TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 1. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Chapter 3. CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION

The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD), adopts the amendment of Subchapter A §§3.1, 3.19; Subchapter B §§3.75, 3.79, 3.81, and 3.87; Subchapter C §§3.401, 3.701, 3.703, 3.705, 3.711, 3.717, 3.1103, 3.1301, and 3.1305; Subchapter D §3.2009; Subchapter E §§3.2511, 3.2521, and 3.2523; and Subchapter F §3.2601 without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 28, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 3453).

CJD adopts the amendment to Texas Administrative Code, Subchapter C §3.1303 with changes to the proposed text as published in the April 28, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 3453). The word "purposes" is changed to "purpose" in §3.1303(a) to correct a typographical error. The words "of this subsection" are added to the end of §3.1303(a)(3) to clarify that the paragraph referenced therein is contained in §3.1303.

CJD adopts the addition of Subchapter A §3.25 without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 28, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 3453).

CJD adopts the repeal of Subchapter C §§3.615, 3.719, 3.721, 3.723, 3.725, 3.801, 3.803, 3.805, 3.809, and 3.811; and Subchapter D §3.2007 without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 28, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 3453).

The amendment to §3.1 enables CJD to more efficiently and effectively administer grant funds by allowing CJD to apply recent changes to its administrative rules (which have been adopted in response to changes in state and federal statutes, rules, regulations and guidelines) to current grant projects, if grantees agree to do so.

The amendment to §3.19 corrects the citation for the OMB Circular and the name of the Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide.

The amendment to §3.75: (1) allows CJD to more effectively and efficiently administer grant funds by allowing grant funds to be used to provide overtime pay if such use is permitted by applicable state and federal law, complies with the grant requirements for the state or federal funding source, and is reasonable and cost-effective considering the amount of funds available in the state or federal funding source; and (2) clarifies that the leave requirement applies to compensation for accrued leave paid to staff members leaving employment.

The amendment to §3.79 removes the provision that was applicable to projects funded under the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government.

The amendment to §3.81: (1) removes unnecessary language regarding grant adjustments; (2) replaces the provision relating to the federal Law Enforcement Block Grant program, which is no longer funded by the federal government, with a provision relating to the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; and (3) removes the language regarding the use of grant funds to purchase weapons and other military type equipment because Part III, Chapter 16 of the Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide already prohibits the use of grant funds to purchase armored vehicles, explosive devises, and other military-type equipment.

The amendment to §3.87 prohibits grantees from carrying forward program income from one grant year to the next to allow CJD to more efficiently and effectively manage state and federal funds that earn program income.

The amendment to §3.401 updates the language of this section to reflect the current federal requirements for this funding source.

The amendment to §§3.701, 3.703, 3.705, and 3.711 replaces provisions relating to the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government, with provisions relating to the federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The new provisions adopt the federal requirements for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The amendment to §3.717 removes provisions relating to the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government, and establishes requirements for the use of confidential funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The amendment to §3.1103 updates the language of this section to reflect the current federal requirements for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Grant Program.

The amendment to §3.1301 updates the language of this section to reflect the current citation for the federal legislation applicable to the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program.

The amendment to §3.1303 and §3.1305 updates the language of this section to reflect the current federal requirements for the Coverdell Forensic Sciences Program.

The amendment to §3.2009 removes provisions that were applicable to projects funded under the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government.

The amendment to §3.2511 removes provisions that were applicable to projects funded under the federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government.

The amendment to §3.2521 clarifies that CJD may specify the length of the liquidation period for certain grant projects so that grant funds are expended within the grant period specified in the federal grant award documentation.

The amendment to §3.2523: (1) clarifies the language of this section to make it easier to understand; and (2) ensures that CJD is immediately notified if any records are seized from a grantee by a law enforcement agency, or a state or federal agency.

The amendment to §3.2601 clarifies the types of actions that must be resolved by a grantee.

The addition of §3.25 allows CJD to suspend any requirement in this chapter upon a showing of good cause to ensure the efficient and effective use of state and federal grant funds.

The repeal of §3.615 removes the mandatory training requirement because the training is no longer necessary for grantees under the Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund.

The repeal of §§3.719, 3.721, 3.723, and 3.725 removes provisions relating to the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government.

The repeal of §§3.801, 3.803, 3.805, 3.809, and 3.811 removes provisions relating to the federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government.

The repeal of §3.2007 removes provisions that were applicable to projects funded under the federal Byrne Formula Grant Program, which is no longer funded by the federal government.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment, addition, and repeal of these rules.

