TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 1. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Chapter 3. CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION

The Office of the Governor proposes the amendment of Subchapter A §§3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.17, 3.19, and 3.21; Subchapter B §§3.53, 3.55, 3.73, 3.75, 3.77, 3.79, 3.81, 3.83, 3.85, and 3.87; Subchapter C §§3.103, 3.105, 3.201, 3.205, 3.301, 3.303, 3.401, 3.403, 3.405, 3.501, 3.503, 3.505, 3.605, 3.609, 3.613, 3.701, 3.703, 3.719, 3.721, 3.723, 3.905, 3.1001, 3.1003, 3.1005, 3.1109, 3.1201, 3.1205, 3.1209, 3.1213, 3.1301, 3.1303, 3.1305, 3.1309, 3.1401, 3.1403, 3.1405, and 3.1409; Subchapter D §§3.2001, 3.2007, 3.2009, 3.2013, 3.2021, and 3.2023; Subchapter E §§3.2501, 3.2507, 3.2511, 3.2513, 3.2517, 3.2519, 3.2521, and 3.2529; and Subchapter F §3.2601 and §3.2603.

The Office of the Governor proposes the addition of Subchapter C §3.107 and §3.1411.

The Office of the Governor proposes the repeal of Subchapter C §3.1217 and Subchapter D §3.2019.

The proposed amendment to §3.1 clarifies which version of Subchapters A through F is applicable to a grant. A grantee must comply with the provisions of Subchapters A through F in effect on the date the grant is awarded.

The proposed amendment to §3.3: (1) changes §3.3(1) to allow greater flexibility in the selection of CJAC members while ensuring multi-disciplinary representation on the CJAC; (2) deletes the definition of "executive committee" in §3.3(4) because all references to "executive committee" are being removed from this chapter; (3) replaces the phrase "cash match-funded portions, and in-kind contribution portions" in §3.3(7) with the term "matching funds" because the definition of "matching funds" in §3.3(15) includes cash match and in-kind match portions; (4) changes the phrase "standard CJD budget categories" in §3.3(11) to "approved budget categories" and clarifies that an "approved budget category" must contain an approved dollar amount; and (5) revises the definition of "equipment" in §3.3(14) to make it consistent with the definition of "equipment" in the Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) and to include items that must be inventoried under UGMS.

The proposed amendment to §3.7 revises the language of this section to reflect the functions of the CJAC and the COG's governing body during the selection process.

The proposed amendment to §3.17 revises the language in this section regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.19 replaces the phrase "school district and regional education service centers" in §3.19(b)(6) with the term "educational institutions" to more accurately reflect the content of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-21.

The proposed amendment to §3.21 clarifies that CJD may provide for the submission of information by any electronic means.

The proposed amendment to §3.53: (1) updates the list of priority needs that must be addressed by projects exclusively serving juveniles or youth to include the needs identified by the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board in its three year plan; (2) specifies the type of applicant that must comply with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act; and (3) removes the language in §3.53(d) because the JJDP Act does not require CJD to notify facilities of the facilities' non-compliance.

The proposed amendment to §3.55: (1) deletes the language in §3.55(a) because a similar provision is found in §3.101(c) regarding the State Criminal Justice Planning (421) Fund; (2) deletes the language in §3.55(b) because it is not required by any funding source and is no longer needed to efficiently administer grant funds; and (3) deletes the language in §3.55(c) and moves it to new §3.107 regarding the State Criminal Justice Planning (421) Fund.

The proposed amendment to §3.73 revises the language in this section regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.75: (1) clarifies that the principles described in §3.75(a)(2) regarding determining the allowable salary for personnel are applicable not only to nonprofits, but to all applicants; (2) exempts the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program from the prohibition in §3.75(a)(3) against paying the salary of an elected or appointed government official when the grant funds are used to provide court masters, magistrates, or referees who are retained to assist judges handling juvenile cases, which is an allowable use of the funds under the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program; (3) requires in §3.75(b) that all grant funded personnel maintain on file personnel activity reports to allow CJD to more effectively monitor the performance of grant related activities; (4) clarifies in §3.75(c) that grant funds cannot be used to provide overtime pay to personnel funded full-time on a CJD grant project; (5) exempts the Drug Court Program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program from the prohibition in §3.75(c) because the federal program allows the payment of overtime to law enforcement officers and necessary personnel to increase the number of hours worked by such personnel; (6) clarifies the language of §3.75(d); and (7) revises the title of the federal funding source in §3.75(e) to the "Byrne Formula Grant Program", the current title of this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.77 clarifies that a grantee who has a procurement that is expected to exceed $100,000 or upon CJD request must submit to CJD a CJD-prescribed Procurement Questionnaire.

The proposed amendment to §3.79 clarifies that §3.79(b) applies to grantees that develop and conduct training, not to grantees who simply pay for their staff to attend training provided by another entity.

The proposed amendment to §3.81: (1) clarifies that the list of all proposed equipment purchases must be itemized; (2) deletes the language stating that "CJD may refuse any request for equipment" because the criteria for determining whether to approve an equipment purchase is set forth this section; (3) clarifies that "grant funds", as defined in §3.3(7), shall not be used for the purposes described in this subsection; and (4) clarifies that a grantee who has a procurement that is expected to exceed $100,000 or upon CJD request must submit to CJD a CJD-prescribed Procurement Questionnaire.

The proposed amendment to §3.83: (1) changes the term "standard CJD budget categories" in §3.83(a) to "approved budget categories" as it is defined in §3.3(11); and (2) deletes §3.83(b) because the types of advertising expenses that are unallowable are fully described in UGMS.

The proposed amendment to §3.85 clarifies that the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program is exempt from this rule because §3.1209 addresses indirect costs for this program.

The proposed amendment to §3.87 clarifies that program income may only be used for allowable project costs as reflected in an approved budget.

The proposed amendment to §3.103 removes the reference to §3.55 because the relevant language from §3.55(c) is being transferred to §3.107.

The proposed amendment to §3.105: (1) adds the word "independent" before the words "school districts" to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter; (2) expands the list of eligible applicants; and (3) clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.201 updates the language of this subsection to reflect the current citation for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund.

The proposed amendment to §3.205: (1) conforms the list of eligible applicants under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund to the federal requirements for this funding source; and (2) clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.301: (1) updates the language of this subsection to reflect the current citation for the Title V Delinquency Prevention Act Fund; and (2) deletes the language regarding project objectives, which has been moved to §3.303.

The proposed amendment to §3.303: (1) removes the reference to §3.55 because the relevant provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of §3.55 are being transferred to §3.307; and (2) adds the project requirements are being deleted from §3.301.

The proposed amendment to §3.401 updates: (1) the language of this subsection to reflect the current citation for the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund; and (2) the current goals of the program.

The proposed amendment to §3.403 conforms the project requirements under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund to the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.405 clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.501(b) updates the language of this subsection to reflect the current citation for the Victims of Crime Act Fund.

The proposed amendment to §3.503 conforms the project requirements under the Victims of Crime Act Fund to the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.505: (1) conforms the list of eligible applicants, and the criteria that all applicants must follow under the Victims of Crime Act Fund, to the federal requirements for this funding source; and (2) clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.605 clarifies that crime stoppers organizations that are certified by the Crime Stoppers Advisory Council pursuant to §414.011 of the Texas Government Code are eligible to receive grant funds under the Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund.

The proposed amendment to §3.609 revises the language in this section regarding the use of grant funds to pay indirect costs to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.613: (1) deletes the language regarding expense reimbursement, placing Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund grantees under the same rule (§3.2511) regarding requests for funds as applies to all other funding sources administered by CJD and allowing Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund grantees to request funds on a cost reimbursement basis no more than once a month; and (2) clarifies that an organization that is decertified by the Council is no longer eligible to receive grant funds and must return all unexpended grant funds to CJD because a crime stoppers organization must be certified by the Crime Stoppers Advisory Council to be eligible to receive grant funds from CJD.

The proposed amendment to §3.701 revises the title of the federal funding source to reflect the current title of this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.703 conforms the project requirements under the Byrne Formula Grant Program to the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.719 revises the title of the federal funding source to reflect the current title of this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.721: (1) ensures grantees' compliance with drug testing requirements by conforming this section to the current CJD practice of requiring grantees under the Byrne Formula Grant Program to submit a certificate of drug testing with their grant application and to maintain documentation on file evidencing that drug testing was conducted; and (2) revises the title of the federal funding source to reflect the current title of this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.723: (1) revises the title of the federal funding source to reflect the current title of this funding source; and (2) clarifies that task force personnel are not considered employees of the advisory board, the task force, or the Governor's Office.

The proposed amendment to §3.905: (1) conforms the list of eligible applicants under the Violence Against Women Act Fund to the federal requirements for this funding source; and (2) clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.1001 deletes the purpose areas in §3.1101(c) because they are listed as project requirements in §3.1003.

The proposed amendment to §3.1003 conforms the project requirements under the Challenge Grant Program to the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1005 conforms the list of eligible applicants under the Challenge Grant Program to the federal requirements for this funding source. The requirement that an eligible faith-based organization must be a tax-exempt nonprofit entity, as certified by the Internal Revenue Service, and the prohibition against the use of grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship are added to ensure uniform standards for all funding sources administered by CJD.

The proposed amendment to §3.1109 revises the language in this section regarding the use of grant funds to pay for indirect costs to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.1201 deletes the word "Incentive" to reflect the current title of the federal funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1205: (1) conforms the list of eligible applicants under the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program to the federal requirements for this funding source; and (2) clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.1209: (1) deletes the word "Incentive" to reflect the current title of the federal funding source; and (2) changes the percentage of indirect costs allowed under the current federal guidelines for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1213 adds the word "departments" after the word "police" to clarify the language of this section.

The proposed amendment to §3.1301 deletes all reference to the Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws program, which is no longer administered by CJD. The source and purpose of the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program, a new program administered by CJD, are added to this section. The source and purpose in this section comply with the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1303 deletes all reference to the Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws program, which is no longer administered by CJD. The project requirements under the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program, a new program administered by CJD, are added to this section. The project requirements in this section comply with the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1305 deletes all reference to the Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws program, which is no longer administered by CJD. The list of eligible applicants under the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program, a new program administered by CJD, is added to this section. The list of eligible applicants in this section comply with the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1309 deletes all reference to the Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws program, which is no longer administered by CJD. The language in this section regarding the use of grant funds to pay for indirect costs under the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program, a new program administered by CJD, is revised to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.1401 updates the language of §3.1401(b) to reflect the current citation for the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Program.

The proposed amendment to §3.1403 conforms the project requirements under the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Program to the federal requirements for this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.1405 clarifies that the Internal Revenue Service certifies faith-based organizations as tax exempt nonprofit entities.

The proposed amendment to §3.1409 revises the language in this section regarding the use of grant funds to pay for indirect costs to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.2001 revises the language in this section regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.2007 revises the title of the federal funding source to reflect the current title of this funding source.

The proposed amendment to §3.2009 clarifies that: (1) cooperative working agreements do not involve an exchange of funds; and (2) a grantee must submit to CJD a list of each participating organization that has entered into a cooperative working agreement with the grantee and a written description of the purpose of each cooperative working agreement.

The proposed amendment to §3.2013 conforms this section with the procurement requirements under UGMS.

The proposed amendment to §3.2021: (1) changes the term "cash match" to "matching funds" to clarify that each applicant must commit to provide all applicable "matching funds" as that term is defined in §3.3(15) ("matching funds" includes both cash match and in-kind match); and (2) allows an applicant greater flexibility to designate the name or title of an authorized official.

The proposed amendment to §3.2023: (1) removes the requirement to submit a Nonprofit Information Form because the pertinent information contained in this form will be included in the Financial Capability Questionnaire; (2) clarifies that the Financial Capability Questionnaire required for nonprofit corporations is a CJD-prescribed form; and (2) adopts the CJD practice of requiring new nonprofit grantees to submit documentation from the Internal Revenue Service granting the entity tax-exempt status to ensure that the grantee is an eligible applicant.

The proposed amendment to §3.2501: (1) revises the title of the federal funding source in §3.2501(a)(1) to reflect the current title of this funding source; (2) changes the word "decline" to "reject" to ensure the use of uniform language in this section and §3.2021(3); and (3) adds the requirement in §3.2501(d) that grantees notify CJD of any change in mailing address, email address, fax number, or telephone number, and include sample signatures of new grant officials to ensure that CJD maintains current contact information for, and signatures of, current grant officials.

The proposed amendment to §3.2507 removes the requirement that a specified grant official sign and submit each financial report because each expenditure report lists the officers who may sign the document.

The proposed amendment to §3.2511: (1) adds §3.2511(b) to reflect CJD's current practice of providing advance funds in certain approved budget categories; (2) clarifies in §3.2511(c) that documentation must clearly identify the obligation date, the applicable line items in the approved budget, and the amount charged to the grant; and (3) clarifies in §3.2511(d) that grant funds may not be requested after the 90-day liquidation period and that the 90-day liquidation period may not be extended to promote financial accountability by grantees and aid CJD in more efficiently accounting for the disbursement of grant funds.

The proposed amendment to §3.2513: (1) clarifies that the authorized official must sign grant adjustments that alter the amount of the grant award or the scope of a grant project, and one of the three designated grant officials must sign all other grant adjustments because the authorized official is the only grant official given the power to alter the scope of a grant project; (2) clarifies that the "funds" described in §3.2513(b) are "grant funds" as defined in §3.3(7); (3) allows grant funds allocated for salary to be transferred among or within the approved budget categories, without CJD approval as long as the amount transferred does not exceed a cumulative total of ten percent of the CJD-funded portion of the grant project during that grant period; (4) clarifies that only a budget adjustment initiated by the grantee will count as one of the four budget adjustments that may be approved by CJD during a grant period; (5) requires requests to extend the grant period to be submitted to CJD by the last day of the grant period to promote financial accountability for grantees and aid CJD in more efficiently accounting for the disbursement of grant funds; and (6) clarifies that a grant extension does not extend the 90-day liquidation period.

The proposed amendment to §3.2517: (1) revises the language in this section regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter; and (2) clarifies that, pending resolution of a deficiency, CJD may place a grantee on program hold (temporarily withhold all grant payments to the grant project) or vendor hold (temporarily withhold all grant payments to all grant projects awarded to the grantee).

The proposed amendment to §3.2519 revises the language in this section regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.2521 clarifies that all payments made after the grant period ends must relate to obligations incurred during the grant period.

The proposed amendment to §3.2529 revises the language in §3.2529(b) regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter.

