TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 15. DRIVER LICENSE RULES

Subchapter B. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS--ORIGINAL, RENEWAL, DUPLICATE, IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATES

37 TAC §15.24

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §15.24, concerning Identification of Applicants, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 25, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 7852).

Adoption of the amendments is necessary due to the passage of House Bill 967 during the 79th Legislature, Regular Session. House Bill 967 amended Texas Transportation Code, §521.142 and §522.021 to require the department to accept an offender identification card or similar form of identification issued to an inmate by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) as satisfactory proof of identity for the issuance of a driver license, commercial driver license or identification certificate.

In the United States, the driver license is the preferred form of personal identification for an overwhelming majority of the population. It is utilized to conduct virtually all types of business transactions as well as to travel. Businesses, government agencies and law enforcement personnel rely on the accuracy of the information contained in the driver license and many times do not have the opportunity or authority to require additional proof of a person's identity.

As reliance on the driver license for identification purposes has expanded, it has become increasingly susceptible to use in the commission of fraud and other criminal activity. The department must continue to take all reasonable steps to ensure the integrity of the driver license and the agency has limited the type of documentation acceptable as proof of identity to items that can be verified by the issuing entity.

According to TDCJ, the offender identification card was initially designed for internal use during the person's incarceration and the identifying information on the card is based solely on the judgment record received from the convicting court. However, the judgment record may not always be accurate and could contain aliases, incomplete names and/or incorrect dates of birth. TDCJ does not utilize other sources to verify or update the identification information, as the document was never intended for external use. It is not anticipated that TDCJ will modify its existing procedures in order to improve the accuracy of the card. As such, the department has determined that it is appropriate to categorize the offender identification card as supporting identification.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the Department's work, and Texas Transportation Code, §521.005.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 6, 2006.

TRD-200601408

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 26, 2006

Proposal publication date: November 25, 2005

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


Chapter 19. BREATH ALCOHOL TESTING REGULATIONS

Subchapter A. BREATH ALCOHOL TESTING REGULATIONS

37 TAC §§19.1 - 19.7

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §§19.1 - 19.7, concerning Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations, without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 5729).

Repeal of the sections is necessary due to substantial revisions having been made. Adoption of the repeal is filed simultaneously with the adoption of new §§19.1-19.7 which will simplify and clarify language for ease of reading and understanding of the Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeals.

The repeals are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work and Texas Transportation Code, §724.016.

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 March 6, 2006.

TRD-200601414

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 26, 2006

Proposal publication date: September 9, 2005

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


37 TAC §§19.1 - 19.7

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §§19.1 - 19.7, concerning Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations. §§19.4 - 19.7 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the September 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 5729) and will be republished. §§19.1 - 19.3 are adopted without changes and will not be republished. The repeals of existing §§19.1 - 19.7, which the new sections replace, are contemporaneously adopted in this issue of the Texas Register.

Adoption of the new sections is necessary in order to bring 37 TAC §§19.1 - 19.7 in line with accepted standards for drafting administrative rules and to simplify and clarify language for ease of reading and understanding of the Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations.

New §19.1 provides for definitions for the proposed rules. New §19.2 outlines the guidelines for certification of instruments by the scientific director. New §19.3 allows the scientific director the flexibility to incorporate evolving technology into testing methodology when deemed appropriate. New §19.4 adds language streamlining the business process used to insure breath testing is conducted in accordance with the methods approved by the scientific director. New §19.5 addresses the various aspects of certification provisions. Additionally, a deficiency in the renewal of certification process created by a previous revision was addressed to establish consistency with other operator certification standards. New §19.6 addresses various aspects of certification provisions. A provision for expiration of certification as well as renewal and recertification was added. New §19.7 also addresses various aspects of certification provisions. Course curriculum is clarified to more closely agree with modern training methods.

The department accepted comment on the proposed rules through October 9, 2005. Written comments were submitted by Rafe Harshberger, a retired Abilene Police Department Sergeant and currently certified Technical Supervisor. The department also received correspondence both telephonically and in person from several Technical Supervisors.

The substantive comments, as well as the department's responses thereto, are summarized below:

COMMENT: The notice bars certification as an operator or technical supervisor for individuals with certain conviction histories. The commenter points out that individuals seeking such certification should be held to the same standards as those seeking TCLEOSE certification as a peace officer.

RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment and has amended language in §19.5(a)(2) and §19.6(b)(6) dealing with conviction history of individuals seeking certification as an operator or technical supervisor to more closely agree with that of TCLEOSE standards for peace officer certification.

COMMENT: 19.6(b)(5) and 19.6(c)(2) reference "certified program" and "certified school of instruction" whereas elsewhere in the title the reference is "approved program" or "approved school of instruction".

RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment and has amended language in 19.6(b)(5) and 19.6(c)(2) to make it consistent with the remainder of the title.

COMMENT: 19.6(a)(5) references "testing location" whereas 19.1(22) in the definitions refers to "site location" as the physical site of the breath testing equipment.

RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment and offers amended language in 19.6(a)(5) to agree with that in 19.1(22).

COMMENT: 19.4(b) references "an agency or laboratory" and subsequent references to the same entity within 19.4 reference only "an agency".

RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment and offers amended language in 19.4 to create consistency for each reference to "an agency or laboratory".

COMMENT: The proposed revision to 37 TAC 19.1- 19.7 lacks a preservation clause which was contained in the current title 19.7 Explanation of Terms and Actions

RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment and is simultaneously adopting new §19.8 which it proposed in the December 30, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8827). New §19.8 offers the necessary language which was inadvertently omitted.

COMMENT: 19.6(c)(1) refers to examination for renewal of certification as a technical supervisor while 19.6(e) grants the scientific director the authority to determine requirements for renewal of certification.

RESPONSE: The department agrees the wording creates an abiguity and deletes the phrase "or until the next examination for renewal" from 19.6(c)(1).

The new sections are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; and Texas Transportation Code, §724.016, which authorizes the department to adopt rules regarding breath specimen analytical methods and qualifications of individuals performing the analyses.

§19.4.Approval of Techniques, Methods And Programs.

(a) All breath alcohol testing techniques, methods and programs to be used for evidential purposes must have the approval of the scientific director.

(b) Prior to initiating a breath alcohol testing program, an agency or laboratory shall submit an application to the scientific director for approval. If the scientific director deems it appropriate, an on-site inspection may be made by the scientific director or a designated representative to assure compliance with the provisions of the application. An agency or laboratory applying for approval of a breath alcohol testing program must agree to:

(1) conduct such analyses only for the purposes stated in subsection (c)(8) of this section;

(2) allow access for inspection under subsection (d) of this section; and

(3) comply with subsection (f) of this section.

(c) All breath alcohol testing techniques, in order to be approved, shall meet, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) a period during which an operator is required to remain in the presence of the subject. An operator shall remain in the presence of the subject at least 15 minutes before the test and should exercise reasonable care to ensure that the subject does not place any substances in the mouth. Direct observation is not necessary to ensure the validity or accuracy of the test result;

(2) the breath alcohol testing instrument and reference sample device must be operated by either a certified operator or technical supervisor and only certified personnel will have access to the instrument;

(3) the use of a system blank analysis in conjunction with the testing of each subject;

(4) the analysis of a reference sample, the results of which must agree with the reference sample predicted value within plus or minus 0.01g/210 L, or such limits as set by the scientific director. This reference analysis shall be performed in conjunction with subject analyses;

(5) all analytical results shall be expressed in grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath (g/210 L);

(6) maintenance of any specified records designated by the scientific director;

(7) supervision of certified operators and testing techniques by a technical supervisor meeting the qualifications set forth in §19.6 of this title (relating to Technical Supervisor Certification);

(8) designation that the instrumentation will be used only:

(A) for testing subjects that are suspected of violating any statute or rule that defines intoxication in terms of alcohol concentration; and

(B) in compliance with §19.5(b), (c), and (e) of this title (relating to Operator Certification).