Subchapter A. GENERAL GRANT PROGRAM PROVISIONS

1 TAC §§3.1, 3.19, 3.25

The amendment and addition of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended and added rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603000

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


Subchapter B. GENERAL GRANT PROGRAM POLICIES

2. GRANT BUDGET REQUIREMENTS

1 TAC §§3.75, 3.79, 3.81, 3.87

The amendment of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603001

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


Subchapter C. FUND-SPECIFIC GRANT POLICIES

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

1 TAC §3.401

The amendment of this rule is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603002

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


6. CRIME STOPPERS ASSISTANCE FUND

1 TAC §3.615

The repeal of this rule is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The repeal of this rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603003

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


7. EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.701, 3.703, 3.705, 3.711, 3.717

The amendment of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603004

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


7. BYRNE FORMULA GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.719, 3.721, 3.723, 3.725

The repeal of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The repeal of these rules implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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 these rules.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603005

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


8. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.801, 3.803, 3.805, 3.809, 3.811

The repeal of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The repeal of these rules implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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 these rules.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603006

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


11. RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT GRANT PROGRAM

1 TAC §3.1103

The amendment of this rule is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603007

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


13. COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCES PROGRAM

1 TAC §§3.1301, 3.1303, 3.1305

The amendment of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

§3.1303.Project Requirements.

(a) All projects funded through this program must meet one or more of the following purpose areas:

(1) To carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services in the State, including such services provided by the laboratories operated by the State and those operated by units of government within the State.

(2) To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence, including firearms examination, latent prints, toxicology, controlled substances, forensic pathology, questionable documents, and trace evidence. A backlog exists if forensic evidence has been stored in a laboratory, medical examiner's office, coroner's office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility, and has not been subjected to all appropriate forensic testing because of a lack of resources or personnel.

(3) To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel to eliminate a backlog as defined in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(b) Laboratories must also comply with the following operational requirements:

(1) Employ one or more full-time scientists 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.

(4) Certify that a government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by employees or contractors substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results.

(c) 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 including 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;

(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; and

(6) Preparation for accreditation, application for accreditation, and maintenance fees charged by appropriate accrediting bodies including the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board, and the National Association of Medical Examiners.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603008

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


Subchapter D. CONDITIONS OF GRANT FUNDING

1 TAC §3.2007

The repeal of this rule is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The repeal of this rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603009

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


1 TAC §3.2009

The amendment of this rule is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603010

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


Subchapter E. ADMINISTERING GRANTS

1 TAC §§3.2511, 3.2521, 3.2523

The amendment of these rules is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rules implement the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603011

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


Subchapter F. PROGRAM MONITORING AND AUDITS

1 TAC §3.2601

The amendment of this rule is adopted under the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a)(10), which authorizes CJD to adopt rules and procedures as necessary.

The amended rule implements the Texas Government Code, Title 7, §772.006(a), which requires CJD 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.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 2, 2006.

TRD-200603012

David Zimmerman

Assistant General Counsel

Office of the Governor

Effective date: June 22, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 28, 2006

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


Part 7. STATE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

Chapter 155. RULES OF PROCEDURES

1 TAC §§155.1, 155.5, 155.19, 155.30, 155.37

The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) adopts amendments to §155.1, Purpose and Scope, §155.5, Definitions, §155.19, Computation of Time, §155.30, Motions, and §155.37, Settlement Conferences without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 14, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 3127).

In general, the amendments are adopted to correct words in titles, correct citations, and make minor wording changes. Specifically, amended §155.1(a) and §155.5(4) change the name of the Department of Human Services to its current title of "Department of Aging and Disability Services." Section 155.19(c) is amended to correct a typographical error. Both §155.19(c) and §155.30(g) are amended to correct the section title citation by removing the words "Failure to Attend Hearing and" and replacing with the word "Proceedings." Section 155.37(a)(1) is amended by changing the citation to §155.29 (relating to Pleadings) to the citation §155.30 (relating to Motions).

SOAH received no comments regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Government Code, Chapter 2003, §2003.050, which authorizes SOAH to conduct contested case hearings and requires adoption of hearings procedural rules, and Government Code, Chapter 2001, §2001.004, which requires agencies to adopt rules of practice setting forth the nature and requirements of formal and informal procedures.

The adopted amendments affect Government Code, Chapters 2001 and 2003.

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 31, 2006.

TRD-200602988

Cathleen Parsley

General Counsel

State Office of Administrative Hearings

Effective date: June 20, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 14, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4931


Chapter 161. REQUESTS FOR RECORDS

1 TAC §161.1

The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) adopts amendments to §161.1, Charges for Copies of Public Records without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 14, 2006, issue of the Texas Register (31 TexReg 3135).

The amendments are adopted to correct the reference to the "General Services Commission" to reference its current title of "Texas Building and Procurement Commission," and to correct the reference to the Commission's section citation from "§§111.61 - 111.70 of this title (relating to Cost of Copies of Open Records)" to "§§111.61 - 111.71 of this title (relating to Cost of Copies of Public Information)."

SOAH received no comments regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Government Code, Chapter 2003, §2003.050, which authorizes SOAH to conduct contested case hearings and requires adoption of hearings procedural rules, and Government Code, Chapter 2001, §2001.004, which requires agencies to adopt rules of practice setting forth the nature and requirements of formal and informal procedures.

The adopted amendments affect Government Code, Chapters 2001 and 2003.

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 31, 2006.

TRD-200602989

Cathleen Parsley

General Counsel

State Office of Administrative Hearings

Effective date: June 20, 2006

Proposal publication date: April 14, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4931