The proposed amendment to §3.2601: (1) revises the language in §2601(a) regarding compliance with applicable legal authority to ensure the use of uniform language throughout this chapter; (2) removes the language regarding the use of CJD staff, contractors and external reviewers in §2601(b) because it is provided for in §3.3(2), which defines "CJD" to include designees of CJD; (3) changes the title of CJD's initial report to a "preliminary report"; (4) adds language in §2601(g) to clarify that CJD must determine if the response is adequate to resolve the deficiency or recommendation; and (5) clarifies in §2601(i) that all required actions identified in the final monitoring report must be resolved in the time frame specified in the report.

The proposed amendment to §3.2603 specifies the applicable provisions of UGMS that apply to audits.

The proposed addition of §3.107 incorporates the list of ineligible activities that were found in former subsections (c) and (d) of §3.55, which are proposed for repeal. This list of ineligible activities is applicable to grant funds awarded under the State Criminal Justice Planning (421) Fund.

The proposed addition of §3.1411 incorporates the list of ineligible activities under the federal requirements for the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Program.

The proposed repeal of §3.1217 deletes language that is unnecessary because it is addressed in §3.1211.

The proposed repeal of §3.2019 removes the requirements of an interagency agreement in this section because such agreements are covered under §3.77 and §3.2009.

The Office of the Governor reviewed the rules affecting the Criminal Justice Division grant processes and procedures with the goal of increasing efficiency and updating the rules to address changes in the administration process. The review disclosed that a number of the rules required further clarification and simplification. As a result, the Office of the Governor has determined that the sections in the Texas Administrative Code identified above should be amended, added, or repealed.

Dan Glotzer, Manager of Budget and Finance for CJD, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Mr. Glotzer has also determined that for the first five-year period that the sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be more efficient processes and procedures and the current rules will be more easily understood. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons or businesses for complying with the proposed rules.

Comments on the proposed amendments, additions, and repeals may be submitted to Heather Morgan, Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, at hmorgan@governor.state.tx.us; P. O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711; or (512) 463-1919. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

Subchapter A. GENERAL GRANT PROGRAM PROVISIONS

1 TAC §§3.1, 3.3, 3.7, 3.17, 3.19, 3.21

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.1.Applicability.

Subchapters A through F of this chapter apply to all applications for funding and grants submitted to the Criminal Justice Division (CJD), Office of the Governor. A grantee must comply with the provisions of Subchapters A through F in effect on the date the grant is awarded by CJD. Subchapter A covers the general provisions for grant funding. Subchapter B addresses general eligibility and budget rules for grant funding. Subchapter C outlines specific eligibility and budget rules applicable to various funding sources available to CJD; these rules are in addition to all other general rules in this chapter. Subchapter D provides rules detailing the conditions CJD may place on grants. Subchapter E sets out the rules related to administering grants. Subchapter F specifies rules regarding program monitoring and audits. Subchapter G details the rules regarding CJD advisory boards. Subchapter H addresses Crime Stoppers program certification. Subchapter I adopts the Memorandum of Understanding between CJD and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

§3.3.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless otherwise indicated:

(1) CJAC: Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, a component of a COG. A CJAC must have a multi-disciplinary representation of members from the region. This representation must contain members from the following groups: concerned citizens or parents, drug abuse prevention, education, juvenile justice, law enforcement, mental health, nonprofit organizations, prosecution/courts, and victim services. No single group may constitute more than one third [ 40% ] of the CJAC;

(2) CJD: The Criminal Justice Division of the Office of the Governor or its designee;

(3) COG: a regional planning commission, council of governments, or similar regional planning agency created under Chapter 391, Texas Local Government Code;

(4) executive director: the executive director of CJD [ executive committee: the governing body of a COG ];

(5) grantee: an agency or organization that receives a grant award [ executive director: the executive director of CJD ];

(6) grant funds: CJD-funded and matching funds portions of a grant project [ grantee: an agency or organization that receives a grant award ];

(7) OJP Financial Guide: the financial guide issued by the federal Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice, applicable to the use of federal Department of Justice money in state grant projects [ grant funds: CJD-funded, cash match-funded portions, and in-kind contribution portions of a grant project ];

(8) special condition: a condition placed on a grant because of a need for information, clarification, or submission of an outstanding requirement of the grant that may result in a hold being placed on the CJD-funded portion of a grant project [ OJP Financial Guide: the financial guide issued by the federal Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice, applicable to the use of federal Department of Justice money in state grant projects ];

(9) UGMS: the Uniform Grant Management Standards promulgated by the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning at 1 T.A.C. §§5.141 - 5.167 [ special condition: a condition placed on a grant because of a need for information, clarification, or submission of an outstanding requirement of the grant that may result in a hold being placed on the CJD-funded portion of a grant project ];

(10) approved budget categories: budget categories (including personnel, contractual and professional services, travel, equipment, construction, supplies and other direct operating expenses, and indirect costs) that contain a line item with a dollar amount greater than zero that is approved by CJD through a grant award or a budget adjustment [ UGMS: the Uniform Grant Management Standards promulgated by the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning at 1 T.A.C. §5.141 - 5.167 ];

(11) applicant: an agency or organization that has submitted a grant application or grant renewal documentation [ standard CJD budget categories: personnel, contractual and professional services, travel, equipment, construction, supplies and other direct operating expenses, and indirect costs ];

(12) program income: gross income earned by the grantee during the funding period as a direct result of the award. "Direct result" is defined as a specific act or set of activities that are directly attributable to grant funds and that are directly related to the goals and objectives of the project. Program income includes, but is not limited to, forfeitures, cash contributions, donations, restitution, interest income, fees, and royalties [ applicant: an agency or organization that has submitted a grant application or grant renewal documentation ];

(13) equipment: [ program income: gross income earned by the grantee during the funding period as a direct result of the award. "Direct result" is defined as a specific act or set of activities that are directly attributable to grant funds and that are directly related to the goals and objectives of the project. Program income includes, but is not limited to, forfeitures, cash contributions, donations, restitution, interest income, fees, and royalties ];

(A) an article of non-expendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost which equals the lesser of the capitalization level established by the grantee for financial statement purposes or $1,000; or

(B) any of the following items with costs between $500 and $1000: stereo systems, still and video cameras, facsimile machines, VCRs and VCR/TV combinations, cellular and portable telephones, and computer systems.

(14) matching funds: the grantee's share of the project costs. Matching funds may either be cash or in-kind. Cash match includes actual cash spent by the grantee and must have a cost relationship to the award that is being matched. In-kind match includes the value of donated services. In-kind match is allowed only in the following funding sources: Title V Delinquency Prevention Fund, Victims of Crime Act Fund, and Violence Against Women Act Fund. [ equipment: any tangible, non-expendable personal property with a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $1,000, or more per unit, and any other item, regardless of cost, that the grantee chooses to capitalize in its own accounting records; and ]

[ (15) matching funds: the grantee's share of the project costs. Matching funds may either be cash or in-kind. Cash match includes actual cash spent by the grantee and must have a cost relationship to the award that is being matched. In-kind match includes the value of donated services. In-kind match is allowed only in the following funding sources: Title V Delinquency Prevention Fund, Victims of Crime Act Fund, and Violence Against Women Act Fund.]

§3.7.Selection Process.

(a) For applications submitted directly to CJD, staff members, or a review group selected by the executive director, will review the applications for eligibility, reasonableness, availability of funding, and cost-effectiveness and give their funding recommendations to the executive director, who will render the final funding decision. A review group may include staff members, experts in a relevant field, and members of an advisory board or council.

(b) For applications submitted directly to CJD pursuant to §3.5(b), the executive director will decide whether to fund the application based upon the following factors:

(1) the inherent value of the project's impact;

(2) whether the project has the potential to be a model program; or

(3) whether delaying the application would have a significant negative impact on the immediate need for the project.

(c) For applications submitted directly to a COG, the [ COG's executive committee and ] CJAC must review and prioritize the applications , and the COG's governing body must approve the priority listing . The COG then must submit the priority listing and the applications to CJD within the time periods established by CJD. CJD will render final funding decisions on these applications based upon the COG priorities, eligibility, reasonableness, availability of funding, and cost-effectiveness.

(d) For applications seeking funding through a COG from the State Criminal Justice Planning Fund, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund, or the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund, CJD will allocate funding [ to the COGs ] through a formula based upon population figures and crime rates. No formula-based funding allocation exists for applications submitted to COGs that seek grants from other funding sources.

(e) During the review of an application, CJD or a COG may request that the applicant submit additional information necessary to complete grant review. CJD or a COG may request the applicant to provide any outstanding forms and documents to clarify or justify any part of the application or to disclose other funding sources related to the project. Such requests for information, including the issuance of a preliminary review report, do not serve as notice that CJD intends to fund an application.

(1) If CJD needs additional information on an application submitted through a COG, CJD will send a report requesting the necessary information to the COG, and the applicant must provide the response to the COG by a COG-established deadline.

(2) If CJD needs additional information on an application submitted directly to CJD, CJD will send a report directly to the applicant, and the applicant must provide a response by a CJD-established deadline.

(3) If CJD is not able to adequately resolve problems within an applicant's budget through the preliminary review process, CJD may use its discretion to make the necessary corrections to the budget to bring it into compliance with applicable state or federal requirements. Any corrections to an applicant's budget will be reflected in the award documentation.

(f) CJD will inform applicants in writing of funding decisions on their grant applications through either a Statement of Grant Award or a notification of denial. For applications submitted to a COG that do not receive funding recommendations, the COG notification of the decision not to recommend funding serves as the applicant's notification of denial.

(g) All funding decisions made by the executive director are final and are not subject to appeal.

§3.17.Federal Funding.

All grantees receiving federal funds must comply with the applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines [ guidance ] related to the [ pertinent ] federal funding source under which the grant is funded [ of their grants. CJD administers grants from federal funding sources in compliance with these statutes, rules, and guidance ]. This chapter provides directly by specific rule or adopts by reference all applicable federal statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines [ guidance ].

§3.19.Adoptions by Reference.

(a) Grantees must comply with all applicable state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and guidelines. In instances where both federal and state requirements apply to a grantee, the more restrictive requirement applies.

(b) CJD adopts by reference the rules and documents listed below that relate to the administration of CJD grants.

(1) Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) adopted pursuant to the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Act of 1981, Chapter 783, Texas Government Code. See 1 T.A.C. § §5.141 - 5.167. These requirements apply to all CJD grants, whether state or federal funds, including grants to nonprofit corporations.

(2) Office of Justice Programs, OJP Financial Guide. These requirements apply to grants of federal funds in which the source of the federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice.

(3) Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR). See 34 C.F.R. §§74, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85, and 86. These requirements apply to grants of federal funds in which the source of the federal funds is the U.S. Department of Education.

(4) Common Rule for OMB Circular A-102: Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments. See 28 C.F.R. §66. These requirements apply to grants from federal funds to state agencies, cities, counties, community supervision and corrections departments, COGs, and juvenile boards.

(5) OMB Circular No. A-110: Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Private Nonprofit Organizations. See 28 C.F.R. §70. These requirements apply to grants from federal funds to universities and colleges.

(6) OMB Circular No. A-21: Cost Principles for Educational Institutions. See 28 C.F.R. §66. These requirements apply to grants from federal funds to educational institutions [ school districts and regional education service centers ].

(7) OMB Circular No. A-87: Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments. See 28 C.F.R. §66. These requirements apply to all grants from federal funds to state agencies, cities, counties, community supervision and corrections departments, COGs, juvenile boards, and Native American Tribes.

(8) OMB Circular No. A-122: Cost Principles for Private Nonprofit Organizations. See 28 C.F.R. §66. These requirements apply to all grants from federal funds to private nonprofit corporations.

(9) OMB Circular No. A-133: Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations. See 28 C.F.R. [ § ]§66, § 70. These requirements apply to all grants funded by CJD from federal funds.

(10) Texas Review and Comment System. See 1 T.A.C. §5.191 et seq. Developed in response to Presidential Executive Order 12372, as amended by Presidential Executive Order 12416. These requirements apply to all grants funded by CJD, except for those funded under the Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund.

§3.21.Use of the Internet.

CJD may provide for submission of grant applications, progress reports, financial reports, and other information via the Internet or other electronic means . Completion and submission of documents and information [ a progress report or financial report ] via electronic means [ the Internet ] meets the relevant requirements contained within this chapter for submitting reports in writing.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304655

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Subchapter B. GENERAL GRANT PROGRAM POLICIES

1. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1 TAC §3.53, §3.55

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.53.Juvenile Justice and Youth Projects.

(a) Projects exclusively serving juveniles or youth, regardless of the funding source, must address [ meet ] at least one of the following needs [ requirements ] to be eligible for funding:

(1) Family [ Needs ]. Examples include, but are not limited to, programs that:

(A) Instill appropriate social values and character in children.

(B) Emphasize family preservation whenever possible and appropriate.

(C) Provide family crisis intervention for delinquent or pre-delinquent children and their families.

(D) Recognize the role of faith-based programs in preventing juvenile delinquency.

(2) Early Intervention and Prevention [ Programs ]. Examples include, but are not limited to, programs that:

(A) Address, through community-based efforts, conditions contributing to delinquent behavior , including drug and alcohol abuse .

(B) Hold juveniles accountable and responsible for their actions.

(C) Address an increasing need to provide services to children of incarcerated parents and/or living in foster care or other alternative situations.

(D) Address a need for early identification of, and programs for, emotionally disturbed children and children with mental health concerns.

(3) Schools/Education [ Safe Environment ]. Examples include, but are not limited to, programs that:

(A) Train educational and law enforcement personnel in juvenile justice laws and procedures [ Counteract gangs through identification, surveillance, arrest, and prosecution of gang members involved in criminal activities ].

(B) Encourage appropriate student discipline and accountability to create and maintain a safe and productive learning environment [ Involve the local community in comprehensive efforts to deal with juvenile crime ].

(C) Teach good citizenship, literacy, and vocational skills.

(D) Identify and intervene as early as possible with students at-risk for truancy and dropping out of school.

(4) Reduce Disproportionate Minority Representation in the Juvenile Justice System [ Schools/Education ]. Examples include, but are not limited to, programs that:

(A) Develop a standardized risk assessment instrument to be made available for use by juvenile courts at detention hearings [ Train educational and law enforcement personnel in juvenile justice laws and procedures ].

(B) Identify and support intervention strategies that could effectively reduce disproportionate representation in appropriate juvenile cases [ Encourage appropriate student discipline and accountability to create and maintain a safe and productive learning environment ].

[ (C) Teach good citizenship, literacy, and vocational skills.]

[ (D) Identify and intervene with students at-risk for delinquent behavior as early as possible.]

(5) Safe Environment [ Juvenile Justice Policies, Procedures and Facilities ]. Examples include, but are not limited to, programs that:

(A) Counteract gangs through identification, surveillance, arrest, and prosecution of gang members involved in criminal activities [ Support mandatory progressive sanctions for misconduct and delinquent behavior ].

