TITLE public-safety-and-corrections

Part I. Texas Department of Public Safety

Chapter 4. Capitol Police

Subchapter A. Protection of State Buildings and Grounds

37 TAC §4.1

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts an amendment to §4.1, concerning protection of State Buildings and Grounds, with changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1979).

A punctuation error is corrected in subsection (f)(3).

The justification for this section will be to ensure to the public that state-owned buildings and property are properly secured, accessible to the public, and that a safe work environment is provided to state officials and employees.

The amendment changes the definition of "Capitol Complex." The amendment is necessary to implement Texas Government Code, § 411.061, which amended the definition of capitol complex.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.006(4), which provides the director with the authority to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for the control of the department.

§4.1.General.

(a)

Under the authority of Texas Government Code, §§411.061 - 411.067, the Texas Department of Public Safety is authorized to protect the grounds, public buildings, and property of the state, to regulate parking, and to control entrance to state-owned buildings; and to regulate displays and other public use of state buildings.

(b)

The Texas Department of Public Safety has designated the Capitol Police District as the primary unit responsible for carrying out its responsibilities in the Capitol Complex, and designated it as part of the Traffic Law Enforcement Division.

(c)

Within the Capitol Complex, as defined herein, the Department of Public Safety will strive to provide a safe work environment for state officials and employees; to protect the grounds, public buildings, and property of the state; to regulate parking; to regulate entrance to and public use of state-owned buildings; and to investigate criminal activity occurring in these locations.

(d)

These rules shall be applicable to state buildings and property within the Capitol Complex as defined in subsection (f) of this section.

(e)

The provisions of these rules pertaining to public buildings and grounds do not apply to buildings and grounds of:

(1)

institutions of higher education, as defined by the Texas Education Code, §61.003, as amended;

(2)

state agencies to which control has been specifically committed by law; and

(3)

state agencies that have demonstrated ability and competence to maintain and control their buildings and grounds and to which the General Services Commission has delegated that authority.

(f)

The following words and terms, when used in these sections, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Board - The State Preservation Board.

(2)

Buildings and state buildings - State-owned buildings and property within the Capitol Complex.

(3)

Capitol Complex - Property located in Austin, Texas, to the extent the property is owned by or under the control of the state; bounded on the north by the inside curb of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, on the east by the outside curb of Trinity Street, on the south by the outside curb of 10th Street, and on the west by the outside curb of Lavaca Street; the William P. Clements State Office Building located at 300 West 15th Street; and other locations under the jurisdiction of the capitol police district as may be approved by the director.

(4)

Capitol police - Members of the Capitol Police District of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

(5)

Commission - The Texas General Services Commission.

(6)

Department - The Texas Department of Public Safety.

(7)

Director - The director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

(8)

Park or parking - To stand an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily while loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.

(9)

Stand, or standing - To halt an occupied or unoccupied vehicle, other than temporarily while receiving or discharging passengers.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903618

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Chapter 14. School Bus Transportation

Subchapter A. General Provision

37 TAC §14.1, §14.2

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §14.1 and §14.2, concerning school bus transportation, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999 issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1979) and will not be republished.

The justification for these sections will be the employment of eligible school bus drivers and uniformity of forms used to determine eligibility and administrate the School Bus Driver Safety Training Program.

The amendments are necessary to correct minor errors and remove obsolete regulations from the rules and allow them to conform to applicable state laws and federal regulations. These amendments will clarify the agency's statutory authorities and will provide current forms to determine eligibility standards for school bus drivers and administrate the school bus driver safety training program.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §521.022, which requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules and procedures necessary for determining school bus driver employment eligibility and School Bus Driver Safety Training Program requirements.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903619

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Subchapter B. School Bus Driver Eligibility and Application Procedures

37 TAC §§14.11-14.14

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§14.11-14.14, concerning School Bus Driver Eligibility and Application Procedures, without changes to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1981) and will not be republished.

The justification for the sections will be the employment and training of eligible school bus drivers and uniformity of forms used to determine eligibility.

The amendments are necessary to correct minor errors and remove obsolete regulations to the rules and allow them to conform to applicable state laws and federal regulations. These amendments will clarify and provide current regulations to determine eligibility standards for school bus drivers and administrate the School Bus Driver Safety Training Program.

One comment was received regarding §14.12 relating to physical examinations. Linda Woolbert representing the Coalition for Nurses in Advanced Practice was concerned with proposed legislation that would allow advanced nurse practitioners to perform physical exams as part of the school bus driver physical examination.

The department's response is that if legislation were passed to allow other health professionals to perform these exams, the section and forms would be amended at that time.

No other comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are proposed pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §521.022, which requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules and procedures necessary for determining school bus driver employment eligibility and School Bus Driver Safety Training Program requirements.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903620

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Subchapter C. School Bus Driver Safety Training Program

37 TAC §§14.31-14.34, 14.36

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§14.31-14.34, and 14.36, concerning the School Bus Driver Safety Training Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1984) and will not be republished.

The justification for the sections will be the employment and uniform safety training of eligible school bus drivers across the state.

The sections set forth the requirements of the School Bus Driver Safety Training Program curriculum and administrative procedures.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §521.022, which requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules and procedures necessary for determining school bus driver employment eligibility and School bus Driver Safety Training Program requirements.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903621

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Subchapter D. School Bus Lighting and Warning Device Equipment

37 TAC §14.51, §14.52

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §14.51 and §14.52, concerning lighting and warning device equipment specifications for school buses, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1986).

