TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 4. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

Subchapter C. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND INSPECTION ENFORCEMENT

37 TAC §4.36

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §4.36, concerning Commercial Motor Vehicle Compulsory Inspection Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1593).

Amendments to the section are necessary in order to correct an inaccuracy listed in subsection (f)(2).

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; and Texas Transportation Code, §548.002, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer and enforce the compulsory inspection of vehicles.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2005.

TRD-200502077

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 13, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

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


Chapter 21. EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE STANDARDS

37 TAC §21.1

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts an amendment to §21.1, concerning Standards for Vehicle Equipment, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1593).

Section 21.1 provides specifications and performance standards for vehicle equipment to include lighting devices and after-market window sunscreening.

Amendment to the section is necessary in order to correct a textual error in (f)(6)(A) that affected the flexibility of the medical exemption for vehicle window tint. This resulted in a limit on the extent of the medical exception.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; and Texas Transportation Code, §547.101, which authorizes the Department of Public Safety to adopt standards for vehicle equipment.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2005.

TRD-200502079

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 13, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

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


Chapter 23. VEHICLE INSPECTION

Subchapter F. VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION OPERATION

37 TAC §23.73

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §23.73, concerning Vehicle Inspection Fees, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1594).

Section 23.73 specifies the fees inspection stations may charge vehicle operators for and in conjunction with a vehicle inspection.

Amendments to the section are necessary in order for the department to adopt the emissions testing fee as adopted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Austin area Early Action Compact (EAC) I/M program for Travis and Williamson counties. Effective on September 1, 2005, in these counties, the fee for an emissions inspection is $16.00. Additional amendments are adopted to clarify allowable practices relating to advertising and the combination of services offered in conjunction with inspection services. During previous rulemaking, as published in the March 25, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 2241), the department removed restrictions on offering vehicle inspections in conjunction with other products and services and related advertisements. The purpose was intended to allow cost saving promotions encouraging inspections during the mid-month prior to the first-week bottleneck after inspection certificates expired. However, based on vehicle owner complaints and subsequent investigations of those complaints, the department has determined that some vehicle owners have unknowingly paid for additional and unsolicited services in conjunction with the required inspection. The adoption of amendments to the section will clarify that additional services must not be related to an item of inspection; must not be required as a prerequisite for obtaining an inspection; and any advertisement must clearly state such.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Transportation Code, §§548.301(b- 1), 548.501, and 548.505, which authorizes the commission to establish a motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program for vehicles subject to an early action compact, allows the department to collect advance payments for certificates, and allows the department to establish a maximum emissions-related inspection fee, respectively.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2005.

TRD-200502081

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 13, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

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


37 TAC §23.80

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §23.80, concerning Out-of-State Vehicle Identification Number Verification, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1595).

The main purpose of §23.80 is to provide procedures for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification performed during the first-time state inspection for out-of-state vehicles.

Texas Transportation Code, §548.256, as amended by Senate Bill 5, Acts 2001, 77th Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 967, Section 9, added subsections (c) and (d) effective until August 31, 2008. The department previously adopted amendments to §23.80, as published in the October 26, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 8547) to effect these legislative changes. The amendments required inspection stations to collect $225.00, retaining $5.00 to cover their administrative costs, for the VIN verification as required by the statute. In a final judgment order for case number 102585, dated June 6, 2002, the 200th District Court, Travis County, held that Section 9 of Texas Senate Bill 5, as it amended Texas Transportation Code, §548.25(c) and (d) was unconstitutional.

Amendments to §23.80 are necessary in order to formalize the department's procedures in response to the court order and clarify issues concerning the VIN verification procedure.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; Texas Transportation Code, §548.002, which allows the Department of Public Safety to adopt rules to administer the compulsory inspection of vehicles; Texas Transportation Code, §548.256(a) and (b), which provides that the department prescribe and provide the form used for VIN verifications; and Texas Transportation Code, §548.501(a), that sets the fee for the verification form.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2005.

TRD-200502080

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 13, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

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


Subchapter G. VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

37 TAC §23.93

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §23.93, concerning Vehicle Emissions Inspections Requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1597).