(B) Involve the local community in comprehensive efforts to deal with juvenile crime [ Develop and maintain computer-based information systems that will match children and families with appropriate service providers based on risk and needs profiles ].

[ (C) Provide appropriate dispositions to mentally ill youth and youth with mental retardation accused of committing crimes.]

[ (D) Target female and special needs offenders.]

(6) Juvenile Justice Policies, Procedures and Facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, programs that:

(A) Support mandatory progressive sanctions for misconduct and delinquent behavior.

(B) Develop and maintain computer-based information systems that will match children and families with appropriate service providers based on risk and needs profiles.

(C) Provide appropriate dispositions to mentally ill or mentally retarded youth accused of committing crimes.

(D) Target female and special needs offenders.

(b) Additionally, projects exclusively serving juveniles or youth, regardless of the funding source, must address the representation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system. Methods of addressing this requirement include , but are not limited to, early prevention projects and projects designed to divert juveniles from the juvenile justice system in appropriate cases.

(c) Applicants that operate secure juvenile detention or correctional facilities that are not in compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Public Law 93-415, 42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq., as amended, are not eligible for funding , unless they have submitted to CJD an acceptable plan and timetable for eliminating the noncompliance .

[ (d) Facilities holding accused or adjudicated juvenile delinquent or status offenders that are not in compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Public Law 93-415, 42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq., as amended, will be notified in writing by CJD.]

§3.55. Legal Services for Adult Offenders. [ Criminal Justice Projects ]

[ (a) CJD may award grants to support a wide range of projects designed to reduce crime and improve the criminal and juvenile justice systems.]

[ (b) CJD will limit funding for community-based alternative projects to grantees that document problems and needs not already addressed by other state agencies.]

[ (c) Projects may not use grant funds to serve adult offenders charged with, given deferred adjudication for, or convicted of violent or other serious crimes including murder, arson, robbery, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, felony drug crimes, crimes against children, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, and manslaughter, unless the executive director grants an exception. Grants under the Edward Byrne Memorial Fund, the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, and the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program are exempt from this rule. The executive director may only approve exceptions to this ruleprohibition in the following instances:]

[ (1) projects that serve offenders between 17 and 25 years old;]

[ (2) projects that fund batterers' intervention programs;]

[ (3) projects that support drug treatment and prevention programs; or]

[ (4) innovative projects in prisons, jails, and community supervision and corrections departments.]

[ (d) ] CJD will not fund projects that provide legal services for adult offenders.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304656

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


2. GRANT BUDGET REQUIREMENTS

1 TAC §§3.73, 3.75, 3.77, 3.79, 3.81, 3.83, 3.85, 3.87

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.73.Matching Funds Policy.

(a) An applicant must ensure that it possesses or can acquire the required matching funds to satisfy the matching funds requirement. An applicant's use of matching funds must comply with the same statutes, rules , regulations, and guidelines applicable to the use of the CJD-funded portion of a grant project.

(b) If matching funds are required on a grant, then the grantee must provide matching funds equal to or greater than the required minimum matching funds percentage of the total grant funds.

(c) A contractor or participating entity may contribute toward the matching funds requirement, but the applicant bears the ultimate responsibility for satisfying the matching funds requirement.

(d) Applicants may use funds received through program income to fulfill a matching funds requirement.

(e) Subject to CJD review and approval, on-call services may be used to meet match requirements. Grantees must justify a demonstrated need for on-call services and have an on-call policy that is approved by their governing board. The maximum value for time for a volunteer who is on-call shall not exceed 50% of the value of a volunteer's time while providing direct services. If the governing board has established a lower rate, then the lower rate must be used. The on-call policy must be submitted to CJD for approval.

(f) If an applicant applies for a grant under a funding source that allows in-kind contributions to satisfy part of the matching funds requirement, then the following rules apply:

(1) In-kind contributions may consist of volunteer time, professional services, travel expenses, building space, non-expendable equipment, materials, and supplies contributed during the grant period to the applicant by a third party.

(2) In-kind contributions may include depreciation and use fees for buildings or equipment acquired by the applicant before the start of the grant period and used in the grant project. However, the applicant may only count depreciation that will occur during the grant period as an in-kind contribution. Use fees qualify as an in-kind contribution only if supported by cost and depreciation records maintained by the applicant.

(3) Applicants must maintain records of all in-kind contributions that include at least the following:

(A) a full description of the item or service claimed;

(B) the area, expressed in square feet, of any donated building space;

(C) the name of the contributor;

(D) the date of the contribution;

(E) the fair market value of the contribution and how its value was determined; and

(F) in the case of a discount given, the contributor's signature on an affidavit of worth stating that the donor gave the discount because of the project's purpose.

§3.75.Personnel.

(a) CJD will determine the reasonableness of requested salaries and reserves the right to limit the CJD-financed portion of any salary. In determining reasonableness, the following rules apply:

(1) Salaries for grant-funded positions must comply with the grantee's or applicant's salary classification schedule for employees of the applicant agency. Salaries for persons assigned to the grant project from agencies other than the applicant must be reimbursed in accordance with the assigning agency's salary classification schedule.

(2) If the applicant or assigning agency does not have a classification schedule, then the proposed salary must be commensurate with that paid for similar work in other activities of the [ grantee, ] applicant [ , ] or assigning agency. [ For nonprofit agencies, ] In [ in ] cases where such work is not found within the applicant or assigning agency, CJD will consider reasonableness based on that paid for similar work in the labor market in which the applicant or assigning agency competes for the kind of employees involved.

(3) CJD will not pay any portion of the salary of, or any other compensation for, an elected or appointed government official. Grants under the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program are exempt from this subsection when the grant funds are used to provide court masters, magistrates, or referees who are retained, appointed, or hired to assist judges in juvenile cases.

(b) Personnel compensated with grant funds [ For law enforcement and prosecution grants, the grantee ] must maintain on file personnel activity reports [ time sheets ] that reflect a distribution of [ indicate an employee's ] actual time worked and activity performed, that are prepared at least monthly, and that are signed by the employee and a supervisory official having first hand knowledge of the work performed by the employee. Law enforcement and prosecution grant personnel whose primary function is investigating or enforcing laws or prosecuting alleged offenders are required to include the project's case or cause number (or other indicators of assignment) in the personnel activity report . [ This requirement applies to personnel whose primary function is investigating or enforcing laws or prosecuting alleged offenders. ]

(c) Grantees may not use grant funds to provide overtime pay. Overtime pay is remuneration for hours worked in excess of full-time [ full time ] on a CJD grant project. Grants under the Extraordinary Costs of Investigating and Prosecuting Capital Murder and Hate Crimes Program [ program ] , the Drug Court Program, and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, are exempt from this rule.

(d) Grantees may not carry forward accrued leave from one grant period to another. In [ If approved by CJD (and in ] accordance with a grantee's or subgrantee's policy [ ) ], grantees may use grant funds to compensate [ pay ] staff members leaving employment for accrued leave [ , ] ( which includes , but is not limited to, annual leave, compensatory time, and sick leave ) . These payments may only fund leave earned [ and taken ] during the current grant period. The proportion of grant funds paid for leave cannot exceed the proportion of grant funds used to pay the staff member's salary. [ Grantees may not carry forward compensatory time and compensated absences from one grant period to another. ]

(e) For [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund ] projects, CJD may approve requests to pay overtime in accordance with agency policy only for law enforcement officers assigned to a multi-jurisdictional task force and only from program income that is not used toward the minimum cash-match requirement.

§3.77.Professional and Contractual Services.

(a) Any contract or agreement entered into by a grantee that obligates grant funds must be in writing and consistent with Texas contract law.

(b) Grantees must maintain adequate documentation supporting budget items for a contractor's time, services, and rates of compensation.

(c) In accordance with §3.2013 of this chapter, grantees must submit to CJD a CJD-prescribed Procurement Questionnaire when a procurement is expected to exceed $100,000 or upon CJD request.

§3.79.Transportation, Travel, and Training.

(a) Grant funds used for travel expenses must be limited to the grantee agency's established mileage, per diem, and lodging policies. Federal regulations applicable to the relevant funding source may limit mileage reimbursement rates. If a grantee does not have established mileage, per diem, and lodging policies, then the grantee must use state travel guidelines. Funds requested by multi-jurisdictional task forces for meals and lodging are allowable only for travel to points at least 50 miles from the grantee agency's headquarters.

(b) Grantees using grant funds to develop and conduct [ provide ] training may not use grant funds to pay for transportation, lodging, per diem, or any related costs for participants. Crime Stoppers training projects and Violence Against Women Act Fund projects are exempt from this rule.

(c) A person attending training courses paid for with grant funds must complete the course. Grantees must maintain records that properly document the completion of all grant-funded training courses.

§3.81.Equipment.

(a) Applicants must submit with their grant applications an itemized [ a ] list of all proposed equipment purchases to CJD for approval. Grantees must request any additional equipment purchases through grant adjustments. Grantees are not authorized to purchase any equipment until they have received written approval to do so from CJD through the original grant award or a subsequent grant adjustment notice. [ CJD may refuse any request for equipment. ] Decisions regarding equipment purchases are made based on whether or not the grantee has demonstrated that the requested equipment is necessary, essential to the successful operation of the grant project, and reasonable in cost.

(b) CJD will not approve grant funds to purchase vehicles or equipment for governmental agencies that are for general agency use. The Local Law Enforcement Block Grant program and the County Essential Services Grant program are exempt from this rule.

(c) CJD will not approve grant funds for the purchase of weapons, ammunition, explosives, or military vehicles.

(d) In accordance with §3.2013 of this chapter, grantees must submit to CJD a CJD-prescribed Procurement Questionnaire when a procurement is expected to exceed $100,000 or upon CJD request.

§3.83.Supplies and Direct Operating Expenses.

(a) Supplies and direct operating expenses are costs directly related to the grantee's day-to-day operation of the grant project that are not included in any of the grantee's other approved [ standard CJD ] budget categories, as defined in §3.3(11) of this chapter, and that have an acquisition cost of less than $1,000 per unit. Grantees must allocate costs on a prorated basis for shared usage.

(b) CJD will not approve grant funds to purchase: [ Grantees may not use grant funds to promote a project through paid advertisements or for promotional gifts. ]

(1) admission fees or tickets to any amusement park, recreational activity, or sporting event; or

(2) promotional gifts.

(c) Unless otherwise allowed by this chapter, grantees cannot use grant funds to pay for food, meals, beverages, or other refreshments unless the expense is for a working event where full participation by participants mandates the provision of food and beverages and that event is not related to amusement and/or social activities in any way [ CJD will not approve grant funds to purchase admission fees or tickets to any amusement park, recreational activity, or sporting event ].

(d) Grant funds shall not be used to pay membership dues for individuals [ Unless otherwise allowed by this chapter, grantees cannot use grant funds to pay for food, meals, beverages, or other refreshments unless the expense is for a working event where full participation by participants mandates the provision of food and beverages and that event is not related to amusement and/or social activities in any way ].

[ (e) Grant funds shall not be used to pay membership dues for individuals.]

§3.85.Indirect Costs.

(a) CJD may approve indirect costs in an amount not to exceed two percent of the CJD-approved direct costs in the CJD-funded portion of a grant project, unless the grantee has an approved cost-allocation plan.

(b) If the applicant has a cost-allocation plan and wishes to charge indirect costs to the grant, the applicant shall identify the indirect cost rate and provide supporting documentation as part of the application to CJD.

(c) Unless otherwise specified under Subchapter C, indirect costs are allowable under CJD grants in accordance with applicable state and federal guidelines.

(d) The Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program is exempt from this rule and instead must comply with §3.1209 of this chapter.

§3.87.Program Income.

(a) Rules governing the use of program income are included in the provisions adopted by reference in §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) [ Grantees must use program income to supplement project costs or to offset project costs. ] Program income may only be used for allowable project costs as reflected in an approved budget . Otherwise, grantees must refund program income to CJD. [ The use of program income must be reflected in the budget. ]

(c) CJD may require or allow a grantee to transfer the CJD portion of program income and property to another grant, grantee or to CJD.

(d) Grantees must submit written requests to CJD to carry program income forward from one grant year to the next within 90 calendar days after the end of the grant period. Grantees may not carry program income forward without written CJD approval.

(e) All funds, accrued interest, and property awarded to a grantee under a forfeiture action represent program income, and these funds shall be added to the funds committed to the project in accordance with federal regulations as adopted by reference in §3.19 of this chapter.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304657

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Subchapter C. FUND-SPECIFIC GRANT POLICIES

1. STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PLANNING (421) FUND

1 TAC §§3.103, 3.105, 3.107

The amendment and addition of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended and added rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment and addition of these rules.

§3.103.Project Requirements.

Grant applications must meet the rules set forth in §3.53 [ or §3.55 ] of this chapter.

§3.105.Eligible Applicants.

State agencies, units of local government, independent school districts, nonprofit corporations, Native American tribes, COGs, universities, colleges, hospital districts, juvenile boards, regional education service centers, community supervision and corrections departments, crime control and prevention districts, and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. Faith-based organizations must be [ tax-exempt nonprofit entities ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities . Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

§3.107.Ineligible Activities.

Grantees may not use grant funds to pay for serving adult offenders charged with, given deferred adjudication for, or convicted of violent or other serious crimes including murder, arson, robbery, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, burglary, felony drug crimes, crimes against children, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, and manslaughter, unless the executive director grants an exception. The executive director may only approve exceptions to this rule in the following instances:

(1) projects that serve offenders between 17 and 25 years old;

(2) projects that fund batterers' intervention programs;

(3) projects that support drug treatment and prevention programs; or

(4) innovative projects in prisons, jails, and community supervision and corrections departments.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304658

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


2. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT FUND

1 TAC §3.201, §3.205

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.201.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended [ §§221-223 ], Public Law 93-415, [ as amended, Public Laws 95-115, 96-509, 98-473, 100-690, and 102-586, ] codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq [ 5631-5633 ]. All grants awarded from this fund must comply with the requirements contained therein.

(c) In addition to the rules related to this funding source contained in this chapter, applicants and grantees must comply with the federal regulations at 28 C.F.R. §31, which are hereby adopted by reference.

§3.205.Eligible Applicants.

State agencies, units of local government, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes performing law enforcement functions, crime control and prevention districts, universities, colleges, independent school districts, and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. Faith-based organizations must be [ tax-exempt nonprofit entities ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities . Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304659

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


3. TITLE V DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT FUND

1 TAC §3.301, §3.303

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.301.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Title V Delinquency Prevention Act Fund. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, Title V, Public Law 93-415 as amended; Public Laws 102-586 and 104-316; codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 5781 et seq [ 5785 ]. All grants awarded from this fund must comply with the requirements contained therein.

