Texas Register .

The Board received one comment regarding the review of Chapter 155. The Foundation Appraiser Coalition of Texas (FACT) wrote to oppose the inclusion of the words "appraisal service" to the amendments to §155.1. The Board agreed and removed "appraisal service" from the adopted rule.

TRD-9904498

Renil C. Linér

Commissioner

Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board

Filed: July 26, 1999


Texas Historical Commission

Title 13, Part II

The Texas Historical Commission readopts without changes the review to Chapters 27, Subchapter A (§§27.1 - 27.8), Subchapter B (§§27.21 - 27.242), and Subchapter C (§§27.241 - 27.242) concerning the Adjudicative Procedures under the Antiquities Code of Texas, and Chapter 28 (§§28.1 - 28.5), concerning State Archeological Landmarks, pursuant to the Appropriations Act of 1997, HB 1, Article IX, §16, as proposed in the March 26, 1999 issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 2363).

No comments were received regarding adoption of these sections.

TRD-9904627

F. Lawerence Oaks

Executive Director

Texas Historical Commission

Filed: July 30, 1999


Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission

Title 30, Part I

The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission) adopts the review of and readopts 30 TAC Chapter 210, Use of Reclaimed Water. This review was conducted in accordance with the General Appropriations Act, Article IX, §167, 75th Legislature, 1997. The proposed review was published in the April 9, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 2956).

The commission readopts the rules contained in Chapter 210, related to Use of Reclaimed Water, as required by the General Appropriations Act, Article IX, §167. Section 167 requires state agencies to review and consider for readoption rules adopted under the Administrative Procedures Act. The review must include, at a minimum, an assessment that the reason for the rules continues to exist. The commission has assessed Chapter 210 and determined that the reason for the chapter continues to exist. The purpose of Chapter 210 is to establish quality criteria, design, and operational requirements for use of reclaimed water, which may be substituted for potable water or freshwater. Specific use categories are defined with corresponding reclaimed water quality requirements. These criteria are intended to allow the safe utilization of reclaimed water for conservation of surface and ground water, to ensure the protection of public health, to be protective of ground and surface waters, and to help maintain an adequate supply of water resources for present and future needs.

Chapter 210 provides the framework which has been used by the commission to fulfill the legislative requirements of the Texas Water Code, §§5.120, 11.002, 11.1271, and 26.040.

Chapter 210 concerns the uses for reclaimed water (wastewater which has been treated to a quality suitable for a beneficial use) throughout the State of Texas, and is currently divided into five subchapters. Subchapter A, concerning General Provisions, contains the definitions pertinent to rules in Chapter 210 only; the notification requirements to receive authorization from the commission; and the responsibility of the producer, provider, and the user. Subchapter B, concerning General Requirements for the Production, Conveyance, and Use of Reclaimed Water, contains the general requirements, storage requirements, irrigation requirements and the special design criteria for reclaimed water systems. Subchapter C, concerning Quality Criteria and Specific Uses for Reclaimed Water, contains specific uses, the quality standards, the sampling and analysis, and record keeping and reporting requirements. Subchapter D, concerning Alternative and Pre-existing Reclaimed Water System, contains instructions for alternate reclaimed water proposals and for pre-existing reclaimed water systems. Subchapter E, concerning Special Requirements for use of Industrial Reclaimed Water, explains how and when authorization for an industrial reclaimed water system is required, and the quality, sampling, and reporting criteria for industrial reclaimed water.

In 1989, the Texas Water Commission (TWC) responded to a legislative inquiry concerning the application of water reuse technologies in conjunction with conservation practices in order to address dwindling water supplies in Texas. TWC worked in concert with ad hoc committees and developed initial rules and regulations that would allow and encourage water reclamation, specifically the reuse of treated domestic wastewater. The rules were developed based on existing practices in other states and reflected the more conservative rules from those states.

Revised Subchapters A, B, C, and D were adopted on January 8, 1997. New Subchapter E was adopted on April 16, 1997. The commission adopted Chapter 210 under its authority in Texas Water Code, §§5.120, 11.002, and 11.1271 which authorizes the commission to conserve and protect the quality of the water in the state and adopt reasonable water conservation measures.

The comment period on the proposed review closed on May 24, 1999. The commission received comments from the City of Austin. A summary of those comments follow.

The City of Austin commented that the rules do not address accidental releases caused by pipeline breaks or leaks along the system. The city expressed concern that because a wastewater discharge permit requires discharges at specific points, any discharge along the system could be construed as a non-authorized discharge. The city further commented that such leaks should not be categorized as non-authorized discharges and suggested that the commission should instead require that such leaks be immediately addressed and reported to TNRCC.

The commission disagrees with the comment and maintains that these accidental releases would be classified as an unauthorized discharge. Discharges of this nature and the action required are already covered in the standard provisions of a municipality's wastewater permit and do not need to be covered under Chapter 210.

The City of Austin commented that references to backflow and siphonage found in Chapter 290, relating to Water Hygiene, should be made in Chapter 210.

The commission acknowledges the comment and will evaluate whether references to backflow and siphonage should be made clearer in the Chapter 210 rules. Section 210.4(a)(4) and §210.25(c) provide for the prevention of cross connections between reclaimed water distribution lines and potable water lines.