(d) The scientific director or a designated representative may at any time make an inspection of the approved breath alcohol testing agency or laboratory to ensure compliance with these regulations.

(e) Upon proof of compliance with subsections (a) - (c) of this section, approval will be granted by the scientific director.

(f) Approval of any breath alcohol testing program is contingent upon the applying agency or laboratory's agreement to conform and abide by any directives, orders, or policies issued or to be issued by the scientific director regarding any aspect of the breath alcohol testing program; this shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) program administration;

(2) reports;

(3) data, records and forms;

(4) site location and security;

(5) certified evidential instruments should not ordinarily be used for public information programs and dissemination of any such information should be carried out by a certified technical supervisor;

(6) methods of operations and testing techniques;

(7) instruments and reference sample devices;

(8) purposes for which testing is conducted;

(9) operators and technical supervision of operators.

(g) Approval of a breath alcohol testing program may be denied or withdrawn by the scientific director if, based on information obtained by the scientific director, a designated representative of the scientific director, or a technical supervisor, the approved agency or laboratory fails to meet all criteria stated in this section.

(h) Technical supervisors, when required, shall provide expert testimony by direct testimony or by written affidavit concerning the approval of techniques, methods and programs under their supervision.

§19.5.Operator Certification.

(a) Certification.

(1) Prior to certification an applicant must establish proof of participation in a breath test program meeting the requirements set forth in §19.4 of this title (relating to Approval of Techniques, Methods, and Programs).

(2) Conviction history:

(A) persons convicted of a felony or a Class A misdemeanor shall not be eligible to be a certified operator;

(B) persons convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years shall not be eligible to be a certified operator;

(C) persons receiving a driver license suspension for refusal to submit to a chemical test as per the provisions of Chapter 724 or Chapter 522, Texas Transportation Code within the last ten years shall not be eligible to be a certified operator.

(3) Prior to initial certification as a breath test operator an applicant must successfully complete a course of instruction meeting the criteria set forth in §19.7 of this title (relating to Approval of Courses of Instruction).

(4) Prior to certification as an operator of a breath alcohol testing instrument, an applicant must satisfactorily complete examinations, prepared and given by the scientific director or a designated representative, which shall include the following:

(A) a written examination;

(B) a practical examination establishing proficiency in the operation of the instrument and reference sample device on which the operator is to be certified and the proper completion of all required reports and records. The practical examination will involve the completion of simulated subject analyses and/or practice test(s). If the simulated subject analyses and/or practice tests are not completed correctly and/or there are one or more errors in the reports or records the applicant will be offered a second set of simulated subject analyses. Any error(s) in the second set of analyses will result in a failure of the practical examination;

(C) failure of the written and/or practical examination will cause the applicant to be ineligible for reexamination for a period of 30 days. A subsequent failure will require that the candidate attend and satisfactorily complete the initial course of instruction for certification of a breath testing operator.

(5) Upon successful completion of the requirements for certification, the scientific director will issue the individual an operator certificate valid for a period of time designated by the scientific director or until the next examination for renewal unless inactivated or suspended.

(6) If an operator is certified to operate a specific brand and/or model of equipment and is required to be certified on an additional brand and/or model of equipment, the scientific director may waive portions of this section and require only that instruction needed to acquaint the applicant with proper operation of the new brand and/or model of equipment.

(b) Renewal of current certification. In order to maintain current certification, the operator is required to renew certification prior to its expiration date. The minimum requirement for renewal of operator certification will be:

(1) A practical examination in accordance to subsection (a)(4)(B) of this section establishing proficiency of the operator in the operation of the instrument and reference sample device on which the operator is certified and the proper completion of all required reports and records. The operator will be evaluated on the basis of ability to:

(A) use proper techniques;

(B) follow established procedures including, but not limited to, the operation of the instrument and reference sample device and the proper reporting procedures for analysis results;

(2) The satisfactory biennial completion of a course of instruction, the contents of which should include, but not be limited to, topics such as:

(A) a brief review of the theory and operation of the breath alcohol test equipment;

(B) a detailed review of the breath alcohol analysis and reporting procedures;

(C) a discussion of procedural updates resulting from recent court decisions and legislation;

(D) a discussion of current issues in the field of breath alcohol testing;

(E) a written examination

(3) Renewal of certification will be denied and current certification will be inactivated in accordance with subsection (d) of this section when the operator:

(A) fails to follow established procedures;

(B) uses other than proper technique;

(C) fails the practical examination; or

(D) fails the written examination.

(4) An operator who fails renewal will be given the reason for failure and is not eligible to be reexamined for a period of 30 days. Reexamination will be pursuant to subsection (a)(4) of this section. A resulting failure will require that the operator attend and satisfactorily complete the initial course of instruction for certification of a breath test operator in order to regain current certification.

(5) Upon successful completion of the requirements for renewal of certification, the scientific director will issue the individual an operator's certificate valid for a period of time designated by the scientific director or until next renewal unless inactivated or suspended.

(c) Proficiency requirements.

(1) The scientific director or a designated representative or the operator's technical supervisor may at any time require an operator to demonstrate proficiency and ability to properly operate the instrument and reference sample device.

(2) It is the responsibility of the individual operator to maintain proficiency.

(3) Failure to pass a proficiency test will result in the suspension of the operator's certification for 30 days.

(d) Certification inactivation and suspension.

(1) Inactivation may be initiated by the certified operator in case of voluntary surrender of certification or by anyone having authority to suspend. The technical supervisor or operator shall, without delay, notify the office of the scientific director of any such inactivation. Challenges to involuntary inactivation will be resolved at the discretion of the scientific director. Inactivation will be utilized in, but not limited to the following situations:

(A) an operator transfers to a position where certification as a breath test operator is no longer desired;

(B) an operator fails to renew certification prior to its expiration;

(C) an operator terminates employment under which certification was acquired;

(D) administrative program control to safeguard the scientific integrity of the breath alcohol testing program.

(2) Suspension of certification will be utilized when the scientific director and/or a technical supervisor determines an operator intentionally or purposefully disregards or violates these regulations, or commits a violation of law relating to breath testing, or falsely or deceitfully obtains certification, or for malfeasance or noncompliance with any provision of these regulations, or when in the technical supervisor's judgment the operator's performance is unreliable or the operator is incompetent.

(A) The technical supervisor shall, without delay, notify the scientific director in writing of any such suspension and furnish a copy of such notice to the suspended operator and the operator's appropriate supervisor or department head. The suspended operator shall not be permitted to operate the instrument until such time as certification has been restored pursuant to subsection (e) of this section.

(B) Upon receipt of the notification of suspension, the scientific director shall initiate, if not previously completed, an inquiry culminating in sustaining the suspension, or setting aside the suspension.

(C) The minimum period of suspension as determined by the scientific director will be for a period of time not less than 30 days. The technical supervisor or a designated representative of the scientific director may recommend a specific period of suspension to the scientific director.

(D) Due to the immediate nature and the procedure for appeal, the individual initiating the suspension shall not be required to confer, consult, or obtain permission or approval from anyone prior to the initiation of the suspension. However, all suspensions must be consistent with procedures outlined in this title.