(c) Projects funded through this program should seek to reduce juvenile delinquency and youth violence by supporting community efforts to provide children, families, neighborhoods, and institutions with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary to create an environment that fosters the development of productive and responsible citizens.

[ (d) The objectives of this program are as follows:]

[ (1) to form coalitions within communities that mobilize and direct delinquency prevention efforts;]

[ (2) to identify known delinquency risk factors present in affected communities;]

[ (3) to identify protective measures that counter identified risks and to develop local comprehensive delinquency prevention plans that strengthen these protective measures;]

[ (4) to develop local, comprehensive delinquency prevention strategies that coordinate federal, state, local, and private resources to establish a client-centered continuum of services for at-risk children and their families; and]

[ (5) to implement delinquency prevention strategies, monitor their progress, and modify the strategies as needed.]

§3.303.Project Requirements.

Projects must : [ meet the requirements of §3.53 or §3.55 of this chapter. ]

(1) meet the requirements of §3.53 of this chapter;

(2) form coalitions within communities that mobilize and direct delinquency prevention efforts;

(3) identify known delinquency risk factors present in affected communities;

(4) identify protective measures that counter identified risks and develop local comprehensive delinquency prevention plans that strengthen these protective measures;

(5) develop local, comprehensive delinquency prevention strategies that coordinate federal, state, local, and private resources to establish a client-centered continuum of services for at-risk children and their families; and

(6) implement delinquency prevention strategies, monitor their progress, and modify the strategies as needed.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304660

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


4. SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT FUND

1 TAC §§3.401, 3.403, 3.405

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.401.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Education. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1, §§4001-4117 [ §§4011-4118 ], as amended, Public Law 107-110 [ 103-382, 20 U.S.C. 7111-7118 ]. All grants awarded from this fund must comply with the requirements contained therein.

(c) CJD awards these funds to a wide range of state and local applicants, both public and private nonprofit, to promote a [ address common goals. The goals include promoting ] safe and drug-free learning environment [ neighborhoods, fostering individual responsibility, promoting respect for the rights of others, ] and to support academic achievement [ improving school attendance, discipline, and learning ].

(d) In addition to the rules related to this funding source contained in this chapter, applicants and grantees must comply with the federal regulations at 34 C.F.R. §76, which are hereby adopted by reference.

§3.403.Project Requirements.

(a) Grant funds will be awarded based on: [ Projects must meet the requirements of §3.53 of this chapter. ]

(1) the quality of the project proposed; and

(2) how the project meets the principles of effectiveness described in subsection (e) of this section.

(b) CJD gives priority to projects that prevent illegal drug use and violence for: [ Projects must target neighborhoods with high rates of violence, drug abuse, gang-related activities, weapons violations, truancy, and school dropouts. ]

(1) children and youth who are not normally served by state educational agencies or local educational agencies; or

(2) populations that need special services or additional resources (such as youth in juvenile detention facilities, runaway or homeless children and youth, pregnant and parenting teenagers, and school dropouts).

(c) CJD gives special consideration to grantees that pursue a comprehensive approach to drug and violence prevention that includes providing and incorporating mental health services related to drug and violence prevention in their project [ Projects must not duplicate the efforts of the Texas Education Agency's Safe and Drug Free Schools Act program or those of local education agencies ].

(d) Grant funds shall be used to implement drug and violence prevention activities, including: [ Projects must serve populations that need special services such as school drop-outs, suspended and expelled students, youth in detention centers, runaways, homeless shelter youth, and pregnant and parenting youth. ]

(1) activities that complement and support local educational activities, including developing and implementing activities to prevent and reduce violence associated with prejudice and intolerance;

(2) dissemination of information about drug and violence prevention; and

(3) development and implementation of community-wide drug and violence prevention planning and organizing.

(e) Projects must meet the following principles of effectiveness: [ be based on an assessment of objective data regarding the incidence of violence and illegal drug use in the elementary schools and secondary schools and communities to be served, including an objective analysis of the current conditions and consequences regarding violence and illegal drug use, including delinquency and serious discipline problems, among students who attend such schools (including private school students who participate in the drug and violence prevention program) that is based on on-going local assessment or evaluation activities. ]

(1) Projects must be based on an assessment of objective data regarding the incidence of violence and illegal drug use in the elementary schools and secondary schools and communities to be served, including an objective analysis of the current conditions and consequences regarding violence and illegal drug use, including delinquency and serious discipline problems, among students who attend such schools (including private school students who participate in the drug and violence prevention program) that is based on on-going local assessment or evaluation activities;

(2) Projects must be based on an established set of performance measures aimed at ensuring that the elementary schools, secondary schools, and communities to be served by the program have a safe, orderly, and drug-free learning environment;

(3) Projects must be based on scientifically-based research that provides evidence that the program to be used will reduce violence and illegal drug use;

(4) Projects must be based on an analysis of the data reasonably available at the time, of the prevalence of risk factors, including high or increasing rates of reported cases of child abuse and domestic violence; protective factors, buffers, assets; or other variables in schools and communities in the State identified through scientifically-based research; and

(5) Projects must include meaningful and ongoing consultation with and input from parents in the development of the application and administration of the program or activity.

(f) Projects must meet the requirements of §3.53 of this chapter [ be based on an established set of performance measures aimed at ensuring that the elementary schools, secondary schools, and communities to be served by the program have a safe, orderly, and drug-free learning environment ].

(g) Projects must not duplicate the efforts of the Texas Education Agency's Safe and Drug Free Schools Act program or those of local education agencies [ be based on scientifically-based research that provides evidence that the program to be used will reduce violence and illegal drug use ].

(h) Projects must undergo a periodic evaluation to assess its progress toward reducing violence and illegal drug use in schools to be served based on performance measures described in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, §4114(d)(2)(B). The results shall be used to refine, improve, and strengthen the program, and to refine the performance measures, and shall also be made available to the public upon request, with public notice of such availability provided [ be based on an analysis of the data reasonably available at the time, of the prevalence of risk factors, including high or increasing rates of reported cases of child abuse and domestic violence; protective factors, buffers, assets; or other variables in schools and communities in the State identified through scientifically-based research ].

[ (i) Projects must include meaningful and ongoing consultation with and input from parents in the development of the application and administration of the program or activity.]

[ (j) Projects must undergo a periodic evaluation to assess its progress toward reducing violence and illegal drug use in schools to be served based on performance measures described in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110, §4114(d)(2)(B). The results shall be used to refine, improve, and strengthen the program, and to refine the performance measures, and shall also be made available to the public upon request, with public notice of such availability provided.]

§3.405.Eligible Applicants.

COGs, cities, counties, universities, colleges, independent school districts, nonprofit corporations, crime control and prevention districts, state agencies, Native American tribes, faith-based organizations, regional education service centers, community supervision and corrections departments, and juvenile boards are eligible for grants. Faith-based organizations must be [ tax exempt nonprofit entities as ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax exempt nonprofit entities . These grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304661

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


5. VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT FUND

1 TAC §§3.501, 3.503, 3.505

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.501.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Victims of Crime Act Fund. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA), as amended, [ Public Law 98-473, Chapter XIV, ] 42 U.S.C. 10601[ , ] et seq.[ , §1402, §1404; Children's Justice and Assistance Act of 1986, as amended, Public Law 99-401, §102(5)(b)(a)(ii); Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, Title VII, Subtitle D, Public Law 100-690; Crime Control Act of 1990, Public Law 101-647; Federal Courts Administration Act of 1992, Public Law 102-572; Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1994; Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Subtitle C, Public Law 104-132; Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. ] All grants awarded from this fund must comply with the requirements contained therein.

(c) The primary purpose of these grants is to provide services to victims of crime. Services may include the following:

(1) responding to the emotional and physical needs of crime victims;

(2) assisting victims in stabilizing their lives after a victimization;

(3) assisting victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system; and

(4) providing victims with safety and security.

§3.503.Project Requirements.

Grant funds can support projects that provide the following services, activities, and costs:

(1) Immediate Health and Safety. Projects should provide services that respond to the immediate emotional and physical needs (excluding medical care) of crime victims, such as crisis intervention, accompanying victims to hospitals for medical examinations, providing victims with hot line counseling, emergency food, clothing, transportation, and shelter, and providing emergency services intended to restore the victim's sense of security.

(2) Mental Health Assistance. These services include aid that assists the primary and secondary victims of crime.

(3) Assistance with Involvement in Criminal Justice Proceedings. Projects should help victims participate in the criminal justice system.

(4) Forensic Examinations. Forensic examinations [ exams ] are allowable costs only for sexual assault victims and only to the extent that other funding sources are unavailable or insufficient to pay for the examinations [ exam ]. The examinations [ exams ] must conform to state evidentiary collection requirements.

(5) Costs Necessary and Essential to Providing Direct Services. These include [ This includes ] prorated costs of rent, telephone service, transportation costs for victims to receive services, emergency transportation costs that enable a victim to participate in the criminal justice system, and local travel expenses for service providers.

(6) Special Services. These include services to assist crime victims with managing practical problems created by victimization including the following:

(A) acting on behalf of the victim with other service providers, creditors, or employers;

(B) assisting the victim to recover property retained as evidence;

(C) assisting in filing for compensation benefits; and

(D) helping the victim to apply for public assistance.

(7) Personnel Costs. These include costs directly related to providing services such as staff salaries and fringe benefits and including malpractice insurance, costs for advertising to recruit grant-funded personnel, and costs to train paid and volunteer staff.

(8) Victim-Offender Meetings. Activities involving victim-offender meetings are only allowable if the meetings are between the victim and the offender who perpetrated the crime against the victim [ Restorative Justice. Projects should provide opportunities for crime victims to meet with perpetrators, if such meetings are requested (and are voluntarily agreed to by the victim) ].

(9) Other Allowable Costs and Services. CJD does not consider the services, activities, and costs listed below as direct crime victim services, but recognizes that they are often an essential activity necessary to ensure that the grantee can provide high quality direct services. Before grantees can use grant funds to pay for these services, activities, and costs, CJD and the grantee must agree that the grantee cannot provide [ these ] direct services to crime victims without additional support for the expenses, that the grantee has no other source of pecuniary support for them, and that the grantee will limit the use of grant funds in paying for them. These services , activities, and costs include:

(A) Skill training for staff. This includes the cost of training materials.

(B) Training programs and related travel [ materials ]. This includes the cost of travel, meals, lodging and registration fees for staff that provide direct services to victims of crime.

(C) Equipment and furniture [ Training programs and related travel ].

(D) Lease of vehicles. Grantees must obtain CJD approval in writing before leasing vehicles [ Equipment and furniture ].

(E) Advanced technologies. This covers information technology costs associated with purchasing systems, software, or equipment that expand a grantee's ability to reach and serve crime victims [ Purchase or lease of vehicles. Grantees must obtain CJD approval in writing before purchasing vehicles ].

(F) Contracts for specialized professional services. Grantees may not use a majority of grant funds for contracted services that provide administrative, overhead, and other indirect costs. Examples of specialized professional services include the following: [ Advanced technologies. This covers information technology costs associated with purchasing systems, software, or equipment that expand a grantee's ability to reach and serve crime victims. ]

(i) assistance in filing restraining orders or establishing emergency custody or visitation rights;

(ii) emergency psychological or psychiatric services; or

(iii) interpretation for the deaf or for crime victims whose primary language is not English.

(G) Operating costs. [ Contracts for specialized professional services. Grantees may not use a majority of grant funds for contracted services that provide administrative, overhead, and other indirect costs. Examples of these services include the following: ]

[ (i) assistance in filing restraining orders or establishing emergency custody or visitation rights;]

[ (ii) emergency psychological or psychiatric services; or]

[ (iii) interpretation for the deaf or for crime victims whose primary language is not English.]

(H) Supervision of direct service providers [ Operating costs ].

(I) Repair or replacement of essential items [ Supervision of direct service providers ].

[ (J) Repair or replacement of essential items.]

§3.505.Eligible Applicants.

(a) State agencies, units of local government, hospital districts, nonprofit corporations, Native American tribes, crime control and prevention districts, universities, colleges, community supervision and corrections departments, COGs that offer direct services to victims , [ and ] faith-based organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime , and hospitals and emergency medical facilities that offer crisis counseling, support groups, and/or other types of victim services are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. [ In addition, upon CJD approval, COGs may receive grants to function as a conduit agency to aid in the selection and management of qualified subgrantees. ] Faith-based organizations must be [ tax-exempt nonprofit entities ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities . Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

(b) All applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

(1) the applicant has a record of providing effective services to crime victims; or

(2) if an applicant does not have a demonstrated record of providing such services, it must show that at least 25 percent of its financial support comes from non-federal sources.

(c) All applicants must meet each of the following criteria:

(1) applicants must use volunteers, unless CJD determines that a compelling reason exists to grant an exception;

(2) applicants must promote community efforts to aid crime victims;

(3) applicants must help victims apply for compensation benefits;

(4) applicants must maintain and display civil rights information;

(5) applicants must provide services to victims of federal crimes on the same basis as victims of state and local crimes;

(6) applicants must provide grant-funded services at no charge to victims, and any deviation requires prior written approval by CJD; and

(7) applicants must maintain the confidentiality of all client-counselor information and research data, as required by state and federal law.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304662

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


6. CRIME STOPPERS ASSISTANCE FUND

1 TAC §§3.605, 3.609, 3.613

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.605.Eligible Applicants.

Crime Stoppers organizations[ , ] ( as defined by §414.001, Texas Government Code[ , ] ) that are certified by the Crime Stoppers Advisory Council to receive repayments under Articles 37.073 and 42.152, Code of Criminal Procedure, or payments from a defendant under Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, are eligible to apply for grants under this fund for local and statewide projects.

§3.609.Indirect Costs.

CJD will not approve the use of [ any ] grant funds to pay for indirect costs. The executive director may, in his or her discretion, waive this rule for statewide projects.

§3.613. Decertified Crime Stoppers Organization [ Expense Reimbursement ].

If a grantee that is a crime stoppers organization is decertified by the Crime Stoppers Advisory Council, the grant awarded to the grantee shall terminate on the date on which the grantee is decertified and all unexpended grant funds must be returned to CJD. [ CJD will provide the CJD-funded portion of a grant project to grantees once each quarter on a cost-reimbursement basis only. Grantees must attach a completed grantee request for funds form to their quarterly financial expenditure report. Grantees must obtain receipts for all expenses for which they are requesting reimbursement and must retain the receipts. ]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304663

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


7. BYRNE FORMULA GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.701, 3.703, 3.719, 3.721, 3.723

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.701.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund ]. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, Title I, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. §3750.

(c) The fund's purpose is to reduce and prevent illegal drug activity, crime, and violence and to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.

§3.703.Project Requirements.

All projects must meet at least one of the following purpose areas.

