TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 1. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter T. DISPOSITION OF FORFEITED ASSET

37 TAC §1.251

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §1.251, concerning Disposition of Forfeited Asset, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 58) and will not be republished.

The justification for the new section will be to ensure oversight by the Public Safety Commission of all expenditures and other uses of a forfeited asset by the department.

The new section promulgates the Public Safety Commission's policy and procedure to approve the Department of Public Safety's (DPS) disposition or other use of an asset forfeited to the department under federal or state law. The department must obtain prior commission approval before disposing of any asset except tangible property, such as a vehicle, firearm, or cellular telephone. The commission delegates its authority to approve disposition of tangible property to a major division chief if a report of the dispositions is made annually to the commission.

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 pursuant to specific mandate and authority of Senate Bill 370 (Acts 76th Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 1189, codified as Government Code, §411.0131).

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002812

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Chapter 15. DRIVERS LICENSE RULES

Subchapter A. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

37 TAC §15.6, §15.7

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.6 and §15.7, concerning Licensing Requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 59) and will not be republished.

The justification for the sections will be to allow for the operation of a motorcycle that is better suited to be driven on public streets and highways and to clarify what the required reinstatement fee is.

Amendments to the sections include changing the cubic centimeter piston displacement of a motorcycle that a 15 year old applicant, provided other requirements are met, may operate from 125cc to 250cc, and changes the $50 reinstatement fee to a "statutory" reinstatement fee (currently $100). The amendments are necessary in order for the department to comply with Senate Bill 370 and House Bill 1492 passed during the 76th Texas Legislature, 1999.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The 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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002814

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Subchapter C. EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

37 TAC §15.57

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts an amendment to §15.57, concerning Examination Requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 60) and will not be republished.

The justification for the section will be to allow for the operation of a motorcycle by 15-year-old applicants that is better suited to be driven on public streets or highways.

Amendment to the section changes the cubic centimeter piston displacement of a motorcycle that a 15-year-old applicant, provided other requirements are met, may operate from 125cc to 250cc.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment 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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002815

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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 §§15.111, 15.112, 15.114, 15.116 - 15.119

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§15.111, 15.114, and 15.116-15.119, concerning Denial of Renewal of Driver's License for Failure to Appear for Traffic Violation, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 61) and will not be republished. Section 15.112 is changed for a grammatical correction.

The justification for the sections will be to allow for a more efficient process of the courts to administer their failure to appear or payment of fines programs.

Amendments to the sections add additional offenses/violations for which a person may be denied renewal of their driver license for failure to appear to pay a fine involving an offense within justice and municipal court jurisdictions. The amendments are necessary in order for the department to comply with House Bill 2802 passed during the 76th Texas Legislature, 1999.

No Comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The 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, §706.012.

§15.112.Authority To Enter Interlocal Contract.

A political subdivision may contract with the department to provide information necessary for the department to deny renewal of the driver's license of a person who has failed to appear for a complaint, citation, or court order to pay a fine involving an offense listed in §15.111 of this title (relating to Purpose and Scope). A contract under this section must be made in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 791. A contract made under this section is subject to the ability of the parties to provide or pay for the services required under the contract.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002813

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Chapter 25. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY REGULATIONS

37 TAC §25.18

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts an amendment to §25.18, concerning Reinstatement, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 62) and will not be republished.

The justification for the section will be clarification regarding reinstatement fees.

Amendment to the section changes the title of the section, deletes unnecessary language and changes the $50 reinstatement fee to "statutory" reinstatement fee. The changes are necessary in order for the department to comply with Senate Bill 370 passed during the 76th Texas Legislature, 1999.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment 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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002816

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Chapter 29. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

37 TAC §§29.1 - 29.49, 29.101 - 29.157

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §§29.1 - 29.49 and §§29.101 - 29.157, concerning Practice and Procedure, without changes as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 63).

The justification for the repeals will be the removal of obsolete or duplicative rules which conflict with other statutory or regulatory provisions and will allow for the adoption of new §§29.1 - 29.34 which will accurately reflect current law and agency practices with regard to contested cases.

No comments were received regarding repeal of the sections.

The repeals 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, §§548.002, 643.003, and 644.003.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002806

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


37 TAC §§29.1 - 29.34

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §§29.1 - 29.34, concerning Practice and Procedure, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 64) and will not be republished.

The justification for the new sections will be rules that are more streamlined and less confusing and are necessary to accurately reflect current law and agency practices with regard to contested cases. The new rules apply to Motor Carrier Hearings and Vehicle Inspection Hearings that are held before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). The new rules further remove unnecessary duplication of applicable SOAH rules and statutory provisions of the Texas Administrative Procedures Act. The new rules also supplement SOAH rules on these contested cases in order to more adequately address department-specific issues such as manner of service, notices of hearing, and informal dispositions.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new sections.

The new sections 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, §§548.002 and 644.003, which authorize the department to adopt rules to administer and enforce programs regulating vehicle inspection stations and inspectors, and commercial motor vehicle safety standards.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002807

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Chapter 31. STANDARDS FOR AN APPROVED MOTORCYCLE OPERATOR TRAINING COURSE

37 TAC §§31.1, 31.4, 31.6, 31.9 - 31.11

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the amendments to §§31.1, 31.4, 31.6, and 31.9 - 31.11, concerning Motorcycle Operator Training Course, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 69) and will not be republished.

The justification for the sections will be current and updated department rules relating to the Motorcycle Operator Training Course.