(3) An operator whose certification has been suspended may appeal such action in writing to the director, Texas Department of Public Safety, who will determine if the action of the scientific director will be affirmed or set aside. The director may reinstate the certification under such conditions as deemed necessary and notify the scientific director in writing.

(e) Recertification.

(1) Certification that has been inactivated or suspended must be regained before evidential analyses may be administered. It will be the responsibility of the inactivated or suspended operator to notify the scientific director in writing of such intent. Recertification shall take place pursuant to the following:

(A) recertification after inactivation for the failure to complete the renewal process prior to the expiration of current certification will be pursuant to subsection (a)(4) of this section;

(B) recertification after inactivation or suspension will be pursuant to subsection (a)(4) of this section;

(C) recertification after an inactivation or suspension period of greater than five years the operator must attend and satisfactorily complete the initial course of instruction for certification of a breath test operator pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(D) recertification after a change in instrumentation or testing methodologies will be at the discretion of the scientific director, pursuant to subsection (a)(6) of this section.

(f) Certificate. The issuance of a certificate to the breath test operator shall be evidence that the operator has met the requirements for initial certification and/or renewal of certification.

(g) Verification. The technical supervisor, when required, shall provide direct testimony or by written affidavit verifying all aspects of certification of operators within an assigned area.

§19.6.Technical Supervisor Certification.

(a) The primary function of the technical supervisor is to provide the technical, administrative and supervisory expertise in safeguarding the scientific integrity of the breath alcohol testing program and to assure the breath alcohol testing program's acceptability for evidential purposes. The technical supervisor, in matters pertaining to breath alcohol testing, is the field agent of the scientific director. Supervision by the technical supervisor in accordance with the provisions stated in these regulations shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) supervision of certified operators in performance of breath alcohol test operations, including the proper completion of forms and records and operator's compliance with the provisions stated in these regulations;

(2) supervision of certified instrumentation, reference sample devices and affiliated equipment in an assigned area;

(3) supervision of data gathered for initial certification and/or approval of individual instruments and reference sample devices in an assigned area;

(4) supervision of techniques of testing, maintaining scientific integrity and upholding these regulations as they apply to the certification of a total testing program;

(5) selection and supervision of a site location as it applies to security and technical suitability for testing;

(6) supervision of compliance with the policy of public information and/or demonstrations of breath alcohol testing instruments and equipment;

(7) all technical, administrative and regulatory aspects of breath alcohol testing within a designated area; and

(8) expert testimony by direct testimony or by written affidavit concerning all aspects of breath alcohol testing within an assigned area.

(b) The minimum qualifications for certification as a technical supervisor are:

(1) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in chemistry, or as an alternative, a major in another scientific field with sufficient semester hours in chemistry or other qualifications as determined by the scientific director (For the purposes of these regulations, sufficient hours in chemistry shall be defined as successful completion of the equivalent of a minimum of 18 semester hours of chemistry, no more than 8 of which may be freshman level.);

(2) satisfactory completion of a course of instruction as set forth in §19.5(a)(3) of this title (relating to Operator Certification);

(3) satisfactory completion of technical supervisor training that is approved by the scientific director, the content of which shall include, but not be limited to:

(A) advanced survey of current information concerning alcohol and its effects on the human body;

(B) operational principles and theories applicable to the program;

(C) instrument operations, maintenance, repair and calibration;

(D) legal aspects of breath alcohol analysis;

(E) principles of instruction;

(4) knowledge and understanding of the scientific theory and principles as to the operation of the instrument and reference sample device;

(5) prior to receiving certification, a technical supervisor candidate must establish proof of engagement in an approved program or a certified school of instruction or proof of pending engagement upon receipt of certification. If the technical supervisor candidate or certified technical supervisor cannot establish proof of being actively engaged in an approved program or approved school of instruction, certification will, at the discretion of the scientific director, be denied or inactivated;

(6) Conviction history:

(A) persons convicted of a felony or a Class A misdemeanor shall not be eligible to be a certified technical supervisor;

(B) persons convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years shall not be eligible to be a certified technical supervisor;

(C) persons receiving a driver license suspension for refusal to submit to a chemical test as per the provisions of Chapter 724 or Chapter 522, Texas Transportation Code, within the last ten years shall not be eligible to be a certified technical supervisor.

(c) Certification.

(1) Upon satisfactory proof to the scientific director by the applicant that the minimum qualifications set forth in subsection (b) of this section has been met, the scientific director will issue certification that will be valid for a period of time designated by the scientific director unless inactivated or suspended.

(2) Technical supervisor certification may be voluntarily inactivated when it is no longer needed or inactivated at the discretion of the scientific director if the technical supervisor is no longer actively engaged in an approved program or certified school of instruction.

(3) Technical supervisor certification may be suspended only by the scientific director for malfeasance, falsely or deceitfully obtaining certification or failure to carry out the responsibilities set forth in this title.

(4) A technical supervisor whose certification has been suspended may appeal such action in writing to the director, Texas Department of Public Safety, who will decide whether the action of the scientific director will be affirmed or set aside. The director may reinstate certification of the technical supervisor making such appeal under such conditions deemed necessary and notify the scientific director in writing.

(d) Certificate. The issuance of a certificate to the technical supervisor shall be evidence that the technical supervisor has met the requirements for certification.

(e) Renewal of current certification and recertification. In order to maintain current certification, the Technical Supervisor is required to renew certification prior to its expiration. The scientific director shall determine the minimum requirement for renewal of technical supervisor certification and for recertification after inactivation or suspension.

§19.7.Approval of Courses of Instruction.

(a) Any agency, laboratory, institution, school or college intending to offer a course of instruction for certified operators of evidential breath alcohol testing instruments, must have the course curriculum approved by the scientific director.

(b) The operator course must utilize the most current revision of the Texas Breath Alcohol Testing Program Operator Manual as the primary instructional text and contain, as a minimum, the following hours and areas of instruction:

(1) three hours of instruction on the effects of alcohol on the human body;

(2) three hours of instruction on the operational principles of the breath alcohol testing instrument to be used. This instruction shall include:

(A) a functional description of the testing method; and

(B) a detailed operational description of the method with demonstrations;

(3) five hours of instruction on Texas legal aspects of breath alcohol testing;

(4) three hours of instruction on supplemental information which is to include nomenclature appropriate to the field of breath alcohol testing;

(5) 10 hours of participation in a laboratory setting operating the breath testing equipment. Laboratory practice will include the analysis of reference samples, as well as the analysis of breath samples from actual drinking subjects and completion of all required records and reports needed for documentation;

(6) examination time (approximately three hours) which will be considered part of the course.

(c) Each course of instruction shall be coordinated by or under the general direction or supervision of a certified technical supervisor.

(d) All courses of instruction will be open to the scientific director or designated representative for inspection thereof.

(e) Upon satisfactory proof of compliance of subsections (a) - (d) of this section to the scientific director, the scientific director will approve the course of instruction and its participants will be eligible to apply for operator certification.

(f) Prior to commencing the course it will be the responsibility of the teaching agency to make arrangements with the office of the scientific director for the administration of examinations.

(g) Prior to the administration of the examination by the scientific director, it shall be the responsibility of the course of instruction coordinator(s) to provide proof that all students attending the course of instruction have been authorized and approved by the technical supervisor responsible for the technical supervision of the operator upon certification. Failure to provide this authorization will delay the administration of the examination and/or certification until such time as proof of authorization can be documented.