Amendments to the section are necessary in order to expand the vehicle emissions inspection program to Travis and Williamson counties as one of the measures of the Austin area Early Action Compact (EAC) clean air action plan, approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), in accordance with Senate Bill 1159, 78th Legislature, 2003. Effective September 1, 2005, department certified inspection stations in the two counties must perform on-board diagnostic (OBD) inspections and two-speed idle (TSI) inspections on vehicles subject to emissions testing during the annual safety inspection. In facilitating program operation, inspection stations in the two counties will be required to obtain emissions testing equipment certified by TCEQ. The department will also implement and administer programs for recognized repair facilities and technicians specializing in emissions repair in the two counties. Additional amendments prepare for the conditional suspension of the vehicle emissions inspection program in El Paso County in the event it is designated as reaching attainment, minor textual corrections, and reflect changes in statutes concerning registration.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Transportation Code, §548.301(b-1), which authorizes the commission to adopt rules establishing a motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program for vehicles subject to an early action compact.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2005.

TRD-200502082

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 13, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

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


Chapter 27. CRIME RECORDS

Subchapter A. REVIEW OF PERSONAL CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD

37 TAC §27.1

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §27.1, concerning Right of Review, without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1600).

Amendments to the section are necessary in order to set out the new location in Austin where an individual may personally appear to request the individual's criminal history record.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; Texas Government Code, §411.086, which requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt rules that provide for a uniform method of requesting criminal history record information from the department; and Texas Government Code, §411.083(b)(3), which requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to grant access to criminal history record information to the person who is the subject of the information.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 24, 2005.

TRD-200502078

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 13, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

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


Part 3. TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION

Chapter 91. PROGRAM SERVICES

Subchapter D. HEALTH CARE SERVICES

37 TAC §91.87

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) adopts an amendment to §91.87, concerning Suicide Alert Explanation of Terms, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 1, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1904).

The justification for amending the section is the availability of accurate and current agency rules. The amended section contains a reference to the recently adopted §97.23, Physical Restraint, and uses terminology consistent with that section.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The adopted rule implements the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 27, 2005.

TRD-200502152

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Effective date: June 16, 2005

Proposal publication date: April 1, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6014


Chapter 97. SECURITY AND CONTROL

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) adopts amendments to §§97.1, 97.27, and 97.75 without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 1, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1905).

The justification for amending the sections is the availability of accurate and current agency rules. The amended sections will include a reference to the recently adopted §97.23, Physical Restraint. Sections 97.1 and 97.27 will no longer include references to repealed rules.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

Subchapter A. SECURITY AND CONTROL

37 TAC §97.1, §97.27

The amendments are adopted under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The adopted rule implements the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 27, 2005.

TRD-200502153

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Effective date: June 16, 2005

Proposal publication date: April 1, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6014


Subchapter B. PEACE OFFICERS

37 TAC §97.75

The amendment is adopted under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The adopted rule implements the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 27, 2005.

TRD-200502154

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Effective date: June 16, 2005

Proposal publication date: April 1, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6014


Chapter 99. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subchapter B. YOUTH FUNDS

37 TAC §99.31

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) adopts an amendment to §99.31, concerning Youth Banking, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 1, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1906).

The justification for amending the section is the availability of current agency rules. The amended section will allow 15 days from the date of deposit of a check into a youth’s trust fund before the funds are available for use. A procedure will also be added for closing trust funds when youth are released from residential placements with the expectation that they will not be returning.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The adopted rule implements the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 27, 2005.

TRD-200502155

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Effective date: June 16, 2005

Proposal publication date: April 1, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6014


Subchapter C. MISCELLANEOUS

37 TAC §99.59

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) adopts an amendment to §99.59, concerning Transportation of Youth, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 1, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1907).

The justification for amending the section is the availability of accurate and current agency rules. The amended section will include a reference to the recently adopted §97.23, Physical Restraint.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The adopted rule implements the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 27, 2005.

TRD-200502158

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Effective date: June 16, 2005

Proposal publication date: April 1, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6014


Part 11. TEXAS JUVENILE PROBATION COMMISSION

Chapter 343. STANDARDS FOR SECURE JUVENILE PRE-ADJUDICATION DETENTION AND POST-ADJUDICATION CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

Subchapter B. PRE-ADJUDICATION AND POST-ADJUDICATION SECURE FACILITY STANDARDS

37 TAC §343.15

The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission adopts an amendment to §343.15 relating to the employment of certified detention officers. This section is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1602) and will not be republished.