(1) multi-jurisdictional task force projects that integrate federal, state and local drug law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for the purpose of enhancing interagency coordination, acquiring intelligence information, and facilitating multi-jurisdictional investigations. Multi-jurisdictional task forces must use the Criminal Law Enforcement Reporting Information System (CLERIS) and input task force drug intelligence information into the system. Multi-jurisdictional task force projects must be composed of law enforcement agencies located in no less than two contiguous counties within the State of Texas;

(2) projects designed to target the domestic sources of controlled and illegal substances, such as precursor chemicals, diverted pharmaceuticals, clandestine laboratories, and cannabis cultivation;

(3) projects that will improve the operational effectiveness of law enforcement through the use of crime analysis techniques, street sales enforcement, schoolyard violator projects, and gang related and low income housing drug control projects;

(4) law enforcement and prevention projects that address problems with gangs or youth who are at risk of becoming involved in gangs;

(5) financial investigation projects that target the identification of money-laundering operations and assets obtained through illegal drug trafficking, including the development of proposed model legislation, financial investigative training, and financial information sharing systems;

(6) projects that improve the operational effectiveness of the court process by expanding prosecution, defender, and judicial resources and by implementing court delay-reduction programs;

(7) criminal justice information systems, including automated fingerprint identification systems, that assist law enforcement, prosecution, courts and corrections' organizations;

(8) innovative projects that demonstrate new and different approaches to the enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication of drug offenses and other serious crimes;

(9) drug control evaluation projects that state and local units of government may use to evaluate projects directed at state drug-control activities;

(10) projects to develop and implement anti-terrorism [ antiterrorism ] training projects and to procure equipment for use by local law enforcement authorities;

(11) improving or developing forensic laboratory capabilities to analyze DNA for identification purposes;

(12) demand reduction education programs in which law enforcement officers participate;

(13) career criminal prosecution programs including the development of proposed model drug control legislation;

(14) programs designed to provide additional public correctional resources and improve the corrections system, including treatment in prisons and jails, intensive supervision programs, and long-range corrections and sentencing strategies;

(15) providing prison industry projects designed to place inmates in a realistic working and training environment which will enable them to acquire marketable skills and to make financial payments for restitution to their victims, for support of their own families, and for support of themselves in the institution;

(16) providing programs which identify and meet the treatment needs of adult and juvenile drug-dependent and alcohol-dependent offenders;

(17) developing and implementing programs which provide assistance to jurors and witnesses, and assistance (other than compensation) to victims of crimes;

(18) developing programs to improve drug control technology, such as pretrial drug testing programs, programs which provide for the identification, assessment, referral to treatment, case management and monitoring of drug dependent offenders, and enhancement of State and local forensic laboratories;

(19) improving the criminal and juvenile justice system's response to domestic and family violence, including spouse abuse, child abuse, and abuse of the elderly;

(20) providing alternatives to prevent detention, jail, and prison for persons who pose no danger to the community;

(21) providing community and neighborhood programs that assist citizens in preventing and controlling crime, including special programs that address the problems of crimes committed against the elderly and special programs for rural jurisdictions;

(22) disrupting illicit commerce in stolen goods and property;

(23) improving the investigation and prosecution of white-collar crime (e.g., organized crime, public corruption crimes, and fraud against the government with priority attention to cases involving drug-related official corruption);

(24) developing and implementing anti-terrorism plans for deep draft ports, international airports, and other important facilities;

(25) addressing the problems of drug trafficking and the illegal manufacture of controlled substances in public housing;

(26) programs of which the primary goal is to strengthen urban enforcement and prosecution efforts targeted at street drug sales;

(27) prosecution of driving while intoxicated charges and the enforcement of other laws relating to alcohol use and the operation of motor vehicles;

(28) addressing the need for effective bindover systems for the prosecution of violent 16- and 17-year-old juveniles in courts with jurisdiction over adults for (certain enumerated) violent crime;

(29) enforcing child abuse and neglect laws, including laws protecting against child sexual abuse, and promoting programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect;[ or ]

(30) establishing or supporting cooperative programs between law enforcement and media organizations to collect, record, retain, and disseminate information useful in the identification and apprehension of suspected criminal offenders ; or [ . ]

(31) projects to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes.

§3.719.District Attorney Agreement.

(a) All applications for multi-jurisdictional task forces under the [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund program ] must include agreements executed by the appropriate district attorneys in accordance with the following rules:

(1) district attorneys must diligently pursue all prosecutable forfeiture actions arising from operations initiated and investigated by the task force;

(2) property seized by the task force under the provisions of law shall remain in the custody of the task force until final disposition of the forfeiture action;

(3) funds seized by the task force may be placed in the custody of the district attorney until final disposition of the forfeiture action provided such funds are maintained in a separate bank account subject to review by the task force and CJD;

(4) upon final disposition of the forfeiture action, all funds, accrued interest, and property attributable to the efforts of the task force shall be awarded to the task force; however, if the task force does not have a CJD-funded attorney, the district attorney may retain up to 25 percent of the state's portion of the final judgment amount; and

(5) the agreement shall be in effect for the entire term of the task force grant (from the start date listed on the Statement of Grant Award until the end date listed thereon).

(b) Applications for multi-jurisdictional task forces under the [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund program ] must include executed agreements for each county listed in the task force impact area. Counties must be contiguous and the participating district attorney may not execute an agreement with more than one task force project. A waiver may be granted by CJD in cases where a city's jurisdictional limits extend beyond a single county. The waiver will cover only that portion of the city that extends into the neighboring county.

§3.721.Certification of Drug Testing.

Applications [ All grantees ] under the [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund program ] must include [ maintain on file ] a certification of drug testing. This document certifies that 25 percent of all personnel assigned to the project are randomly tested quarterly for illegal narcotics according to grantee policies. Grantees must have a drug testing policy prior to receiving grant funds and must maintain documentation on file evidencing that drug testing was conducted .

§3.723.Multi-jurisdictional Task Force Advisory Boards.

Under the [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund program ], multi-jurisdictional task force advisory boards serve only in an advisory capacity to the task force and the grantee entity. All task force personnel remain the employees of their parent agencies. Task [ Under no circumstances should task ] force personnel are not [ be ] considered employees of the advisory board, the task force, or the Governor's Office (including CJD).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304664

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


9. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT FUND

1 TAC §3.905

The amendment of this rule is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of this rule.

§3.905.Eligible Applicants.

State agencies, units of local government, nonprofit corporations, faith-based organizations, Indian tribal governments, COGs, universities, colleges, community supervision and corrections departments, and crime control and prevention districts, are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. Faith-based organizations must be [ tax-exempt nonprofit entities ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities . Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304665

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


10. CHALLENGE GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.1001, 3.1003, 3.1005

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.1001.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Challenge Grant Program. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, §285, Public Law 93-415 as amended; Public Law 102-586, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 5667c.

[ (c) The purpose of these funds is to develop programs that address the need to increase aftercare services for juveniles involved in the justice system; develop and adopt policies to prohibit gender bias in placement and treatment; and establish programs to ensure that female youth have full access to social services.]

§3.1003.Project Requirements.

[ (a) ] Eligible projects must develop and adopt [ model ] policies and programs that:

(1) address the need to increase aftercare services for juveniles involved in the justice system [ by establishing programs and developing and adopting policies to provide comprehensive health, mental health, education, and vocational services and services that preserve and strengthen the families of such juveniles ]; [ or ]

(2) develop and adopt policies to prohibit gender bias in placement and treatment, and establish programs to ensure that female youth have full access to social [ the full range of health and mental health ] services ; or [ , treatment for physical or sexual assault and abuse, self-defense, instruction, education in parenting, education in general, and other training and vocational services. ]

(3) develop and adopt policies and programs to provide all juveniles in the juvenile system with access to counsel.

[ (b) Applicants may select to address at least one activity or combine both activities while giving emphasis on the activity described in subsection (a)(1).]

[ (c) Projects must use an interdisciplinary approach to review research on the need for aftercare for juvenile offenders and gender-specific programming.]

§3.1005.Eligible Applicants.

State agencies, nonprofit organizations, local units of government, faith-based organizations, crime control and prevention districts, Native American tribal governments, COGs, universities, colleges, independent school districts, and juvenile boards are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. Faith-based organizations must be certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities. Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304666

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


11. RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §3.1109

The amendment of this rule is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of this rule.

§3.1109.Indirect Costs.

CJD will not approve the use of grant funds to pay for indirect costs.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304667

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


12. JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.1201, 3.1205, 3.1209, 3.1213

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.1201.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Juvenile Accountability [ Incentive ] Block Grant Program. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Fiscal Year 1999 Appropriations [ appropriations ] Act, Public Law 105-277 (1998), referencing H.R. 3 (May 3, 1997).

(c) The Program's purpose is to develop programs that promote greater accountability in the juvenile justice system.

(d) In addition to the rules related to this funding source contained in this chapter, applicants and grantees must comply with the federal regulations contained in 28 C.F.R. §95, which are hereby adopted by reference.

§3.1205.Eligible Applicants.

(a) Twenty-five percent of this fund is available for state set-aside grants to state agencies, units of local government (including crime control and prevention districts), universities, colleges, nonprofit corporations, Native American tribal governments, COGs and faith-based organizations. Faith-based organizations must be [ tax-exempt nonprofit entities as ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities . Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

(b) Cities, counties, Native American tribal governments, and COGs that apply for grants to provide services to units of local government that are not eligible for separate grants are eligible to apply for formula allocation grants under the remaining 75 percent of this fund.

§3.1209.Indirect Costs.

Under the Juvenile Accountability [ Incentive ] Block Grant program, CJD will allow up to five [ ten ] percent of the CJD-approved direct costs in the CJD-funded portion of a grant project [ award amount ] to be used for indirect costs.

§3.1213.Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition.

Each applicant must establish a coalition consisting of individuals representing police departments , sheriffs' offices, prosecutors, probation officers, juvenile courts, schools, businesses, and faith-based, fraternal, nonprofit, or social service organizations involved in juvenile crime and delinquency prevention.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304668

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


12. JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §3.1217

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the Office of the Governor or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeal of this rule is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The repeal of this rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the repeal of this rule.

§3.1217.Combining Services to Serve More Than One City or County.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304669

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


13. COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCES PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.1301, 3.1303, 3.1305, 3.1309

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.1301.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program [ Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws grant program ]. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These [ The source of these ] federal funds are authorized under the Paul Coverdell National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act, [ is ] Public Law 106-561 [ 105-119, that established a grant program to enforce underage drinking laws ].

(c) This program provides [ The purpose of the ] funds to improve the quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes [ is to support and enhance state efforts, in cooperation with local jurisdictions, to enforce laws prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors or the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors. For purposes of this program, minors are defined as individuals under 21 years of age ].

§3.1303.Project Requirements.

(a) All [ Eligible ] projects funded through this program must be accredited by the Laboratory Accreditation Board of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors or the National Association of Medical Examiners. In addition, projects must: [ include a comprehensive approach to addressing the underage drinking problem that includes prevention, public education, and strict enforcement of liquor laws. ]

(1) Employ one or more full time criminalists whose principal duties are the examination of physical evidence for law enforcement agencies in criminal justice matters and who provide testimony with respect to such physical evidence to the criminal justice system.

(2) Demonstrate improvement over current operations in the average number of days between submission of a sample to a forensic science laboratory and the delivery of test results to the requesting office or agency.

(3) Assure that all project personnel comply with 28 C.F.R. Part 22 regarding protection of personally identifiable information that may be collected for research or statistical purposes.

(b) Allowable expenditures are limited to the following:

(1) Laboratory and computer equipment including upgrading, replacing, and purchasing laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and computer hardware or software for forensic analyses and data management.

(2) Supplies include laboratory items needed to perform analyses and to conduct validation studies, and other expenses directly attributable to conducting various types of forensic analyses.

(3) Costs associated with personnel, such as overtime, fellowships, visiting scientists, interns, consultants or contracted staff (funds may not be used for salaries or wages for state or local personnel).

(4) Facility improvements including benches, cabinets, interior dividing walls, evidence storage rooms, or extraction rooms when it can be demonstrated that these items will improve the effectiveness and credibility of the laboratory.

(5) Education and training, including internal and external training and continuing education, that is directly applicable to the job position and duties of the individuals receiving the training.

§3.1305.Eligible Applicants.

State agencies, and local units of government that operate laboratories currently accredited by the Laboratory Accreditation Board of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board or the National Association of Medical Examiners. [ , crime control and prevention districts, nonprofit corporations, and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. Faith-based organizations must be tax-exempt nonprofit entities as certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship. ]

§3.1309.Indirect Costs.

CJD will not approve the use of grant funds to pay for indirect costs.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304670

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


14. RURAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD VICTIMIZATION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.1401, 3.1403, 3.1405, 3.1409, 3.1411

The amendment and addition of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended and added rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment and addition of these rules.

§3.1401.Source and Purpose.

(a) All rules in this division relate to the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Program. The funding agency for the source of these federal funds is the U.S. Department of Justice. Grantees must comply with the applicable grant management standards adopted under §3.19 of this chapter.

(b) These federal funds are authorized under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, §40295 [ §40265 ], 42 U.S.C. 13971 [ 13671 ], Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended , and reauthorized under Division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, §1105 .

(c) The primary purpose of the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grant Program is to enhance the safety of abused women and children living in rural areas by creating or enhancing collaborative partnerships among criminal justice agencies, victim service providers, and community organizations that respond to violent crimes committed against women and children and provide services to the victims of such crimes.

§3.1403.Project Requirements.

(a) The following are the program areas eligible for funding:

(1) projects that implement, expand, and establish cooperative efforts and projects between law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocacy groups, and other related parties to investigate and prosecute incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, and child abuse;

(2) projects that provide treatment, counseling and assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and child abuse, including in immigration matters; and

(3) projects that work in cooperation with the community to develop education and prevention strategies directed toward such issues.

(b) The Office of Justice Programs places priority on supporting projects that implement one or more of the following objectives:

(1) Establish or enhance advocacy services [ Enhance Safe Shelter and Emergency Services ] for rural victims, including transitional housing, welfare assistance, immigration assistance, job training, and placement programs [ Rural Victims ].

[(A) Establish safe shelter for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and their children in rural areas where a shelter does not currently exist, such as a safe house network or a transportation program to enable victims to access a shelter in an adjacent county or state.]

[(B) Increase the accessibility of emergency services to domestic violence and dating violence victims by establishing or enhancing toll-free crisis lines, implementing cellular phone programs for victims, or creating satellite offices in more remote, rural areas.]

(2) Create public awareness campaigns to inform victims of services, to educate the public and promote cultural change, and to promote a strong coordinated community response to domestic violence, dating violence, and child victimization [ Establish or Enhance Advocacy Services for Rural Victims ].