(h) Examinations for operator certification after completion of a course will be in accordance with §19.5(a)(4) of this title (relating to Operator Certification).

(i) Failure to maintain the provisions stated in this section will be cause for the scientific director to rescind approval of a course of instruction.

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 March 6, 2006.

TRD-200601415

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 26, 2006

Proposal publication date: September 9, 2005

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


37 TAC §19.8

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §19.8, concerning Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 30, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8827).

In the September 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 5729) the department proposed the repeal and concurrent adoption of new §§19.1 - 19.7 in order to bring the rules in line with accepted standards for drafting administrative rules and to simplify and clarify language for ease of reading and understanding of the Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations. In doing so, the department inadvertently left out a necessary preservation clause which was contained in the rules. The adoption of new §19.8 is necessary in order to offer the necessary language which was inadvertently omitted.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new section.

The new section is adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; and Texas Transportation Code, §724.016, which authorizes the department to adopt rules regarding breath specimen analytical methods and qualifications of individuals performing the analyses.

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 March 6, 2006.

TRD-200601416

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 26, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 30, 2005

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


Subchapter B. TEXAS IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE REGULATIONS

37 TAC §§19.21 - 19.29

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §§19.21 - 19.29, concerning Texas Ignition Interlock Device Regulations. Sections 19.21 - 19.25 and 19.27 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the September 9, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 5735) and will be republished. Sections 19.26, 19.28, and 19.29 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.

Adoption of the amendments is necessary in order to have all explanations of terms and actions in §19.21 displayed in like style. Presently many of the definitions are entirely too informational and procedural. Therefore, the excessive substantive wording in those definitions was removed and relocated to the appropriate location(s) in the remainder of the sections. Additional concerns since the last amendment of these regulations have also prompted amendments to be incorporated, which will clarify and/or make more flexible the department's position on certain issues.

The amendment to §19.22 increases the device approval processing fee from fifty ($50) dollars to five hundred ($500) dollars due to the prolonged and complex evaluation procedures necessary to ensure the device meets the technical requirements of these regulations. The section is also amended to limit the number of devices a manufacturer may have on the approved list in order to increase the effectiveness of the department's oversight of the industry and to encourage the most updated technology in device design.

The amendment to §19.23 addresses the issue of only one rolling retest violation (for failure to deliver it) being recorded even if the vehicle was driven for an extended period of time after the initial failure to deliver the rolling retest sample. The issue was addressed by requiring subsequent retests at required intervals and recording violations until the test is delivered or the engine is turned off.

The amendment to §19.24 requires the service center and the ignition interlock device to be utilizing the latest version of the manufacturer's software and to notify the department of software changes. In addition, the amendment requires the manufacturer as well as the service center to maintain customer records and make same available upon request.

The amendment to §19.25 clarifies the definition of calibration confirmation test and requires the vendor's software be capable of performing, documenting and reporting the result of this test. The amendment also clarifies the protocol to be followed should a service center go out of business.

The amendment to §19.26 outlines the specific protocol wherein a manufacturer could appeal the denial or withdrawal of approval of a device. Current wording only speaks to the fact that denial or withdrawal of approval can be appealed, and no protocol is specified.

The amendment to §19.27 requires a designated waiting area so that a customer cannot witness the installation of the device. The department is requiring the vendor software to document the representative performing the monitor check and when it is performed. A major revision added to this section addresses device removal. The amendment further establishes the specific protocol by which the service center could appeal the denial, suspension or revocation of certification.

The amendment to §19.28 gives the inspector the right to require a service representative to demonstrate competency to perform any/all aspects of their job responsibilities that are required by regulation. Also established in this section is the specific protocol by which the service representative can appeal the denial or suspension of certification.

The amendment to §19.29 established the specific protocol by which an inspector can appeal the denial or suspension of certification.

The department accepted comment on the proposed rules through October 9, 2005. Written comments were submitted by Richard Freund representing Lifesafer Interlock, Inc.; Scott Elting representing Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc.; Jim Ballard representing Smart Start; and Andi Haa representing Guardian Interlock.

The substantive comments, as well as the department's responses thereto, are summarized below:

COMMENT: Regarding §19.21(27). Andi Haa comments "Martin, this one concerns me. I believe we need to provide two definitions: One would be for a Temporary Lockout and the other Permanent Lockout." In addition, Ms. Haa also suggested additional minor changes to §19.21 definitions.

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department agrees. This term will be deleted and we will have separate definitions for temporary and permanent lockout. This will cause a renumbering of the definitions. In addition, the department agrees with Ms. Haa and has made additional nonsubstantive changes to the definitions section for clarification purposes.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.25(e). Ms. Haa states "Martin, it really seems this discussion would be better placed in a different section."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment. Therefore, 19.25(e) is deleted and moved to 19.27(h). Accordingly, the current 19.27(h) now becomes 19.27(i), the current 19.27(i) becomes 19.27(j), and the current 19.27(j) becomes 19.27(k).

COMMENT: Regarding §19.23(f). Refusal of any rolling retest requested after sufficient time as determined by the department shall result in a violation being recorded in the data storage system and cause the IID to continue to request a rolling retest or to request a subsequent rolling retest at least every ten minutes until a test is recorded and passed or the engine turned off. Continued refusals shall result in additional violations being recorded in the data storage system or documented in any report generated from the data storage system whenever a Violation Reset occurs.

"I believe the additional language allows the spirit of what the department has expressed it's concern about a loophole that it wants to close; it wants appropriate jurisdictional authorities to be made fully aware and notified if an individual continues to operate or idle a vehicle for significant lengths of time after ignoring a rolling retest and that sanctions are still imposed to thwart such evasion. Additionally, as jurisdictions have adopted use of interlock and the technology has advanced the trend is to allow users fewer not more violations before a violation reset. The technology can now also be customized to trigger a violation reset for specific types and numbers of violations. And lastly, as the efficacy and importance of the rolling retest and the ease of passing the retest has been clearly demonstrated the refusal or failure to pass the retest is viewed by jurisdictions primarily as offender non-compliance and a training issue at worst. Early Recall for additional instruction or to push the offender into compliance is not viewed as a significant and unwarranted intervention via the public safety issues of allowing repeat DUI offenders the opportunity to flout the IID and drive intoxicated and unsafely."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: Since different vendors have different protocol in the way they handle the refusal of the rolling retest, the revision as proposed by the department will make reporting those refusals uniform throughout the industry. Furthermore, future concepts of reporting cumulative numbers of violations would be compromised if this revision was not implemented as proposed. Although some vendors may have to implement varying degrees of software/firmware changes to accomplish this revision, sufficient time will be allowed by the department for all vendors to satisfactorily comply.

We do make a change in one sentence in §19.23(f) which results in another sentence being added.

Current wording: Refusal of any rolling retest requested after a sufficient time as determined by the department shall result in a violation being recorded in the data storage system and cause the IID to request a subsequent rolling retest at least every 10 minutes until a test is recorded or the engine is turned off.

New wording: Refusal of any rolling retest shall result in a violation being recorded in the data storage system. After recording the violation, the IID shall immediately request another rolling retest.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.24(b)(4). The device and the service center shall utilize the most current version of the manufacturer's software and firmware to ensure compliance with these regulations. The manufacturer's software and firmware shall not allow a certified service representative or service center to disengage or modify the technical and operating features of a device in such a way as to not uphold the scientific integrity of the device to which it is certified and approved under these regulations, as determined by the department. A reasonable time as determined by the department will be granted if changes to these regulations require manufacturers to upgrade and/or revise their software and/or firmware.