Amendments include renaming of the unit due to a reorganization within the department, allowing a 15 year old who presents an instructional permit or unrestricted provisional Class C or higher driver license to take the basic motorcycle operator training course and adds language clarifying the instructional requirements for the basic course, as well, as providing additional grounds for de-certification of instructors who fail to comply with the requirements.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Transportation Code, §662.009.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002808

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Chapter 32. BICYCLE SAFETY AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

37 TAC §32.2

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the amendment to §32.2, concerning Bicycle Safety Curriculum, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 70) and will not be republished.

The justification for the section will be the enhancement of bicycle safety behaviors by children and adults as a result of completing and teaching the SuperCyclist course.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment 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 Health and Safety Code, Chapter 758 which provides that a licensed provider may contract with instructors and may subsequently issue completion certificates to those students who successfully complete the course.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002809

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


Chapter 33. ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE OPERATOR EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

37 TAC §§33.1 - 33.5

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the amendments to §§33.1 - 33.3 and 33.5, concerning All-terrain Vehicle Operator Education and Certification Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 71) and will not be republished. Section 33.4(g) is adopted with change to correct a grammatical error and will be republished.

The justification for the sections will be current and updated department rules relating to the All-terrain Vehicle Operator Education and Certification Program.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Transportation Code, §663.018, which states that the "designated division or state agency may adopt rules to administer this chapter." The Governor has designated the Texas Department of Public Safety to administer the all-terrain vehicle operator education and certification program as provided by Texas Transportation Code, §663.011.

§33.4. Notice of Hearing Requirements.

(a)

The department may deny, suspend, or cancel its approval for a program sponsor to conduct a course or for an instructor to teach courses offered under this chapter if the applicant, instructor, or program sponsor:

(1)

does not meet the requirements established under Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 663, to receive or retain approval;

(2)

permits fraud or engages in any fraudulent practices with reference to an application to the department, induces or countenances fraud or fraudulent practices on the part of any application for a driver's license or permit, or permits or engages in any other fraudulent practice in any action between the applicant or licensee or the public;

(3)

does not comply with the rules and regulations of the department; or

(4)

is convicted under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States, of any felony or offense involving moral turpitude, tampering with a governmental record, driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs, or an offense committed as a result of the person's criminally negligent operation of a motor vehicle:

(A)

these particular crimes relate to the conducting and teaching courses because the program sponsor and instructors are required to be of good reputation, character, moral conduct, and to deal honestly with members of the public. Program sponsors and instructors are required to keep records on behalf of the department and are required to recognize the importance of, encourage, and practice safe driving techniques;

(B)

a conviction for an offense other than a felony will not be considered by the department, under this paragraph, if a period of more than five years has elapsed since the date of the conviction or of the release of the person from the confinement or supervision imposed for that conviction, whichever is the later date. For the purposes of this section, a person is convicted of an offense when an adjudication of guilt on an offense is entered against the person by a court of competent jurisdiction, whether or not:

(i)

the sentence is subsequently probated and the person is discharged from probation;

(ii)

the accusation, complaint, information, or indictment against the person is dismissed and the person is released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense; or the person is pardoned for the offense, unless the pardon is expressly granted for subsequent proof of innocence;

(C)

in determining the present fitness of a person who has been convicted of a crime and in determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to an occupation, the department shall consider those factors stated in Occupations Code, Chapter 53;

(5)

does not enter into any license agreement required by these rules or any such agreement is revoked, transferred, assigned, or is subject to revocation because of the actions of the applicant or instructor.

(b)

When there is cause to deny, suspend, or cancel the approval of a program sponsor or instructor, the director shall, no less than 30 days before refusal, suspension, or revocation action is taken, notify the person in writing, in person, or by certified mail at the last address supplied to the department, of the impending refusal, suspension, or revocation, the reasons for taking this action, the effective date of the action, and of his/her right to an administrative hearing for the purpose of determining whether or not the evidence is sufficient to warrant the refusal, suspension, or revocation action proposed to be taken by the director.

(c)

The director, without a hearing, may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue approval for a program sponsor to conduct a course or for an instructor to teach courses if, within 20 days after actual notice or the notice has been deposited in the United States mail, the person has not made a written request to the director for this administrative hearing.

(d)

On receipt by the director of a written request for an administrative hearing within the 20-day period, an opportunity for an administrative hearing shall be afforded as early as is practicable.

(e)

The administrative hearing shall be before the director or his designee.

(f)

On the basis of the evidence submitted at the hearing, the director, acting for himself or upon the recommendation of his designee, may refuse or revoke the approval.

(g)

A program sponsor or instructor may waive the right to an administrative hearing in writing by completing the Voluntary Waiver of Administrative Hearing form that accompanies the department's notice of intent to suspend, revoke, or refuse to approve a program sponsor or instructor.

(h)

The procedure of the administrative hearing shall comply with §§29.1 - 29.49 of this title (relating to Practice and Procedure), except where otherwise provided.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002811

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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


37 TAC §33.6

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §33.6, concerning Consumer Product Safety Commission, without changes as published in the January 7, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 73).

The justification for the repeal will be the removal of obsolete rules because of the consent decree having expired.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeal.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3) which authorizes the commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Transportation Code, §663.018, which states that the "designated division or state agency may adopt rules to administer this chapter." The Governor has designated the Texas Department of Public Safety to administer the All-Terrain Vehicle Operator Education and Certification Program as provided by Texas Transportation Code, §663.011.

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 April 20, 2000.

TRD-200002810

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: May 10, 2000

Proposal publication date: January 7, 2000

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