TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 1. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter C. PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYMENT POLICIES

37 TAC §1.42

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §1.42, concerning the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Volunteer Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 22, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9252) and will not be republished.

The new section is justified by the anticipated increase in services to customers and communities by the use of volunteers in agency programs. The new rule will allow for efficient use of existing equipment and personnel, proper guidance and supervision of volunteers, and incentives for persons desiring to use their skills on behalf of the Department.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new section.

The new section is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2109.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000524

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: October 22, 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 §§15.25, 15.28, 15.29, 15.31, 15.34, 15.38, 15.40, 15.41

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§15.25, 15.28, 15.29, 15.31, 15.34, 15.38, 15.40 and 15.41, concerning Application Requirements-Original, Renewal, Duplicate, Identification Certificates without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9966) and will not be republished.

The amendments are necessary to delete inapplicable provisions, reflect changes resulting from the re-codification of Texas Civil Statutes to Texas Transportation Code, and update to correspond to statutory provisions relating to social security numbers and fees.

Amendments to these sections include the following information. Amendment to §15.25 deletes subsection (b) as it no longer applies and reformats subsection (a). Amendment to §15.28 is necessary to reflect changes resulting from the re-codification of Texas Civil Statutes to Texas Transportation Code. Form numbers are updated in §15.29. §15.31 is amended to change the name of the form and to state that out-of-state renewals must submit proof of social security number. Amendment to §15.34 updates the name of the DL-43 application. §15.38 adds examination to the list of exemptions for disabled veterans. §15.40 is amended to show current fees for regular driver's license and commercial driver's license. Amendment to §15.41 corrects reference to statute.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000525

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


37 TAC §15.43

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §15.43, concerning Anatomical Gifts, without changes to the proposal as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9966) and will not be republished.

The justification for this repeal is necessary because the law no longer requires anatomical gift designations on the drivers license or identification card.

No comments were received regarding the repeal of this section.

This repeal is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the Department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000530

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


Subchapter C. EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

37 TAC §15.56

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.56, concerning examination requirements without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9967) and will not be republished.

The amendments are justified to ensure that individuals are fully informed about test requirements for the issuance of drivers licenses.

Amendments to this section includes adding Class C vehicles to the pre-trip inspection of brake operations and adding new paragraph (6)(C).

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the Department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000526

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


37 TAC §15.59

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.59, concerning Renewal Tests, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10840) and will not be republished.

The justification for these amendments will be to provide applicants with alternative methods of applying and paying for the renewal of driver's licenses and identification certificates, allowed for by Senate Bill 370 (DPS Sunset), §§19, 24, and 28, 76th Legislature, 1999. The title of the section is also being amended to better reflect the contents of this section.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000532

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

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


Subchapter D. DRIVER IMPROVEMENT

37 TAC §15.82

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.82, concerning driver improvement without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9967) and will not be republished.

The justification for these amendments is to clarify department policy concerning when driver's licenses will be cancelled.

Amendments to this section include changing the word "original" to "all" to indicate those applicants whose license may be cancelled and changes the word "incompetency" to "incapacity."

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the Department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000531

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


Subchapter E. RECIPROCITY IN DRIVER LICENSING

37 TAC §15.92

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.92, concerning reciprocity in driver licensing without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9968) and will not be republished.

The justification for these amendments will be to ensure that individuals are fully informed about the requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses.

The amendments to this section are necessary to correct the reference to statute as a result of the re-codification of Texas Civil Statutes to the Texas Transportation Code.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the Department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000527

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


Subchapter G. DENIAL OF RENEWAL OF DRIVER'S LICENSE FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATION

37 TAC §15.123, §15.124

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.123 and §15.124, concerning denial of renewal of driver's license for failure to appear for traffic violations without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9969) and will not be republished.

The justification for these amendments will be to ensure that individuals are fully informed about the requirements for the issuance of driver's licenses.

Amendments to these sections include correcting the reference to statute as a result of the re-codification of Texas Civil Statutes to the Texas Transportation Code and deleting unnecessary language from §15.123(b) and (c).

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the Department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000528

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


Subchapter H. ADVERTISING

37 TAC §15.131

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §15.131, concerning Advertising in Texas Drivers Handbook, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 22, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9254) and will not be republished.

The new section is justified by the cost of printing and distribution that can now be recovered for this publication while preserving the agency's neutrality in controversial social and political issues.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new section.

The new section is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work 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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000523

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: October 22, 1999

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


Chapter 21. EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE STANDARDS

Subchapter A. EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE STANDARDS

37 TAC §§21.1, 21.3, 21.7

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§21.1, 21.3 and 21.7, concerning equipment and vehicle standards without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 12, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9970) and will not be republished.

The justification for these amendments is necessary to delete inapplicable and obsolete language and bring the rules in compliance with current statutory definitions and changes made by House Bill 932, 76th Legislature, 1999.

Amendments to these sections include the following information. Amendment to §21.1 deletes subsection (a)(4) which is no longer applicable. Obsolete language regarding certification of certain vehicles is deleted in §21.3. Section 21.7(c) is reformatted to include the definition of "motor vehicle" and amends the current definition of "passenger car." Section 21.7 is also amended to reflect statutory changes made by House Bill 932, 76th Texas Legislature, 1999.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments.

These amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapters 521, 545, and 547, which state the department may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapters and which set forth the type of safety chains required to be used based on the weight of the trailer, semitrailer, or house trailer being towed.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000529

Dudley M. Thomas

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 12, 1999

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


Part 5. TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES

Chapter 141. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subchapter B. RULEMAKING

37 TAC §141.52

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts the repeal of 37 TAC §141.52, concerning suspension of rules. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the November 5, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9795).

The repeal is necessary because the rule, which was originally promulgated prior to 1977, is obsolete and unenforceable, as it is not grounded in either current statute or case law.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposed repeal of the rule.

The repeal is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which grants the Policy Board the power to promulgate rules relating to the decision-making process used by the Board and parole panels; and under §508.044, Government Code, which provides the Policy Board with the authority to adopt reasonable rules the Policy Board considers proper or necessary relating to matters involving parole or mandatory supervision, the conduct of revocation hearings, or conditions to be imposed on a releasee to parole or mandatory supervision.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000549

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 5, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 343-6041


Subchapter F. SUBPOENAS

37 TAC §141.101

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts an amendment to 37 TAC §141.101, concerning subpoenas. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 5, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9795-9796).

The amendment is necessary for the purpose of making non-substantive, grammatical changes in the rule.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposed amendment to the rule.

The amendment is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which grants the Policy Board the power to promulgate rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels; under §508.044, Government Code, which provides the Policy Board with the authority to adopt reasonable rules the Policy Board considers proper or necessary relating to matters involving parole or mandatory supervision, the conduct of revocation hearings, or conditions to be imposed on a releasee to parole or mandatory supervision; and under §508.048, Government Code, which grants the Board the power to issue subpoenas.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000546

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 5, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 343-6041


Chapter 145. PAROLE

Subchapter A. PAROLE PROCESS

37 TAC §145.6

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts an amendment to 37 TAC §145.6, concerning denial of parole. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 5, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9796).

The amendment is necessary for the purpose of providing the inmate notification of the reasons for the three-member parole panel's decision on whether to release the inmate to parole.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposed amendment to the rule.

The amendment is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which grants the Policy Board the power to promulgate rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels; under §508.044, Government Code, which grants the Board panels the power to decide which inmates are to be released on parole; and under §508.144, Government Code, which requires the Board to develop parole guidelines that are the basic criteria on which parole decisions are made.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000547

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 5, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 343-6041


Subchapter C. REVOCATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE RELEASE (PAROLE, MANDATORY SUPERVISION, AND EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY)

37 TAC §145.56

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts the repeal of 37 TAC §145.56, concerning revocation of parole or mandatory supervision. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the November 5, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9796-9797).

The repeal is necessary because the rule is obsolete and outdated and reflects procedures that are no longer utilized by the agency. In addition, the procedures are adequately covered under Chapter 146 of the agency rules.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposed repeal of the rule.

The repeal is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which grants the Policy Board the power to promulgate rules relating to the decision-making process used by the Board and parole panels; and §508.044, Government Code, which provides the Policy Board with the authority to adopt reasonable rules the Policy Board considers proper or necessary relating to matters involving the conduct of revocation hearings.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000548

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 5, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 343-6041


Chapter 147. HEARINGS

Subchapter B. EVIDENCE

37 TAC §147.22

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts an amendment to 37 TAC §147.22, concerning rules of evidence. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 5, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9797).

The amendment is necessary for the purpose of updating the rule to reflect the merger of the state's civil and criminal rules of evidence into the Texas Rules of Evidence, effective March 1, 1998.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposed amendment to the rule.

The amendment is adopted under §508.036, of the Government Code, which grants the Policy Board the power to promulgate rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels; under §508.044, Government Code, which provides the Policy Board with the authority to adopt reasonable rules the Policy Board considers proper or necessary relating to matters involving parole or mandatory supervision, the conduct of revocation hearings, or conditions to be imposed on a releasee to parole or mandatory supervision; and under §508.281, Government Code, which allows a designee of the Board to preside over revocation hearings.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000545

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 5, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 343-6041


37 TAC §147.28

The Policy Board of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts the repeal of 37 TAC §147.28, concerning subpoenas. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the November 5, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 9797-9798).

The repeal is necessary because the rule is superfluous and adds nothing to the current rule on subpoenas, 37 TAC §147.101.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposed repeal.

The repeal is adopted under §508.036, Government Code, which grants the Policy Board the power to promulgate rules relating to the decision-making process used by the Board and parole panels; §508.044, Government Code, which provides the Policy Board with the authority to adopt reasonable rules the Policy Board considers proper or necessary relating to matters involving parole or mandatory supervision, the conduct of revocation hearings, or conditions to be imposed on a releasee to parole or mandatory supervision; and under §508.048, Government Code, which grants the Board the power to issue subpoenas.

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 January 26, 2000.

TRD-200000544

Laura McElroy

General Counsel

Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles

Effective date: February 15, 2000

Proposal publication date: November 5, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 343-6041