"This is an outstanding issue in many jurisdictions being practiced by a few interlock manufacturers and actually to the point of being marketed by them to the offenders who want to keep drinking and driving as a competitive advantage to the disadvantage of IID providers who live by and follow the rules. It amounts to complete and utter fraud and debasement for an effective interlock program. A message needs to be sent loud and clear that such behavior will no longer be tolerated in the biggest IID state."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department agrees that the additional point being made is a possibility and we insert the following verbiage in lieu of the suggested wording:

The manufacturer's software and/or firmware shall require certain settings and operational features of the device including, but not limited to, sample delivery requirements, startup and retest set points, free restart, rolling retest requirements, violation settings and lockout conditions. The manufacturer's software and/or firmware shall not allow modification of certain settings and operational features of the device by the service center or the service representative unless the modification is approved by the appropriate judicial authority or the department.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.28(a)(3), Mr. Freund suggested the following alternate wording: "An applicant who has been convicted of driving while intoxicated, theft, a crime involving moral turpitude, or any offense classified as a felony, within five years prior to the date of the filing of the applicant's application for certification as an IID service representative may be denied eligibility for certification, at the sole discretion of the department. For purposes of this section, a conviction means the applicant was adjudicated guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction."

"I would hope the door could be left open for the department to take into consideration an individual who may have had extenuating circumstances, made restitution or can demonstrate rehabilitation for a mistake, very bad decision or choice in their past."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department feels this rule should not be left to discretion and therefore the wording will remain intact. We feel the industry should take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with this rule prior to employment of the service representative. Therefore, no change was made to the rule based on this comment.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.27. "In regards to the proposed changes to the Ignition Interlock Device Regulations, every thing looks good to me. The only problematic area for me was section §19.27(c)(7)(C).

I believe that the responsibility of obtaining removal authorization should fall on the client for several reasons:

1. The client would be the one initiating the change so they should do the foot work on the paperwork.

2. The vendor loosing a paying client may not be motivated to do this.

Other than that, I really like this particular reg. I believe it should just be reworded slightly to:

'When a customer desires to change from one vendor to another, it shall be the responsibility of the customer to obtain removal authorization....'"

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: Since some confusion exists as to the original installing vendor's responsibility in the protocol for a customer desiring to change vendors, we changed the proposed wording of the first sentence in §19.27(c)(7)(C) to read:

When a customer desires to change from one vendor to another, it shall be the responsibility of the original installing vendor to ensure removal authorization has been issued by the appropriate judicial authority.

We feel this change in wording removes any conceived responsibility on the part of a vendor to have to be the facilitator for the customer's desire to change in the first place.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.21(18). "Smart Start strongly believes that a 'spontaneous' bypass switch is a time bomb waiting to happen. We have had much experience with such a system years ago and once the user figures out the switch is there, they use it when they are intoxicated. This allows an easy defeat of the interlock and calls the program into serious question. Please consider changing the definition to preclude a 'spontaneous' switch. By that, we mean that the user should not be able to override a device without at least calling the provider for a code to enter.

Regarding §19.21(43) suggest adding the word 'defeat' after disable to strengthen this definition.

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: Regarding §19.21(18), the department feels every vendor's bypass protocol should be evaluated. Since this revision only addressed the substantive wording of the definition itself, and since the comment requires detailed study not yet done, we will keep the proposed wording as is and will address this issue in the future if warranted. Therefore, no change was made to the rule based on this comment. Regarding §19.21(43), the department is not opposed to adding the word "defeat" to this definition and will therefore amend the sentence.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.22(d)(3). "Smart Start understands the verbiage says that the department 'may' limit the number of devices a manufacturer has on the approved list. We discussed this at this year's annual review in Austin. I just want to reiterate that having to replace existing units to a new and improved product would be financially prohibitive. Smart Start is currently working on a new unit, unrelated to our current ssi-1000. We plan on introducing this product first in Texas but it would not make financial sense to change out the existing clients who are using our SSI-1000. I know the regulations say 'may' and not 'shall' but I wanted to make sure I had a chance to speak on the topic one more time."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department is not opposed to deleting the first sentence in §19.22(d)(3) thereby deleting any verbiage which states "the department may limit the number of devices."

COMMENT: Regarding §19.27(c)(6). "Please consider removing the requirement to notify the courts when a user, other than the interlock customer, returns the vehicle for service. This is will only provide more reports for the courts but will not strengthen the program in anyway."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department feels this is important information for the appropriate judicial authority to use as it sees fit and therefore the requirement will remain. Therefore, no change was made to the rule based on this comment.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.27(c)(7)(B) and (c)(7)(C). "By restricting a provider from removing another provider's device, you are restricting the freedom of the customer to choose and change providers. An unhappy customer should have the ability to leave a vendor and install elsewhere but the regs make that procedurally difficult and thus you have eliminated the customer's freedom of choice. This appears to limit the way that a company can compete and gain an advantage by offering superior customer service and as such, it would appear to be outside the scope of DPS. I would suggest you require the removing company to return the device to the customer, who is ultimately held responsible by the courts and the other provider. Or allow for the competing company to remove the device only after calling the competitor and arranging for an overnight mailing of the device back to the appropriate authority."

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: Regarding (7)(B) and (C), the department disagrees with these comments. We feel the protocol outlined is necessary to protect the data, the device itself (customers/vendors might not always return devices), and proper communication between customer and appropriate judicial authority. We are in no way restricting the customer's freedom to change vendors, but rather we are outlining a necessary sequence of events for the change to take place.

COMMENT: Regarding §19.27(h)(3) and (4). "Please include a provision to notify the manufacturer AND the service provider, via a written document such as a letter or email that there is a pending suspension or that a suspension has been given. I know that you would normally do this, but I would like the regulations to require DPS to provide such notification. Without it, it is possible that a remote service provider may be suspended and they may never let the manufacturer know of the suspension which would prevent the manufacturer from dealing with the provider and correcting the issue.

DEPARTMENT RESPONSE: The department is not opposed to also notifying the manufacturer when a service center has been suspended or revoked. For clarification purposes, our prior response to another vendor comment has resulted in renumbering this section and therefore your subsection (h)(3) and (4) now becomes subsection (i)(3) and (4). Therefore, the wording in subsection (i)(3) reads "the manufacturer and appropriate judicial authority shall be notified when a service center is suspended" and the wording in subsection (i)(4) reads "the manufacturer and appropriate judicial authorities shall be notified when a service center is revoked."

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, §521.2476, which requires the department to establish minimum standards for vendors of Ignition Interlock devices; and §521.247 which states the manufacturer shall reimburse the department for any cost incurred in approving the device.

§19.21.Explanation of Terms and Actions.

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

(1) Alcohol--Ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol.

(2) Alcohol concentration--The weight amount of alcohol contained in a unit volume of breath or air, measured in grams of ethanol/210 liters of breath or air and expressed as grams/210 liters.

(3) Alveolar breath sample--The last portion of a prolonged, uninterrupted exhalation from which breath alcohol concentrations can be determined.

(4) Anticircumvention feature(s)--Any feature or circuitry incorporated into the ignition interlock device that is designed to prevent human activity which would cause the device not to operate as intended.

(5) Approval--Meeting and maintaining the requirements of these regulations for approval.

(6) Appropriate judicial authority--Court orders or personnel of the Texas judicial system including but not limited to: the court or judge ordering the installation, adult probation or parole authorities, pretrial services authorities and occupational licensing authorities.