[(A) Enhance the capacity of victim services programs to provide individual and system advocacy (i.e., efforts to improve the criminal justice system or other systems' responses to victims) for victims in rural, remote areas. Advocacy skills-building, training programs or mentoring activities should include participation from state or tribal domestic violence coalitions or local nonprofit, non-governmental organizations serving domestic violence victims.]

[(B) Develop and implement advocacy services to assist domestic violence, dating violence and child abuse victims with long term needs such as transitional housing, civil legal representation, welfare advocacy, immigration assistance, educational assistance, and job placement or training programs designed to restore victim autonomy, self-sufficiency, and liberty.]

(3) Address the intersection of domestic violence and child victimization, including developing partnerships among child protection agencies, domestic violence victim organizations, and implementation programs that address the impact of domestic violence on children who are exposed to it. [ Create Public Awareness. Create public awareness campaigns directed toward rural communities using public information vehicles (e.g., radio programming, church bulletins, public service announcements) available within the community to inform victims of services, to educate the public and promote cultural change, and to promote a strong coordinated community response to domestic violence, dating violence, and child victimization. ]

[(4) Address the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Child Victimization.]

[(A) Develop partnerships among child protection workers and domestic violence victim advocates to help address the intersection of domestic violence, dating violence and child abuse, and to ensure the safety of victims and their children.]

[(B) Develop programs that address the impact of domestic violence on children who are exposed to it, such as enhancing the capacity of programs that serve domestic violence victims to include specialized services for their children; establishing a multi-disciplinary approach to working with children who are exposed to domestic violence, which includes victim advocates, clinicians, law enforcement representatives, educators, and pediatricians; and facilitating supervised visitation and exchange services in child custody cases that involve domestic violence in order to prevent further trauma to the children and abused parents.]

[(5) Assist Victims of Diverse Rural Communities. Implement projects sensitive to the social, economic, linguistic, and cultural considerations that can dramatically affect domestic violence victim's access to advocacy services and the criminal justice system by providing services to traditionally underserved populations in rural communities. Projects must be developed in partnership with representatives of the affected communities and tailored to respond to the needs of those specific communities.]

[(6) Develop a Coordinated Community Response.]

[(A) Create new or enhanced partnerships between nonprofit, non-governmental domestic violence programs, community groups, faith communities, housing authorities, welfare agencies, hospitals, child protective services, schools, and businesses to increase the number of individuals who are well-educated about domestic violence, dating violence, and child victimization and who can advocate on behalf of victims and children in rural or remote areas, increasing the chances of victims receiving necessary support and services.]

[(B) Develop partnerships between the criminal justice system, domestic violence advocates, and batterer intervention programs to better facilitate offender accountability and enhance victim safety.]

[(7) Improve the Institutional Response.]

[(A) Evaluate the institutional response to domestic violence cases by conducting a Safety and Accountability Audit of the criminal justice system, (i.e., a systematic method of analyzing how safety and accountability are or are not incorporated into the daily work routines of criminal justice professionals and the policies of their agencies).]

[(B) Develop domestic violence, dating violence and child victimization policies, protocols, and tribal codes reflective of the nature of the rural community to be served to enhance the investigation and prosecution of incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, and child victimization. Protocols should be designed to make use of all available resources within the community and should be developed and implemented in partnership with domestic violence victim services programs.]

[(C) Implement policies, protocols and practices that enhance the issuance and enforcement of civil protective orders within a single jurisdiction as well as across county, state and/or tribal jurisdictions. Policies, protocols and practices should be developed and implemented in partnership with domestic violence victim services programs.]

§3.1405.Eligible Applicants

Native American tribal governments, rural counties, cities in rural counties, nonprofit corporations in rural counties, and faith-based organizations in rural counties are eligible to apply for grants under this fund. For this fund, rural counties are defined as counties with 52 or less people per square mile. Faith-based organizations must be [ tax-exempt nonprofit entities as ] certified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt nonprofit entities . Grantees may not use grant funds or program income for proselytizing or sectarian worship.

§3.1409.Indirect Costs.

CJD will not approve the use of grant funds to pay for indirect costs.

§3.1411.Ineligible Activities.

Grantees may not use grant funds to pay for the following activities:

(1) offering perpetrators the option of entering pre-trial diversion programs;

(2) mediation or counseling for couples as a systematic response to domestic violence;

(3) batterer intervention programs that do not use the coercive power of the criminal justice system to hold batterers accountable for their behavior;

(4) procedures that would force victims of domestic violence to testify against their abusers or impose other sanctions on them; and

(5) procedures that exclude victims of domestic violence and their children from receiving safe shelter, advocacy services and other assistance based on their age, immigration status, race, religion, sexual orientation, mental health condition, criminal record, work in the sex industry, or age and/or gender of their children.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304672

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Subchapter D. CONDITIONS OF GRANT FUNDING

1 TAC §§3.2001, 3.2007, 3.2009, 3.2013

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.2001.Special Conditions.

When CJD determines that a grantee has failed to submit the necessary information or has failed to comply with any applicable [ CJD rule or other relevant ] statute, rule, regulation, guideline, or requirement, CJD may place a special condition on the grant. The special condition allows CJD to place a grantee's funds on hold until the grantee has satisfied the requirements of the special condition.

§3.2007.Confidential Funds Certification.

Any applicant proposing a project that may require the expenditure of confidential funds must sign and return with their application a copy of a Confidential Funds Certification. For [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund ] grants, the rules adopted by reference in §3.19 apply to the control and use of confidential funds except where they conflict with the rules in §3.717, in which case the rules in this chapter shall apply.

§3.2009.Cooperative Working Agreement.

(a) When a grantee intends to carry out a grant project [ largely ] through cooperating or participating with one or more outside organizations, the grantee must obtain authorized approval signatures on the cooperative working agreement from each [ outside ] participating organization. Grantees must maintain on file a signed copy of all cooperative working agreements [ such agreement(s) ].

(b) Cooperative working agreements do not involve an exchange of funds [ For multi-jurisdictional task force grants, a cooperative working agreement must include each sheriff in a multi-jurisdictional task force's impact area. Counties must be contiguous and the sheriff may not execute a cooperative working agreement with more than one task force project ].

(c) For multi-jurisdictional task force grants under the Byrne Formula Grant Program, a cooperative working agreement must include the signature of each sheriff in a multi-jurisdictional task force's impact area. Counties must be contiguous and the sheriff may not execute a cooperative working agreement with more than one task force project.

(d) Each grantee must submit to CJD a list of each participating organization that has entered into a cooperative working agreement with the grantee and a written description of the purpose of each cooperative working agreement.

§3.2013.Pre-Approval Requirements for Procurement.

(a) When a procurement is expected to exceed $100,000 or upon CJD request, a grantee [ grantees ] must submit to CJD a CJD-prescribed Procurement Questionnaire [ and all related procurement documentation, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, and independent cost estimates. This information must be submitted to CJD before grant funds are obligated or expended ].

(b) When a procurement is expected to exceed $100,000 or upon CJD request, and one of the following conditions exist, a grantee must submit to CJD all related procurement documentation, such as requests for proposals, invitations for bids, or independent cost estimates, along with a CJD-prescribed Procurement Questionnaire: [ Grantees may not divide purchases or contracts for the purposes of avoiding this rule. For purposes of determining compliance, CJD will consider groups of contracts with a single vendor or groups of purchases for the same or similar items as a single procurement. ]

(1) the procurement is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation;

(2) the procurement specifies a "brand name" product; or

(3) the proposed contract is to be awarded to an entity other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement.

(c) The information required in subsections (a) and (b) of this section must be submitted to CJD before grant funds are obligated or expended.

(d) Grantees may not divide purchases or contracts for the purposes of avoiding this rule. For purposes of determining compliance, CJD will consider groups of contracts with a single vendor or groups of purchases for the same or similar items as a single procurement.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304673

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


1 TAC §3.2019

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the Office of the Governor or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeal of this rule is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The repeal of this rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the repeal of this rule.

§3.2019.Interagency Agreements.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304674

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


1 TAC §3.2021, §3.2023

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.2021.Resolutions.

Except for applications from state agencies, each application must include a resolution from the applicable governing body (such as the city council, county commissioners' court, school board, or board of directors) that contains the following:

(1) authorization for the submission of the application to CJD that clearly identifies the project for which funding is requested;

(2) a commitment to provide for all applicable matching funds [ cash match ];

(3) a designation of the name or title of an authorized official who is given the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant (if this designation changes during the grant period, a new resolution must be submitted to CJD by the governing body); and

(4) a written assurance that, in the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the governing body will return all funds to CJD.

§3.2023.Tax Exempt and Nonprofit Information.

All nonprofit corporations applying for grant funds that have not previously received a CJD grant must submit [ a Nonprofit Information Form and a Financial Capability Questionnaire ] with their application : [ . ]

(1) a CJD-prescribed Financial Capability Questionnaire; and

(2) documentation from the Internal Revenue Service granting the corporation tax exempt status.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304675

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Subchapter E. ADMINISTERING GRANTS

1 TAC §§3.2501, 3.2507, 3.2511, 3.2513, 3.2517, 3.2519, 3.2521, 3.2529

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.2501.Grant Officials.

(a) Each grant must have three different grant officials:

(1) Project Director. The project director must be an employee of the applicant agency or be from the contractor organization that will be responsible for project operation or monitoring and who will serve as the point-of-contact regarding the project's day-to-day operations. For Crime Stoppers Programs, the project director can be an employee of a law enforcement agency who will act as the coordinator. For [ Edward ] Byrne Formula Grant Program [ Memorial Fund ] projects, the project director shall not be the task force commander;

(2) Financial Officer. The financial officer must be the chief financial officer of the applicant agency. A county auditor, city treasurer, comptroller, or the treasurer of a nonprofit corporation's board may serve as the project's financial officer. The financial officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining financial records to accurately account for funds awarded to the grantee. These records shall include both federal funds and all matching funds of State, local, and private organizations, when applicable. The financial officer is also responsible for requesting funds and reporting grant activity to CJD on expenditure report forms provided to the financial officer; and

(3) Authorized Official. The authorized official must be authorized to apply for, accept, reject [ decline ], alter, or terminate the grant for the applicant agency. The executive director of a state agency, county judge, mayor, city manager, chairman of a nonprofit board, director of a community supervision and corrections department, or other individual authorized by the governing body may serve as the authorized official. The authorized official must be designated by the governing body in its resolution pursuant to §3.2021.

(b) No person shall serve in more than one capacity as a grant official.

(c) The signature of each grant official must be provided to CJD by the grantee.

(d) The grantee shall notify CJD in writing of : [ any change in the designated project director, financial officer, or authorized official and shall include a sample signature of the new official. ]

(1) any change in the designated project director, financial officer, or authorized official and shall include a sample signature of the new project director, financial officer, or authorized official; and

(2) any change in the grantee's mailing address, email address, fax number, or telephone number.

§3.2507.Expenditure Reports.

Each grantee must submit financial expenditure reports to CJD each calendar quarter. CJD will provide the appropriate forms and instructions for the reports along with deadlines for their submission. [ The grantee's financial officer must sign and submit each expenditure report. ] CJD will place a financial hold on a grantee's funds if the grantee fails to submit timely expenditure reports. Submission of an expenditure report does not generate a grant payment. §3.2511, Request for Funds, sets forth rules for requesting payments. The grantee must report program income in the expenditure report including program income earned by the grantee, a vendor or contractor.

§3.2511.Requests for Funds.

(a) A [ After a grant has been accepted and if there are no outstanding special conditions or other deficiencies, a ] grantee may request funds [ on a cost reimbursement basis ] no more than once a month. A grantee may request funds on a cost reimbursement basis, or request advance funds covering no more than the anticipated expenses for the following month. [ Submission of an expenditure report does not generate a grant payment. All grant payment requests must be submitted to CJD on a Request for Funds form in accordance with the instructions provided on that form. A request for funds for the reimbursement of equipment costs and/or contractual services must include copies of the invoices. ]

(b) Funds may be advanced for the following approved budget categories only: personnel, contractual and professional services, travel, or supplies and other direct operating expenses. Funds may not be advanced for equipment, construction, or indirect costs, except to grantees funded under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Program [ Grantees must ensure that CJD receives their final requests for funds postmarked no later than the 90th calendar day after the end of the grant period or funds will lapse and revert to the grantor agency. If this date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, then CJD will honor receipt or a postmark on the next business day. If grant funds are on hold for any reason, these funds will lapse at the end of the above-referenced period and the grantee cannot recover them. Under no circumstances will CJD make payments to grantees that submit their request for funds with a postmark after the above-referenced deadline ].

(c) All requests for funds, as described in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, must be submitted to CJD on a CJD-prescribed Request for Funds form in accordance with the instructions provided on that form. Grantees must maintain documentation on file, such as copies of invoices, purchase orders, or receipts, for all expenses for which they request reimbursement. The documentation must clearly identify the obligation date, the applicable line item in the approved budget, and the amount being charged. If any portion of a request for funds includes equipment, the grantee must include such documentation with the Request for Funds form.

(d) A grantee must ensure that CJD receives its final request for funds postmarked no later than the 90th calendar day after the end of the grant period or funds will lapse and revert to the grantor agency. If this date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, then CJD will honor receipt or a postmark on the next business day. If grant funds are on hold for any reason, these funds will lapse at the end of the 90-day liquidation period and the grantee cannot recover them. No request for funds will be accepted after the end of the 90-day liquidation period. CJD will not extend the 90-day liquidation period.

§3.2513.Grant Adjustments.

(a) The authorized official must sign requests for grant adjustments that alter the amount of a grant award or the scope of a grant project. The project director, financial officer, or authorized offical [ One of the three designated grant officials ] must sign requests for grant adjustments that do not alter the amount of a grant award or the scope of a grant project .

(b) Budget Adjustments. Adjustments consisting of increases or decreases in the amount of a grant or the reallocation of grant funds among or within approved [ standard CJD ] budget categories, as defined in §3.3(11) of this chapter, are considered budget adjustments, and, except as provided by paragraph (2) [ (3) ] of this subsection, are allowable only with prior CJD approval. The following rules apply to budget adjustments:

(1) Changes in the indirect costs category require prior CJD approval through a written grant adjustment notice [ Not more than 25% of a budgeted salary may be reallocated during the grant period unless the executive director grants an exception ].

(2) During a grant period, grantees may transfer grant funds among or within the approved budget categories, as defined in §3.3(11) of this chapter, without prior CJD approval as long as the amount transferred does not exceed a cumulative total of ten percent of the CJD-funded portion of a grant project during that grant period; the action does not change the scope of the project; and the change does not conflict with paragraph (1) of this subsection and §3.81(a) of this chapter [ Changes in the indirect costs category require prior CJD approval through a written grant adjustment notice ].