The City of Austin further commented that the current Chapter 210 rules do not address reclaimed water systems that are part of smaller package plants and are not connected to centralized wastewater treatment plants. The city requested that the commission should address these "satellite facilities" as part of any rule change.

The commission is researching this new use of smaller package plants, and will evaluate and determine how to address "satellite facilities."

The commission has reviewed the comments submitted and has determined that reasons for these rules continue to exist and therefore, readopts Chapter 210.

TRD-9904585

Margaret Hoffman

Director

Environmental Law Division

Filed: July 29, 1999


The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission) adopts the review of and readopts 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 285, concerning On-Site Sewage Facilities. This review was conducted in accordance with the General Appropriations Act, Article IX, §167, 75th Legislature, 1997. The proposed review was published in the January 29, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 610).

The commission adopts the review of the rules contained in 30 TAC Chapter 285 concerning On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) as required by the General Appropriations Act, Article IX, §167. Section 167 requires state agencies to review and consider for readoption rules adopted under the Administrative Procedures Act. The reviews must include, at a minimum, an assessment that the reasons for the rules continues to exist. The commission has reviewed the rules in Chapter 285 and determined that the reasons for adopting these rules continue to exist. The rules are still necessary in order to effectively administer, manage, and implement the OSSF program regulating the planning, design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of OSSFs in the state as required by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366 (relating to On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems). These rules assist the state's citizens in obtaining safe and adequate OSSFs, minimize the exposure of Texas citizens to the potential disease transmission caused by human and domestic waste, minimize the contamination of drinking water supplies, minimize the hazards to the state's recreational areas, and reduce the potential for surface and groundwater pollution. The use of OSSF systems for treatment and disposal of domestic wastewater has dramatically increased in the state over the last few years; therefore, specific rules regulating OSSFs are necessary.

The comment period on the review closed on March 16, 1999. Written comments were received from 50 commenters, representing engineers, sanitarians, manufacturers, authorized agents (cities, counties, river authorities, and public health districts), installers, and others. A total of 265 comments were presented by these commenters.

Only one commenter addressed the review of the rules. An OSSF installer indicated that he believes "we have a good set of rules," and that the rules are necessary for everyone, including the consumer. There were no comments indicating that the rules are not needed and should be repealed. Based on these comments and on its own assessment, the commission has determined the reasons for the rules continue to exist and the rules should be readopted.

As part of the rules review proposal, the commission also listed three recommendations received from a 20-member ad hoc committee composed of installers, regulators, designers, engineers, and sanitarians from all areas of the state. These recommendations identified areas in the rules which could be improved or clarified. The majority of the comments received during the rules review addressed the need to change, modify, add to, or delete requirements in Subchapter A, General Provisions; Subchapter D, Planning, Construction, and Installation Standards for OSSFs; Subchapter F, Registration, Certification, and/or Training Requirements for Installers, Apprentices, Site Evaluators, and Designated Representatives; and Subchapter I, Appendices. Recommendations made by the commenters included adding or modifying definitions, addressing lot sizes, expanding use of cluster systems, addressing maintenance requirements for OSSFs, modifying technical requirements for planning and installing OSSFs, addressing experience requirements for installers, and addressing the issue of site evaluators.

All comments not directly addressing the rules review will be considered during the rule revision process. In order to fully consider the various comments and incorporate appropriate changes into this chapter, the staff will begin meeting with various interest groups in August 1999, to assess all non-rules review related comments. Proposed changes to the rules based upon these comments will be brought before the commission for consideration in January 2000. For further information regarding the comments and the rules revision process, please contact Warren Samuelson, Team Leader, OSSF Program, (512) 239-4799.

TRD-9904584

Margaret Hoffman

Director

Environmental Law Division

Filed: July 29, 1999


Texas Department of Public Safety

Title 37, Part I

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has completed the review of Chapter 6, License to Carry Concealed Handgun; Chapter 11, Commercial Vehicle Registration; and Chapter 17, Administrative License Revocation. Pursuant to the requirements of §167 of the Appropriations Act, the DPS readopts the following: Chapter 6: §§6.2, 6.12, 6.13, 6.19, 6.20, 6.32, 6.41, 6.42, 6.46, 6.47, 6.51-6.54, 6.62, 6.71-6.81, 6.83, 6.85-6.94, 6.96, 6.111-6.113, 6.115-6.117, and 6.119; and to Chapter 11: §§11.2-11.4, 11.53, and 11.61.

The proposed review was published in the June 4, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 4256).

The DPS received no comments as to whether the reason for adopting the rules continues to exist. The DPS finds that the reason for adopting these rules continues to exist.

As part of this review process, the DPS proposed amendments to the following sections as published in the June 4, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 4178). The DPS proposed amendments to Chapter 6, §§6.1, 6.3-6.5, 6.11, 6.14-6.18, 6.31, 6.43-6.45, 6.61, 6.63, 6.82, 6.84, 6.95, 6.114, and 6.118. §6.21 was proposed for repeal with the simultaneous filing of new §6.21. Amendments to Chapter 11 included §§11.1, 11.5, 11.51, and 11.52. §§11.28 and 11.41-11.44 were proposed for repeal. The DPS also proposed the repeal of Chapter 17, §§17.1-17.16 with the simultaneous filing of new §§17.1-17.16.

The DPS received no comments on the proposed amendments and repeals. The DPS finds that the reason for adopting these rules continues to exist.

TRD-9904610

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Filed: July 30, 1999