(7) Bogus sample--Any sample other than the unaltered, undiluted, or unfiltered alveolar breath sample coming from the individual.

(8) Breath alcohol analysis--The analysis of a sample of the person's expired alveolar breath to determine the alcohol concentration thereof.

(9) Certification--Meeting and maintaining the requirements of these regulations for certification.

(10) Certified IID inspector--An individual who meets the requirements in §19.29 of this title (relating to Ignition Interlock Device Inspector).

(11) Certified service center--Any fixed site or mobile IID service center meeting and maintaining the requirements in §19.27 of this title (relating to Certification and Inspection of Service Centers).

(12) Certified service representative--Any individual who has successfully completed the requirements in §19.28 of this title (relating to Service Representative and has received certification from the department to install, inspect, download, calibrate, repair, monitor, maintain, service and/or remove a specific ignition interlock device(s).

(13) Costs--The nonrefundable original administrative fees plus any and all costs incurred by the department for testimony and/or approval, or reevaluation, of any device.

(14) Data storage system--A computerized recording of all events monitored by the installed IID, which may be reproduced in the form of specific reports.

(15) Department--The unmodified word department in these regulations refers to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

(16) Device--An ignition interlock device.

(17) Director--The chief executive officer of the department.

(18) Emergency bypass--An event that permits the IID-equipped vehicle to be started without the requirement of passing the breath test.

(19) Filtered samples--Any mechanism by which there is an attempt to remove alcohol from the human breath sample.

(20) Fixed-site service center--A certified service center that is at a permanent location.

(21) Free restart--The ability to start the engine again, within a reasonable time as approved by the department, without completion of another breath alcohol analysis.

(22) IID--The common abbreviation for ignition interlock device.

(23) Ignition interlock device--A device which measures an individual's breath alcohol concentration and prevents the motor vehicle from starting if the alcohol concentration meets or exceeds the startup set point.

(24) Illegal start--The starting of an IID-equipped vehicle without the requisite breath test having been taken and passed.

(25) Inactivation--The voluntary or temporary discontinuance of certification.

(26) Interlock--The mechanism which prevents a motor vehicle from starting when the breath alcohol concentration of a person meets or exceeds a preset value.

(27) Manufacturer--The actual producer of the device.

(28) Manufacturer's representative--An individual or entity designated by the manufacturer to act on behalf of or represent the manufacturer of a device.

(29) Mobile service center--Any IID facility that has the personnel and equipment capability to be in use separately and simultaneously with its parent fixed site service center, whether set up in a vehicle or temporarily set up at a site with a permanent foundation.

(30) Negative result--A test result indicating that the alcohol concentration is less than the startup set point value.

(31) Permanent lockout--A condition wherein the IID will not allow the vehicle to be started until a certified service representative completes a violation reset and restores the IID to a state that will allow the vehicle to be started.

(32) Positive result--A test result indicating that the alcohol concentration meets or exceeds the startup set point value.

(33) Proficiency test--A test administered by, and in the presence of, an IID inspector or designated representative of the department to establish and/or ascertain the competency of a service representative to install, inspect, download, calibrate, repair, monitor, maintain, service and/or remove a specific ignition interlock device(s).

(34) Purge--Any mechanism which cleanses or removes a previous breath or reference sample from the device and specifically removes alcohol.

(35) Reference sample device--A device containing a sample of known alcohol concentration.

(36) Renewal of certification--Meeting the requirements of these regulations for renewing certification; for example, a representative renewing current certification, or a representative or inspector renewing certification after a period of inactivation or suspension, or a service center renewing certification after a period of inactivation, suspension or revocation.

(37) Retest set point--An alcohol concentration determined by the department, which is the same as the startup set point, at which or above, during a rolling retest, the device will record in the data storage system the high alcohol result as a violation.

(38) Revocation--The immediate cancellation of certification.

(39) Rolling retest--A randomly required test subsequent to the initial test allowing the engine to start.

(40) Rolling retest violation--The violation recorded in the data storage system when the rolling retest requirement is not met.

(41) Startup set point--An alcohol concentration determined by the department at which, or above, the device will prevent the ignition of a motor vehicle from operating. That set point shall be an alcohol concentration of 0.030 g /210 liters of breath.

(42) Suspension--The immediate cancellation or curtailment of certification.

(43) Tampering--An overt or conscious attempt to physically disable, defeat, or otherwise disconnect the IID from its power source and thereby allow the operator to start the engine without taking and passing the requisite breath test.

(44) Temporary lockout -A period of time during which the IID will not allow a breath sample to be delivered or the engine to be started.

(45) Vendor--The manufacturer, the manufacturer's representative or the person or entity responsible for the day-to-day operations of an IID service center.

(46) Violation--Any of several events including but not limited to high alcohol concentrations, illegal starts, and failures to present rolling retests.

(47) Violation reset--An unscheduled service of the IID and download of the data storage system by the service center required because an accumulation of violations has reached a number predetermined by the department.

(48) Violation set point--An alcohol concentration determined by the department at which, or above, the device will record the high alcohol result in the data storage system as a violation.

(49) Withdrawal of approval--Cancellation of approval of an ignition interlock device or reference sample device; to wit, the device(s) not meeting or maintaining these regulations.

§19.22.Procedure for Device Approval.

(a) All ignition interlock devices to be used in the state pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 521, must be approved by the department. These regulations and requirements apply only to IID usage in the Texas judicial system in applications such as pretrial services (bail bond requirements), adult supervision (probation or parole requirements) and occupational licensing requirements. They are not intended to apply to or limit IID use in a voluntary or non-adjudicated scenario such as a parent having an IID placed on a child's motor vehicle.

(b) The department will establish and maintain a list of approved devices for use in the state.

(c) If application is made for approval of a device not on the approved list, the following procedures shall apply.

(1) A manufacturer or manufacturer's representative requesting approval of a device must submit a production model of the device, along with a written request for approval. It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative to incur costs of mailing or shipping of the device to and from the department. It shall also be the responsibility of the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative to submit a certified check or money order in the amount of $500 payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety (this is an administrative approval processing fee and is nonrefundable). In the event of non-approval, additional requests for approval may be limited by the department. The department shall not get involved in research and development procedures of these devices.

(2) Accompanying each device shall be a notarized letter and/or affidavit from a testing laboratory certifying that the submitted device meets or exceeds applicable minimum standards for breath alcohol ignition interlock devices established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the time approval is requested. This letter or affidavit shall also include:

(A) the name and location of the testing laboratory;

(B) the address and phone number of the testing laboratory;

(C) a description of the tests performed;

(D) copies of the data and results of the testing procedures; and

(E) the names and qualifications of the individuals performing the tests.

(d) Prior to approval of the device, the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative shall complete and submit an application approval affidavit available from the department. The notarized application approval affidavit shall be signed by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative. This approval affidavit shall state that the device meets or exceeds all standards set forth in these regulations and will be calibrated and maintained pursuant to these regulations and as designated by the department.

(1) If a device is submitted for approval by a party other than the manufacturer, the submitting party shall submit a notarized affidavit from the manufacturer of the device certifying that the submitting party is an authorized manufacturer's representative and that it is agreed and understood that any action taken by the department or any cost incurred in accordance with the provisions of these regulations shall ultimately be the responsibility of the manufacturer.

(2) After the device is approved, in order to do business in the Texas IID program, a manufacturer must vend through a certified IID service center as described in §19.27 of this title (relating to Certification and Inspection of Service Centers).