(3) CJD will not approve more than four budget adjustments initiated by a grantee each grant year [ During a grant period, grantees may transfer funds among or within the standard CJD budget categories, as defined in §3.3(11) of this chapter, without prior CJD approval as long as the amount transferred does not exceed a cumulative total of ten percent of the CJD-funded portion of a grant project during that grant period; the action does not change the scope of the project; and the change does not conflict with paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection and §3.81(a) of this chapter ].

(4) CJD will not approve [ more than four ] budget adjustments requests submitted within 30 calendar days of the end of the grant period unless the executive director grants an exception [ each grant year ].

(5) All budget adjustments must comply with all relevant rules in this chapter. The grantee must maintain accurate records that show all budget adjustments [ CJD will not approve budget adjustment requests submitted within 30 calendar days of the end of the grant period unless the executive director grants an exception ].

[ (6) All budget adjustments must comply with all relevant rules in this chapter. The grantee must maintain accurate records that show all budget adjustments.]

(c) For supplemental grant awards, the grantee must accept or reject any additional award within 45 calendar days of the date upon which CJD issues a Grant Adjustment Notice and follow all rules in accordance with §3.11 of this chapter.

(d) Programmatic Changes. The following rules apply to programmatic changes:

(1) Requests to revise the scope, target, or focus of the project, or alter project activities require advance written approval from CJD.

(2) A grantee may submit a written request to extend the [ for a ] grant period [ extension ]. The request must be submitted to CJD and received or postmarked no later than [ prior to ] the last day [ end ] of the grant [ 90-day liquidation ] period [ and approved by the executive director. A grant extension extends the grant period or liquidation period. ]

§3.2517.Remedies for Noncompliance.

If a grantee fails to comply with any term or condition of a grant or any applicable statutes, rules, regulations, [ rule ] or guidelines [ statute ], CJD may take one or more of the following actions:

(1) temporarily withhold all grant payments to the grant project pending correction of the deficiency by the grantee;

(2) temporarily withhold all grant payments to all grant projects awarded to the grantee pending correction of the deficiency by the grantee [ disallow all or part of the cost of the activity or action that is not in compliance ];

(3) disallow all or part of the cost of the activity or action that is not in compliance [ impose administrative sanctions, other than fines, on the grantee ];

(4) impose administrative sanctions, other than fines, on the grantee [ withhold further grants from the program or grantee ];

(5) withhold further grants from the program or grantee; [ terminate the grant in whole or in part; or ]

(6) terminate the grant in whole or in part; or [ exercise other remedies that may be legally available. ]

(7) exercise other remedies that may be legally available.

§3.2519.Grant Termination.

(a) If a grantee wishes to terminate any approved project, it must notify CJD in writing immediately.

(b) CJD may terminate any grant, in whole or in part, when:

(1) a grantee fails to comply with any term or condition of the grant or the grantee has failed to comply with any applicable statute , [ or ] rule , regulation, or guideline ;

(2) the grantee and CJD agree to do so;

(3) the CJD-funded portion of a grant project is no longer available;

(4) conditions exist that make it unlikely that grant or project objectives will be accomplished; or

(5) the grantee has acted in bad faith.

(c) In the event that a grant is terminated by CJD, CJD will notify the grantee in writing of its decision.

§3.2521.Payment of Outstanding Liabilities.

Grantees must expend all outstanding liabilities no later than 90 calendar days after the end of the grant period. All payments made after the completion of the grant period must relate to obligations incurred during [ before the end of ] the grant period.

§3.2529.Grant Management.

(a) CJD has oversight responsibility for the grants it awards. CJD may review the grantee's management and administration of grant funds at any time and may also request records in accordance with record retention requirements found in §3.2505. Grantees must respond to all CJD inquiries or requests and must make all requested records available to CJD.

(b) The grantee is the entity legally and financially responsible for the grant. A grantee may not delegate its legal and financial responsibility and must ensure that the project operates efficiently, effectively and in accordance with all applicable statutes [ laws ], rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern CJD grants.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304676

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Subchapter F. PROGRAM MONITORING AND AUDITS

1 TAC §3.2601, §3.2603

The amendment of these rules is proposed under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which provides the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, the authority to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, to award and administer state and federal grant programs, and to assist the governor in developing policies, plans, programs, and proposed legislation for improving the coordination, administration, and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendment of these rules.

§3.2601.Monitoring.

(a) CJD will monitor the activities of grantees as necessary to ensure that grant funds are used for authorized purposes in compliance with all applicable statutes, rules [ laws ], regulations, guidelines, and the provisions of grant agreements, and that grantees achieve grant purposes.

(b) The monitoring program may consist of formal audits, monitoring reviews, and technical assistance. CJD may implement monitoring through on-site review at the grantee and/or subgrantee location or through a desk review. In addition, CJD may request grantees to submit relevant information to CJD, pursuant to §3.2529 of this chapter, to support any monitoring review. [ The monitoring program may include work performed by CJD staff, CJD contractors, or other external reviewers. ]

(c) Grantees must make available to CJD or its agents all requested records relevant to a monitoring review. CJD may make unannounced monitoring visits at any time. Failure to provide adequate documentation upon request may result in disallowed costs or other remedies for noncompliance [ non-compliance ] as detailed under §3.2517.

(d) After a monitoring review, the grantee will be notified in writing of any noncompliance identified by CJD in the form of a preliminary [ draft ] report.

(e) The grantee shall respond to the preliminary [ draft ] report and the deficiencies or recommendations, [ if any, ] and submit a corrective action plan[ , if necessary, ] to CJD within a time frame specified by CJD.

(f) The corrective action plan shall include:

(1) the titles of the persons responsible for implementing the corrective action plan;

(2) the corrective action to be taken; and

(3) the anticipated completion date.

(g) If the grantee believes corrective action is not required for a noted deficiency or recommendation, the response shall include an explanation and specific reasons. CJD will determine whether the response is adequate to resolve the deficiency or recommendation.

(h) CJD's approval of the corrective action plan is required before the grantee implements the corrective action plan. The grantee's response and the approved corrective action plan[ , if any, ] shall become part of the final report.

(i) The grantee shall resolve all [ any ] required actions identified in the final report within the time frame specified by CJD .

§3.2603.Audits Not Performed by CJD.

(a) Grantees must have audits performed in accordance with the requirements set forth in OMB Circular A-133 and the State Single Audit Circular issued under UGMS [ Uniform Grant Management Standards ].

(b) Grantees must submit to CJD copies of the results of any single audit conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-133 or in accordance with the State Single Audit Circular issued under UGMS [ the Uniform Grant Management Standards ]. Grantees must ensure that single audit results, including the grantee's response and corrective action plan, if applicable, are submitted to CJD within 30 calendar days after the grantee receives the audit results or nine months after the end of the audit period, whichever is earlier.

(c) All other audits performed by auditors independent of CJD must be maintained at the grantee's administrative offices pursuant to §3.2505 of this chapter and be made available upon request by CJD. Grantees must notify CJD of any audit results that may adversely impact grant funds.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304677

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-1919


Part 3. OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Chapter 55. CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT

The Office of the Attorney General proposes the repeal of Subchapter B, Locate Services, §55.31 and proposes new Subchapter B, Locate-Only Services, §55.31. Texas Family Code §231.103 was amended by the 78th Legislature Regular Session (2003), House Bill 2588, effective September 1, 2003. Texas Family Code §231.103(g) requires the State's Title IV-D agency to establish new procedures by rule for the payment of authorized costs and fees.

Section 55.31 explains the availability of the service, and states the amount of the fee and explains how the fee will be paid.

Cynthia Bryant, Deputy Attorney General for Child Support, has determined that for the first five years the proposed rule is in effect , there will be fiscal implications for state or local government. The projected revenue is illustrated in a graphic attached to this document:

Figure: 1 TAC Chapter 55--Preamble

Ms. Bryant has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit as a result of this new rule will be a reduction of public expenditures for operation of the Title IV-D program.

Ms. Bryant has also determined that there will be no local employment impact as a result of the proposed rule and there will be no economic affect on small business as a result of the proposed rule.

Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted to John Hannemann, Business Improvement Section, Child Support Division, Office of the Attorney General, (physical address) 5500 East Oltorf, Austin, Texas, 78741 or (mailing address) P.O. Box 12017, Mail Code 041, Austin, Texas 78711-2017.

Subchapter B. LOCATE SERVICES

1 TAC §55.31

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Office of the Attorney General or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeal of this section is proposed under Texas Family Code §231.103.

The repeal affects 45 C.F.R. §303.70(d).

§55.31.Application.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304690

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For information regarding this publication, you may contact A.G. Younger, Agency Liaison, at (512) 463-2110


Subchapter B. LOCATE-ONLY SERVICES

1 TAC §55.31

The new rule is proposed under Texas Family Code §231.103.

The new rule affects 45 C.F.R. §303.70(d).

§55.31.Application and Processing Fee.

(a) An "authorized person" as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 653(c) or an attorney or other agent with authority to act on behalf of an "authorized person" may apply to the Title IV-D agency for locate-only services and pay the required processing fee.

(b) An "authorized person" as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 653(c) or an attorney or other agent with authority to act on behalf of an "authorized person" who is not a governmental entity shall pay a $10 processing fee for each request for locate-only services.

(c) Unless the Title IV-D agency otherwise agrees in writing, the processing fee shall be paid to the Title IV-D agency prior to processing the request for locate-only services.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304691

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For information regarding this publication, you may contact A.G. Younger, Agency Liaison, at (512) 463-2110


Chapter 55. CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT

Subchapter G. AUTHORIZED COSTS AND FEES IN IV-D CASES

1 TAC §55.151

The Office of the Attorney General proposes to amend Subchapter G, Authorized Costs and Fees in IV-D Cases §55.151. Texas Family Code §231.202 was amended by the 78th Legislature Regular Session (2003), Senate Bill 1165, effective September 1, 2003. Texas Family Code §231.002(a)(2) authorizes the State's Title IV-D agency to establish procedures by rule for the payment of authorized fees.

Section 55.151(a)(4) clarifies the effective date.

Section 55.151(b) adds new language for payment by the Office of the Attorney General for service of process in Title IV-D cases to a clerk of the court, the sheriff, or a constable.

Cynthia Bryant, Deputy Attorney General for Child Support, has determined that for the first five years the amended section is in effect, there will be no significant fiscal implications for state or local government.

Ms. Bryant has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amended section is in effect, the public benefit as a result of this amended section will be improved service of process by assuring adequate compensation.

Ms. Bryant has also determined that there will be no local employment impact as a result of the amended section and there will be no economic affect on small business as a result of the amended section.

Comments on these proposed section should be submitted to John Hannemann, Business Improvement Section, Child Support Division, Office of the Attorney General, (physical address) 5500 East Oltorf, Austin, Texas, 78741 or (mailing address) P.O. Box 12017, Mail Code 041, Austin, Texas 78711-2017.

The amendment to §55.151 is proposed under the authority of Texas Family Code, §231.202.

The amendment affects Chapter 110 of the Texas Family Code and §§51.317, 51.318(b)(2), and 51.319(2), Texas Government Code.

§55.151.Authorized Costs and Fees in IV-D Cases.

(a) The clerk of the court may charge the Office of the Attorney General the following costs and fees in IV-D cases:

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) fees for the issuance and delivery of orders and writs of income withholding in the amounts provided by Chapter 110 of the Texas Family Code; and

(4) a reasonable fee not to exceed $15 for filing an original administrative writ of withholding with an effective date on or after September 1, 2001. A fee cannot be charged for duplicate copies of an administrative writ of withholding. [ a fee of $45 for each item of process to each individual on whom service is required , including service by certified or registered mail, to be paid to a sheriff, constable, or clerk whenever service of process is required; and ]

[(5) a reasonable fee not to exceed $15 for filing an original administrative writ of withholding with an effective date after September 1, 2001. A fee cannot be charged for duplicate copies of an administrative writ of withholding.]

(b) The clerk of the court, the sheriff, or a constable may charge the Office of the Attorney General the fee that sheriffs and constables are authorized to charge for serving process under Section 118.131, Local Government Code for each item of process to each individual on whom service is required, including service by certified or registered mail, to be paid to the sheriff, constable, or clerk who charged the fee to the Office of the Attorney General whenever service of process is required.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304688

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For information regarding this publication, you may contact A.G. Younger, Agency Liaison, at (512) 463-2110


Part 8. TEXAS JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Chapter 173. INDIGENT DEFENSE GRANTS

Subchapter D. ADMINISTERING GRANTS

1 TAC §173.307

The Task Force on Indigent Defense (Task Force) proposes an amendment to §173.307 of the Texas Administrative Code to delete the subsection that requires counties to seek prior approval for any discretionary grant budget adjustments consisting of reallocations of funds among or within budget categories in excess of ten percent of the original budget line item transferred to or from. By eliminating this provision, Task Force grant adjustments would be governed by the Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS) adopted by reference in §173.7(b)(1). The UGMS provision related to budget adjustments is contained in Section III, Sub-part C and requires counties to receive prior approval whenever the transfers among direct cost categories exceed ten percent of the current total annual approved budget, whenever the awarding agency's share exceeds $100,000. For grants of $100,000 or less, the Task Force may, at its option, require prior approval of transfers of funds among direct cost categories when the amount transferred exceeds five percent of the total annual budget. The UGMS also require advance approval of any budget adjustment that would result in the need for additional funding or any transfer of funds allocated to training allowances. Chapter 173 establishes the guidelines for the administration of a grant program for counties to improve indigent defense services. The proposed amendment will reduce administration time for the Task Force and counties and was a recommendation of the Task Force’s internal auditor.

Ms. Glenna Rhea Bowman, Chief Financial Officer of the Office of Court Administration, has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, enforcing or administering the section does not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenues of state or local government.

Ms. Bowman has determined that there will be no material economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendment, nor does the proposed amendment have any anticipated adverse effect on small or micro-businesses.

Mr. Jim Bethke, Director of the Task Force, has also determined that for each of the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect the public benefit will be an improvement in the quality of indigent defense services because it will reduce county staff time in maintaining and reporting equipment purchased with state grant funds and allow for an increased focus on improving their indigent defense systems.

Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted in writing to Wesley Shackelford, Special Counsel, Task Force on Indigent Defense, P.O. Box 12066, Austin, Texas 78711-2066, or by fax to 512-475-3450 no later than 30 days from the date that these proposed rules are published in the Texas Register.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of Texas Government Code §71.062 (Technical Support; Grants), concerning the grant and aid program, that provides the Task Force authority to provide grants to assist counties to improve indigent defense practices in the state and to promote compliance with state law concerning indigent defense practices. The Task Force interprets Texas Government Code §71.062 to require the Task Force to adopt by rule the guidelines for administering the grant program.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendment.

§173.307.Discretionary Grant Adjustments.

(a) The authorized official must sign all requests for grant adjustments.