The sections are being repealed with the simultaneous filing of new sections which will comply with Texas Education Code, §34.003, as amended by the 75th Texas Legislature, 1997.

No comments were received regarding repeal of the sections.

The repeals are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §547.102, which authorizes the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt standards and specifications which apply to lighting and warning device equipment required for a school bus in order to enable school administrators to establish and operate a safer school bus transportation system and make the school bus a safer and highly identifiable vehicle on the road.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903622

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §14.51 and §14.52, concerning lighting and warning device equipment specifications for school buses, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1986) and will not be republished.

The justification for the sections will be the ability to clearly identify a school bus and maintain minimum uniform lighting and warning device equipment standards on school buses to increase the safety of students transported.

The new sections set forth the school bus lighting and safety warning equipment required to be maintained on the school bus and the maintenance standard to be followed.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new sections.

The new sections are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §547.102, which authorizes the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt standards and specifications which apply to lighting and warning device equipment required for a school bus in order to enable school administrators to establish and operate a safer school bus transportation system and make the school bus a safer and highly identifiable vehicle on the road.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903623

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Chapter 15.
Drivers License Rules

Subchapter B. Application Requirements - Original, Renewal, Duplicate, Identification Certificates

37 TAC §15.30

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §15.30, concerning Identification Certificates, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 2, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 2632) and will not be republished.

The justification for the repeal will be to allow for the adoption of new section §15.30 which will provide more positive identification of license and certificate holders.

The department received no comments on the proposed repeal.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.006(4), which authorizes the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for the control of the department and Texas Transportation Code, §521.005.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903615

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: April 2, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §15.30, concerning Identification Certificates, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 2, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 2632) and will not be republished.

The justification for the new section will be more positive identification of license and certificate holders.

The new section will be compatible with §15.23 (relating to Names) and §15.24 (relating to Identification of Applicants) and provides for better, more positive identification of applicants for Texas driver's licenses and identification certificates.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new section.

The new section is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.006(4), which authorizes the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for the control of the department and Texas Transportation Code, §521.005.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903616

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: April 2, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Chapter 16.
Commercial Driver's License

Subchapter A. Licensing Requirements, Qualifications, Restrictions, and Endorsements

37 TAC §§16.1, 16.2, 16.9, 16.10, 16.13

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§16.1, 16.2, 16.9, 16.10, and 16.13, concerning licensing requirements, qualifications, restrictions, and endorsements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1987) and will not be republished.

The justification for the amendments is clarification of department policy and rules that are consistent with state statutes and regulations.

Sections 16.1, 16.2, and 16.9 are amended for clarification of statute. Amendment to §16.10(a) adds new paragraphs (6)-(11) which includes an additional group of drivers of commercial vehicles who are exempt from the requirements relating to age, language, vision, and physical condition. Amendment to §16.13 is necessary to clarify and omit unnecessary language in the existing rule relating to farm-related service industry waivers.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 522, §522.005 which provides the department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903624

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Subchapter B. Application Requirements and Examinations

37 TAC §§16.32, 16.34, 16.38, 16.43, 16.47-16.49, 16.52

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§16.32, 16.34, 16.38, 16.43, 16.47-16.49, and 16.52, concerning Application Requirements and Examinations, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1989) and will not be republished.

The justification for the amendments will be to reduce or prevent commercial motor vehicle accidents, fatalities, and injuries by permitting only qualified individuals to hold licenses to drive these vehicles and ensuring that applicants are properly tested and approved.

Amendment to §16.32 states the CDL-1 is required only for original applicants. Amendment to §16.34 and §16.38 deletes unnecessary language. Amendment to §16.43 deletes subsection (g) as it is no longer applicable. Amendment to §16.47 better defines a school bus and deletes subsection (c) as it no longer applies. Amendment to §16.48 deletes "turn signals" as a safety inspection item and renumbers the remaining paragraphs. Amendment to §16.49 adds paragraphs (1)-(59) which lists those items included in the pre-trip inspection. Amendment to §16.52 describes the type of inquiry the department will perform upon acceptance of a sworn application and documents from an applicant applying for a commercial driver's license.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 522, §522.005, which provides the department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903625

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Subchapter C. Change of License Status, Renewals, Surrender of License, Fees

37 TAC §§16.71, 16.74-16.77

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§16.71, and 16.74-16.77, concerning change of license status, renewals, surrender of license, and fees, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1991) and will not be republished.

The justification for the amendments will be to reduce or prevent commercial motor vehicle accidents, fatalities, and injuries by permitting only qualified individuals to hold licenses to drive these vehicles and ensuring that applicants are properly tested and approved.

The amendments to the sections explain the new fees and procedures required for obtaining a commercial driver's license, renewing these licenses, the surrendering of these licenses, and adding/changing classification, restrictions, and endorsements on commercial driver licenses.

No comments were received regarding adopting of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, §522, §522.005, which provides the department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903626

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Subchapter D. Sanctions and Disqualifications

37 TAC §§16.91, 16.93-16.102, 16.105

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§16.91, 16.93-16.102, and 16.105, concerning sanctions and disqualifications, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 19, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 1992) and will not be republished.

The justification for the amendments will be to keep unsafe drivers and vehicles from operating on Texas highways.

The amendments are necessary in order to correct reference to statutes due to the recodification of Texas Civil Statutes to Texas Transportation Code. The titles of §§16.95, 16.96, and 16.102 are also changed in order to correct the reference to Texas Transportation Code.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 522, §522.005, which provides the department may adopt rules necessary to carry out this chapter and the federal act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 1999.

TRD-9903627

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: July 7, 1999

Proposal publication date: March 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135