(3) Wherein a manufacturer or manufacturer's representative requests approval of a subsequent model device that introduces improvements to the design or technology of a currently approved model, the department may stipulate the time frame by which the currently approved model must be removed from service and replaced by the subsequent model device.

(e) An annual reevaluation of the approved IID, pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 521, shall be required in order for continued approval. This reevaluation shall consider those requirements in §§19.23 - 19.25 of this title (relating to Technical Requirements, Miscellaneous Requirements, and Maintenance and Calibration Requirements). The cost of this reevaluation shall be the same as for the initial approval process noted in subsection (c)(1) of this section.

(f) Vendors shall annually provide to the department a written report of each available service and feature of all approved IIDs. The department shall make available the form for this report.

(g) The vendor shall notify the department in writing if the approval or certification of a device that is approved for use in Texas is or ever has been denied, withdrawn, suspended or revoked in another state, whether such action occurred before or after approval in Texas. This notification shall be made in a timely manner, not to exceed 30 days, after the vendor has received notice of the denial, withdrawal, suspension or revocation of approval or certification of the device, whether or not the action is or has been appealed.

(h) Nothing in these regulations shall imply that an IID which was approved under an earlier version of these regulations is no longer approved because of revisions to these regulations, except for legislated requirements such as in subsection (e) of this section or changes in technology as referred to in §19.24(b)(2) of this title (relating to Miscellaneous Requirements) and §19.26(b)(2) of this title (relating to Approval, Denial, and Withdrawal of Approval).

§19.23.Technical Requirements.

(a) Accuracy. The startup set point value for the interlock device shall be an alcohol concentration of 0.030 g/210 liters of breath. The accuracy of the device shall be 0.030 g/210 liters plus or minus 0.010 g/210 liters. The accuracy will be determined by analysis of an external standard generated by a reference sample device, or other methodologies that may be approved by the department.

(b) Alveolar breath sample. The device shall have a demonstrable feature designed to assure that the breath sample that is measured is essentially alveolar.

(c) Precision. The device shall correlate with a known alcohol concentration of 0.030 g/210 liters with accuracy set forth in subsection (a) of this section. A correlation of 95% will be considered reliable precision; 95 of 100 times the device must respond to, detect, and prevent the motor vehicle engine from operating when the operator has an alcohol concentration of 0.030 g/210 liters or greater, or any other limits as set by the department.

(1) The proportion of false positive results shall not exceed 5.0%.

(2) The proportion of false negative results shall not exceed 5.0%.

(d) Specificity. A test of alcohol-free samples shall not yield a positive result. Endogenously produced substances capable of being present in the breath shall not yield or significantly contribute to positive results.

(e) Temperature. The device shall meet the requirements of subsections (a) and (c) of this section when used at ambient temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius to 83 degrees Celsius or other limits as set by the department.

(f) Rolling retest. To thwart curbside assistance, after passing the test allowing the engine to start, the IID shall require a rolling retest within a randomly variable interval ranging from 5 to 15 minutes. In order to alert the driver that a retest is to be required, a warning light and/or tone shall come on. If the engine is intentionally or accidentally shutdown during or after the warning but before retesting, the free restart shall not be operative. The driver will then be afforded sufficient time as determined by the department to retest. During the rolling retest, the retest set point shall be the same as the startup set point. The result of this test will be recorded in the data storage system and any result recorded that is equal to or greater than 0.030 g/210 liters shall be recorded as a violation in the data storage system. Second and subsequent rolling retests shall be required at random intervals not to exceed 45 minutes from the previously requested test for the duration of the travel. Refusal of any rolling retest shall result in a violation being recorded in the data storage system. After recording the violation, the IID shall immediately request another rolling retest. Continued refusals shall result in additional violations being recorded in the data storage system until a test is recorded or the engine is turned off.

(g) Vibrational stability. The device shall meet the requirements of subsections (a) and (c) of this section when subjected to simple harmonic motion having an amplitude of 0.38mm (0.015 inches) applied initially at a frequency of 10 Hz and increased at a uniform rate to 30 Hz in 2 1/2 minutes, then decreased at a uniform rate to 10 Hz in 2 1/2 minutes. The device shall also meet the requirements to simple harmonic motion having an amplitude of 0.19mm (0.0075 inches) applied initially at a frequency of 30 Hz and increased at a uniform rate to 60 Hz in 2 1/2 minutes, then decreased at a uniform rate to 30 Hz in 2 1/2 minutes.

§19.24.Miscellaneous Requirements.

(a) Anticircumvention. The device shall be designed so that anticircumvention features will be difficult to bypass.

(1) Anticircumvention provisions shall include, but not be limited to, prevention or preservation of evidence of cheating by attempting to use bogus or filtered breath samples or bypassing the breath sampling requirements of the device electronically.

(2) The device may use special seals or other methods that record attempts to bypass anticircumvention provisions.

(3) The device shall be checked for evidence of tampering at least once every sixty (60) days or more frequently if the need arises.

(4) When evidence of tampering is discovered, the appropriate judicial authority shall be notified in writing and these records shall be made available upon request to the department.

(b) Operational features.

(1) The device shall be designed to permit a free restart of a motor vehicle's ignition within a reasonable time as approved by the department after the ignition has been shut off, without requiring a further alcohol analysis.

(2) The device shall also automatically purge alcohol before allowing subsequent analyses. In addition to the operational features of these regulations, the department may impose additional requirements, as needed, depending upon design and functional changes in device technology.

(3) The device shall have a data storage system of sufficient capacity to facilitate the recording and maintaining of all daily driving activities for the period of time elapsed from one maintenance and calibration check as referred to in §19.25(a) of this title (relating to Maintenance and Calibration Requirements) to the next. All daily driving activity records in this data storage system shall be maintained by the service center and the vendor and shall be made available to the appropriate judicial authority or the department upon request.

(4) The device and the service center shall utilize the most current version of the manufacturer's software and firmware to ensure compliance with these regulations. The manufacturer's software and/or firmware shall require certain settings and operational features of the device including, but not limited to, sample delivery requirements, startup and retest set points, free restart, rolling retest requirements, violation settings and lockout conditions. The manufacturer's software and/or firmware shall not allow modification of certain settings and operational features of the device by the service center or the service representative unless the modification is approved by the appropriate judicial authority or the department. A reasonable time as determined by the department will be granted if changes to these regulations require manufacturers to upgrade and/or revise their software and/or firmware.

(5) The device shall record emergency bypasses in the data storage system.

(6) When violations trigger a lockout condition requiring a violation reset, the device will enable a unique auditory and/or visual cue that will warn the driver that the vehicle ignition will enter the lockout condition after 72 hours. This event will be uniquely recorded in the data storage system and will simultaneously start a clock that culminates in the actual lockout condition.

(c) Product liability. The manufacturer of the device shall carry liability insurance covering product liability, including coverage in Texas with a minimum policy limit of $1 million.

(d) Service support. The vendor shall ensure responsibility for service support within a maximum of 48 hours after notification of a reported malfunction. This support shall be in effect during the period the device is required to be installed in a motor vehicle.

(e) Modifications. Once a device has been approved, no modification in design or operational concept may be made without prior written consent of the department. This does not include replacement or substitution of repair parts to maintain the device nor software changes that do not modify the operational concept of the device. However, the department is to be notified by the manufacturer of any subsequent software or firmware updates to the existing approved IID.

(f) Warning label. A label warning against tampering, circumventing, or misuse shall be affixed to each device.