TJPC adopts this rule in an effort to alleviate problems associated with employing certified officers who have been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor.

No public comment was received.

The amendment is adopted under §141.042 of the Texas Human Resource Code, which provides the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission with rulemaking authority.

No other code or article is affected by these new standards.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 23, 2005.

TRD-200502067

Lisa A. Capers

Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel

Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Effective date: June 12, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6710


Chapter 349. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARDS

Subchapter C. CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

37 TAC §349.7, §349.10

The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission adopts amendments to §349.7 and §349.10, relating to the employment certification and recertification eligibility. Section 349.10 is adopted with non-substantive changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1602). Section 349.7 is adopted without changes and will not be republished.

TJPC adopts this rule in an effort to alleviate problems associated with employing certified officers who have been convicted of Class B misdemeanor.

No public comment was received.

The amendments are adopted under §141.042 of the Texas Human Resource Code, which provides the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission with rulemaking authority.

No other code or article is affected by the amendments.

§349.10.Recertification Eligibility.

(a) Basic Eligibility Requirements.

(1) In addition to the requirements in subsections (b) or (c) of this section, an applicant is eligible for recertification from the Commission if the applicant:

(A) does not have any of the following disqualifying criminal history:

(i) a felony conviction against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States within the past 10 years;

(ii) a deferred adjudication for a felony against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States within the past 10 years;

(iii) current felony probation or parole;

(iv) a jailable misdemeanor conviction against the laws of this state, another state or the United States within the past 5 years;

(v) a deferred adjudication for a jailable misdemeanor against the laws of this state, another state, or the United States within the past 5 years;

(vi) current misdemeanor probation or parole; or

(vii) registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

(B) is not currently under an order of suspension issued under §349.27(d)(2) or §349.31 of this chapter; and

(C) has never had any type of certification revoked from the Commission under §349.27(d)(3) of this chapter.

(2) A request for waiver or variance may not be requested for any disqualifying criminal history under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection involving any Class A misdemeanor or felony unless the person received a pardon based upon proof of innocence or the reversal of a finding of guilt by either the trial or an appellate court.

(b) Probation Officer. In addition to meeting the requirements under subsection (a) of this section, an applicant is eligible for recertification as a probation officer if the applicant:

(1) has completed 80 hours of recertification training in accordance with §349.15(d) of this chapter within the two years following the date of the certification's or recertification's approval; and

(2) if the person applying for recertification is the chief administrative officer, 20 hours of the required recertification training shall be in management and supervisory skills.

(c) Detention Officer. In addition to meeting the requirements under subsection (a) of this section, an applicant is eligible for recertification as a detention officer if the applicant:

(1) has completed 80 hours of recertification training in accordance with §349.15(d) of this chapter within the two years following the date of the certification's or recertification's approval; and

(2) if the person applying for recertification is the facility administrator, 20 hours of the required recertification training shall be in management and supervisory skills.

(3) has current certifications in:

(A) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR);

(B) First Aid; and

(C) an approved physical restraint technique as defined by §343.60(1) of this title.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 23, 2005.

TRD-200502068

Lisa A. Capers

Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel

Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Effective date: June 12, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6710


Chapter 351. STANDARDS FOR SHORT-TERM DETENTION FACILITIES

Subchapter C. SHORT-TERM JUVENILE DETENTION OFFICERS

37 TAC §351.30

The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission adopts an amendment to §351.30, relating to the employment of short-term juvenile detention officers without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 18, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 1603) and will not be republished.

TJPC adopts this rule in an effort to alleviate problems associated with employing certified officers who have been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor.

No public comment was received.

The amendment is adopted under §141.042 of the Texas Human Resource Code, which provides the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission with rulemaking authority.

No other code or article is affected by the amendment.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 23, 2005.

TRD-200502069

Lisa A. Capers

Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel

Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Effective date: June 12, 2005

Proposal publication date: March 18, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6710