[(b) Budget Adjustments. Grant adjustments consisting of reallocations of funds among or within budget categories in excess of ten percent of the original budget line item transferred to or from are considered budget adjustments, and are allowable only with prior approval of the Director of the Task Force.]

(b) [(c)] Non-Budget Grant Adjustments. The following rules apply to non-budget grant adjustments:

(1) Requests to revise the scope, target, or focus of the project, or alter project activities require advance written approval from the Task Force or its designees, as determined by the Director of the Task Force.

(2) The grantee will notify the Task Force or its designees in writing of any change in the designated program director, financial officer, or authorized official within ten days following the change. When the notice addresses a change of financial officer, the letter must include a sample signature of the new official. When the notice addresses a change of authorized official, the commissioners' court must submit the request.

(3) A grantee may submit a written request for a grant extension in extraordinary circumstances. The Task Force must receive requests for grant extensions at least 30 days prior to the end of the grant period.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 1, 2003.

TRD-200304678

Wesley Shackelford

Special Counsel to the Task Force on Indigent Defense

Texas Judicial Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 936-6994


Part 12. COMMISSION ON STATE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Chapter 251. REGIONAL PLANS--STANDARDS

1 TAC §251.11

The Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) proposes an amendment to §251.11, concerning the establishment of a formal monitoring process to ensure compliance with applicable law, rules, polices and procedures.

Rule 251.11 continues to be important in order to ensure that the highest quality of 9-1-1 services and administration exist within the CSEC program area. However, there are some modifications that need to be made in order to bring the rule in line with current Commission policies and procedures. Specifically, the proposed revisions include:

Update of language, terms and references - update the Commission's name to remove the word "Advisory", and refer to "agreement" as the Contract for 9-1-1 Services as opposed to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU);

Subsection (b)(2)(B) - revision to reflect current Commission policy to review final compliance risk assessments in summary form, as opposed to detailed RPC/CSEC monitoring reports and responses. The Commission has previously discussed this preference at the March 2002 and January 2003 meetings.

Paul Mallett, executive director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there may be limited fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Mallett has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is to be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be improved methods for program monitoring through established comprehensive contract monitoring standards to be used statewide. No historical data is available, however, there appears to be no direct impact on small or large businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no anticipated local employment impact as a result of enforcing the section.

Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted in writing within 30 days after publication of the proposal in the Texas Register to Paul Mallett, Executive Director, Commission on State Emergency Communications, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-212, Austin, Texas 78701-3942.

The amendment is proposed under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 771, §§771.051, 771.055, 771.056, and 771.059; and the Texas Administrative Code, Part 12, Chapter 251, Regional Plan Standards.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by the proposed amendment.

§251.11.Monitoring Policies and Procedures.

(a) Definitions. When used in this rule, the following words and terms shall have the meanings identified, unless the context and use of the word or terms clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) 9-1-1 Funds--Funds assessed and disbursed in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 771.

(2) 9-1-1 Equipment--Capital equipment acquired partially or in whole with 9-1-1 funds and designed to support and/or facilitate the delivery of an emergency 9-1-1 call to an appropriate emergency response agency.

(3) 9-1-1 Governmental Entity--The 9-1-1 provider as defined in Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 771.

(4) 9-1-1 Governmental Entity Jurisdiction--As defined in applicable law, Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 771 and 772, the geographic coverage area in which a 9-1-1 Governmental Entity provides emergency 9-1-1 service.

(5) [ Advisory ] Commission on State Emergency Communications ( CSEC [ ACSEC ])--Also referred to as the Commission.

(6) Applicable Law--As defined in the Contract for 9-1-1 Services [ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) ], Article 2: Compliance with Applicable Law. Includes, but is not limited to, the State Administration of Emergency Communications Act, Chapter 771, Texas Health and Safety Code; Commission rules implementing the Act contained in Title 1, Part XII, Texas Administrative Code; the Uniform Grant Management Standards, Title 1, §§5.151 - 5.165, Texas Administrative Code; the Preservation and Management of Local Government Records Act, Chapter 441, Subchapter J, Texas Government Code; and amendments to the cited statutes and rules. Also referred to as "applicable law and rules".

(7) Contract for 9-1-1 Services (Contract)--An agreement executed between the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and the CSEC that establishes the responsibilities of each of the parties regarding the use of all 9-1-1 fees, equipment and data.

(8) [ (7) ] Interlocal Agreement--A contract executed between local governments, Regional Planning Commissions, or other state political subdivisions, to perform administrative functions or provide services, such as 9-1-1 telecommunications, cooperatively among themselves.

(9) [ (8) ] Local Government--A county, municipality, public agency, or any other political subdivision that provides, participates in the provision of, or has authority to provide fire-fighting, law enforcement, ambulance, medical, 9-1-1, or other emergency services and/or addressing functions.

[ (9) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)--An agreement executed between the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and the ACSEC that establishes the responsibilities of each of the parties regarding the use of all 9-1-1 fees, equipment and data.]

(10) Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)--A 24-hour communications facility established as an answering location for 9-1-1 calls originating within a given service area, as further defined in applicable law, Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 771.

(11) Regional Planning Commission (RPC)--A commission established under Local Government Code, Chapter 391, also referred to as a council of governments (COG).

(12) Strategic Plans--Regional plans developed in compliance with Chapter 771 shall include a strategic plan that projects regional 9-1-1 service costs, and service fee and other non-equalization surcharge revenues at least five years into the future, beginning September 1, 1994. Within the context of §771.056(d), the CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall consider any revenue insufficiencies to represent need for equalization surcharge funding support.

(b) Policy and Procedures. As authorized by the Texas Health and Safety Code, §771.051, the CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall develop minimum performance standards for equipment and operation of 9-1-1 service to be followed in developing regional plans, and impose 9-1-1 emergency service fees and equalization surcharges to support the planning, development, and provision of 9-1-1 service throughout the State of Texas. The CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall examine and approve or disapprove regional plans submitted by the state's 24 regional planning commissions (RPCs) as provided by §771.056. Per the Contract [ MOU ], the Commission reserves the right to perform [ on-site ] monitoring of the RPC and/or its performing local governments or PSAPs for compliance with applicable law, rules, policies and procedures. Monitoring activities shall provide CSEC [ ACSEC ] with the information and data necessary to best assist RPCs and Local Government in implementing and strengthening the 9-1-1 system in Texas.

(1) Monitoring Activity--The CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall monitor, at least annually, each RPC to assess the agency's administrative, fiscal, contractual, procurement, inventory, local monitoring, and program activities for compliance with applicable laws, rules, policies and procedures; and, effectiveness in implementing E9-1-1 service in its jurisdiction. The CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall develop procedures and guidelines by which to conduct all monitoring activities. State monitoring shall include the following:

(A) Evaluation of RPC policies and procedures for program quality and outcomes to ensure compliance with the Contract [ (MOU) ], as well as the objectives and standards set forth in all CSEC [ ACSEC ] Rules, Policies and Procedures, and especially relating to the rules contained in this chapter;

(B) Determination of whether the RPC has demonstrated substantial compliance with oversight requirements, including:

(i) compliance with applicable provisions of the state's Uniform Grant Management Standards (UGMS);

(ii) competitive procurement procedures and documentation;

(iii) contract administration systems to ensure receipt of contracted deliverables;

(iv) ownership, transfer of ownership, and/or control of equipment acquired with 9-1-1 funds;

(v) maintenance of a current inventory of all 9-1-1 equipment;

(vi) maintenance of adequate and accurate fiscal records and documentation;

(vii) execution of interlocal agreements between RPC and participating local governments relating to the planning, development, operation, and provision of 9-1-1 service and the use of 9-1-1 funds, per the Contract [ MOU ], Article 4, Standard Interlocal Agreements with Local Governments.

(C) Examination of RPC 9-1-1 funds expended against the strategic plan component budgets and any limitations therein according to applicable law and rules.

(2) Monitoring Report and Response--The CSEC [ ACSEC ] will prepare a written report that describes the findings, and any possible violations, discovered during a monitoring review. CSEC [ ACSEC ] will complete a written monitoring report within 30 days of the conclusion of the initial monitoring activities, and will provide the RPC a copy of the report upon completion. The RPC will have opportunity to respond as outlined in subparagraphs (A)-(F) of this paragraph.

(A) The RPC shall provide written response to the monitoring report within 30 days of receipt of the report. The response should be provided or approved by the RPC Executive Director and/or the Executive Committee, according to RPC authority and internal procedures.

(B) The CSEC Executive Director will report a summary of the RPC's final compliance assessment upon completion of all monitoring activities, reports and RPC responses, along with a recommendation for acceptance or disapproval. [ The report and response will be presented to the Commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting. ACSEC Executive Director will also provide the Commission with written determinations and recommendations as to suggested corrective actions or disallowed costs that are established by policy or rule. If Executive Director concurs with RPC's response, he shall state his concurrence in the report to the Commission. ]

[ (C) ]

The Commission may act to accept the Executive Director's recommendation [ and/or RPC response ]. The Commission will convey its acceptance of responses, resolutions or recommendations in writing to the RPC within 5 working days of any such action.

(C) [ (D) ]The Commission may delay action pending requests for additional information or investigation, and any follow up actions deemed necessary for resolution. Any such requests shall be made in writing to the RPC within 5 working days. The RPC shall have 15 working days in which to provide additional information requested by the Commission. CSEC [ ACSEC ] Executive Director will present any additional information to the Commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting in conjunction with appropriate staff review and determination. Final resolution of monitoring findings shall be communicated to the RPC within 5 working days.

(D) [ (E) ] The Commission may disallow specific expenditures of 9-1-1 funds, and may direct the RPC to repay the 9-1-1 fund of any disallowed expenditure. The CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall communicate any such disallowance to the RPC within 5 working days of Commission action.

(E) [ (F) ] The RPC may appeal a decision to disallow expenditures by writing to the Executive Director of CSEC [ ACSEC ]. A review board will make recommendations to the CSEC [ ACSEC ] Executive Director for approval, disapproval, or approval with modifications, of monitoring exceptions. CSEC [ ACSEC ] will send the final written determination by the Executive Director to the RPC within 30 calendar days of the decision. Unless other repayment plans are made, the RPC must refund all funds due after a final determination is made by the Executive Director. Failure to comply with this provision will subject the RPC to the provisions of paragraph (5) of this subsection.

(3) Disallowance and Repayment--The RPC shall reimburse the 9-1-1 fund for any 9-1-1 surcharge funds and service fees (9-1-1 funds) expended by the RPC in noncompliance with applicable law and rules. Such reimbursement shall be made in accordance with the procedure established in subparagraphs (A)-(E) of this paragraph.

(A) The RPC shall provide a written proposal to the Commission for repayment within 30 days of notification of disallowance of any 9-1-1 fund expenditures. Repayment to the 9-1-1 fund shall be completed within a reasonable length of time as established by the Commission, not to exceed 5 years.

(B) The RPC shall provide detail, in writing, of its efforts to recover 9-1-1 funds from its participating local governments and/or vendors, in compliance with the Contract [ MOU ], Section 2.4.

(C) The repayment plan shall be reviewed and approved by the RPC Executive Committee, or Board, prior to being submitted to the CSEC [ ACSEC ].

(D) Upon receipt of the RPC repayment plan, CSEC [ ACSEC ] staff shall present the plan and staff recommendations to the Commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

(E) The Commission may accept or reject any repayment plan proposal. In either case, the RPC shall be notified of the Commission's action with 5 working days. In the case of rejection, this paragraph shall be repeated until resolution is accomplished.

(4) Monitoring of Repayment-- CSEC [ ACSEC ] staff shall closely monitor repayment of any disallowed fees through review of Financial Status Reports, submitted quarterly, to the CSEC [ ACSEC ]. Any discrepancies or irregularities shall be reported to the CSEC [ ACSEC ] internal auditor and reported to the Commission.

(5) Repeated Problems or Findings and Sanctions--If subsequent annual monitoring review reveals repeated findings that have not been corrected from a prior year's monitoring report, the RPC shall be deemed to be in continued violation. In accordance with State law, the Commission may consider designating another administrative entity if it is determined that a continued violation by an RPC constitutes willful disregard of applicable law and rules, gross negligence, or failure to observe accepted standards of administration.

(c) RPC Monitoring of Interlocal Agreements and Performance--Per Contract [ MOU ], Article 4. Standard Interlocal Agreement with Local Governments, each RPC shall execute an agreement between itself and each of its participating local governments and/or PSAPs in order to establish responsibilities for implementation of 9-1-1 service, the use of 9-1-1 funds, and adherence to applicable law and rules. The RPC shall monitor, at least annually, the performance on these agreements with each of its local governmental entities.

(1) Local Monitoring Plan Development--Each RPC shall develop its own local-level monitoring plan that shall be incorporated into its 9-1-1 Strategic Plan. Local monitoring plans shall include, but are not limited to, the following listed in subparagraphs (A)-(B) of this paragraph.

(A) a schedule or timetable for monitoring all interlocal contracts, 9-1-1 funded activities, equipment, PSAPs and subcontractors;

(B) annual reviews of all subcontracts, especially addressing and/or addressing maintenance contracts.

(2) Compliance with Contract [ MOU ] Stipulations--The RPC shall monitor each interlocal contract for performance of contract deliverables, which shall include the stipulations contained in the Contract [ MOU ], Article 4, Standard Interlocal Agreements with Local Governments.

(3) Documentation--Local monitoring activities, findings, recommendations and responses shall be documented in writing and retained for at least 5 years.

(4) Reporting Procedures--The RPC shall establish reporting procedures to convey the monitoring data to the RPC Executive Director, Executive Committee and the CSEC [ ACSEC ].

(5) Reports to the CSEC [ ACSEC ]--The CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall require, at a minimum, the following documentation and information listed in subparagraphs (A)-(C) of this paragraph.

(A) Certification or other assurance that interlocal agreements have been executed between the RPC and each of its performing Local Governments. Such certification shall be communicated to the CSEC [ ACSEC ] within the RPC's biennial [ biannual ] strategic plan submission, or upon the Commission's request.

(B) Local Monitoring Plans shall be submitted to the CSEC [ ACSEC ] in conjunction with the regularly scheduled biannual 9-1-1 Strategic Plan submission. Revisions to any such document shall be submitted to the CSEC [ ACSEC ] in writing as they occur.

(C) Local monitoring findings shall be submitted to the CSEC [ ACSEC ] as they are completed and approved by the RPC Executive Director, according to the local schedule, and shall be submitted in conjunction to regular CSEC [ ACSEC ] performance reporting schedules. CSEC [ ACSEC ] shall exercise its right to conduct monitoring activities as a result of the local monitoring reports.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 4, 2003.

TRD-200304706

Paul Mallett

Executive Director

Commission on State Emergency Communications

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 14, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6933