(g) Safety. The device shall be designed to comply with generally recognized safety requirements.

(h) Specifications and operating instructions. Manufacturers shall provide a precise set of specifications and detailed operating instructions to the department with each device submitted for approval.

(i) Product indemnity. The manufacturer shall provide a signed statement that the manufacturer shall indemnify and hold harmless the state of Texas, the department and its officers, employees, and agents from all claims, demands, and actions, as a result of damage or injury to persons or property which may arise, directly or indirectly, out of any act or omission by the manufacturer or their representative relating to the installation, service, repair, use and/or removal of an IID.

(j) General. Any other requirements as may be determined necessary by the department to ensure that the device functions properly and reliably.

§19.25.Maintenance and Calibration Requirements.

(a) The device shall be inspected, maintained, and checked for calibration accuracy and operational performance at least once every sixty (60) days and more frequently, if necessary, as specified by the department. This maintenance and calibration check will be performed by a certified IID service center as described in §19.27 of this title (relating to Certification and Inspection of Service Centers).

(b) The maintenance and calibration check will consist of, but not be limited to, a check of the device to determine that the device is properly functioning in accordance with the following sections:

(1) accuracy--§19.23(a) of this title (relating to Technical Requirements);

(A) The device shall be calibrated before placing into service. The calibration described herein shall verify the IID accuracy to be within plus or minus 0.010 g/210 liters of the reference sample predicted value.

(B) Upon return to the service center as in subsection (a) of this section, the device shall be subjected to a calibration confirmation test. This test shall consist of introducing to the device a known alcohol concentration from a reference sample device, the analysis of which indicates the device's agreement with the known concentration. The vendor's software shall be capable of performing, documenting and reporting the result of this calibration confirmation test. The test result described herein shall verify the accuracy of the IID to be within plus or minus 0.010 g/210 liters of the reference sample predicted value.

(i) Should the device fail the calibration confirmation test referred to in subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section that information shall be made available to the appropriate judicial authority.

(ii) Should the calibration confirmation test referred to in subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section not agree within plus or minus 0.010 g/210 liters of the reference sample predicted value, the device shall be recalibrated so as to restore the accuracy described in subsection (b)(1)(A) of this section before the device may be returned to service.

(2) anticircumvention--§19.24(a) of this title (relating to Miscellaneous Requirements); and

(3) operational features--§19.24(b) of this title (relating to Miscellaneous Requirements).

(c) Maintenance and calibration records shall be maintained by the manufacturer, the manufacturer's representative, and/or the vendor and shall be provided upon request to the department and/or any appropriate judicial authority.

(d) If at any time the device fails to meet the provisions of this section, the device shall be removed from service or calibrated and/or repaired, and these records shall be made available upon request to the department and/or any appropriate judicial authority.

§19.27.Certification and Inspection of Service Centers.

(a) All IID service centers conducting business in this state, whether fixed site or mobile, must have the approval of and be certified by the department.

(b) To initiate certification for an IID service center, a vendor or the IID manufacturer's representative shall submit an application to the department for approval. The application, available from the department, shall show the physical location of the service center, the ignition interlock device(s) to be merchandised and the reference sample device(s) to be used. The application shall also contain a statement acknowledging permission from the IID manufacturer to vend the IID described by the application. Only IIDs listed on the approved list referenced in §19.22(a) of this title (relating to Procedure for Device Approval) may be merchandised. A vendor applying for certification of an IID service center must agree to:

(1) allow access for inspection under subsection (d) of this section,

(2) comply with subsection (g) of this section,

(3) comply with §19.24(c) of this title (relating to Miscellaneous Requirements) concerning product liability and liability insurance requirements, and

(4) comply with §19.24(d) of this title (relating to Miscellaneous Requirements) concerning service support requirements.

(c) IID testing protocol, in order to be approved, shall meet, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) A certified IID service center shall be located in a facility which properly and successfully accommodates installing, inspecting, downloading, calibrating, repairing, monitoring, maintaining, servicing and/or removing a specific IID device(s). A designated waiting area that is separate from the installation area is to be provided for the customer. The customer is not to witness the installation of the IID. The service center must incorporate the use of analysis of a reference sample such as headspace gas from a mixture of water and alcohol, the results of which must agree with the reference sample predicted value as in §19.25(b)(1)(A) and (B) of this title (relating to Maintenance and Calibration Requirements), or other methodologies that may be approved by the department. Preparatory documentation (such as certificate of analysis) on the reference sample solution(s) shall be available to the department. Only reference sample devices approved by the department may be used in certified IID operations.

(2) All analytical results shall be expressed in grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath (g/210L). The startup set point shall be an alcohol concentration of 0.030 g/210 liters of breath.

(3) Services rendered by the IID service center must be performed by a properly trained and certified service representative. IID service centers shall maintain sufficient staff to ensure an acceptable level of service. Monitor checks shall be scheduled in a manner such as not to deprive the customer of an acceptable level of service. The IID vendor's software shall document the representative performing the monitor check and when it was performed. The IID service center must at all times be staffed with at least one certified service representative. Potential service representative candidates may train in the certified IID service center only under the direct supervision of a currently certified service representative. The potential service representative candidate will be given a reasonable time as determined by the department to train before being required to take and pass the IID service representative examination.

(4) The applicant must agree to submit, maintain or make available any specified records designated by the department, including but not limited to:

(A) submitting violation(s) if any, of any court order to the appropriate judicial authority, not later than 48 hours after the vendor discovers the violation,

(B) maintaining complete records of each device installation for five years from the date of the removal, and

(C) making all IID records available, either by inspection or via copy to any appropriate judicial authority and upon request to the department.

(5) All anticircumvention features must be activated on any installed IID.

(6) The device must be installed and inspected in accordance with any applicable court order. Furthermore, the service center, through the certified IID representative(s), shall perform a visual inspection of the vehicle, the device, and the device's wiring to ensure no tampering or circumvention has occurred during the monitoring period. In the case wherein the customer returns to the service center as in §19.25(a) of this title (relating to Maintenance and Calibration Requirements) absent their vehicle, or in the case wherein an individual other than the customer returns with the vehicle, such fact(s) shall be made available to the appropriate judicial authority.

(7) The applicant must agree to abide by certain conditions for the removal of an IID, including but not limited to the following:

(A) No IID shall be removed without authorization from the appropriate judicial authority and such removal shall be documented and the records retained by the service center.

(B) All certified service representatives and service centers are prohibited from removing the device of another vendor except in an emergency or a special circumstance authorized by the appropriate judicial authority or the department. All such removals are to be documented and reported to the department. The removal records are to be retained by the service center.

(C) When a customer desires to change from one vendor to another, it shall be the responsibility of the original installing vendor to ensure removal authorization has been issued by the appropriate judicial authority. Upon authorized removal, a final report shall be made to the appropriate judicial authority, thus ensuring no data being omitted. The appropriate judicial authority should then further dictate the procedure by which the customer shall acquire another vendor's device.

(D) Certified service representatives in violation of the procedures outlined herein may have their certification inactivated or suspended. Certified service centers found in violation of these procedures may have their certification inactivated, suspended or revoked.

(d) An IID inspector or a designated representative of the department may at any time make an inspection of the certified IID service center to ensure compliance with these regulations.

(e) A designated custodian of records, when required, shall be provided by the vendor to testify in court and provide testimony concerning the interpretation of any data storage system records, as required by these courts and to answer questions concerning certification of the IID program.

(f) Upon proof of compliance with subsections (a) - (c) of this section, a certificate will be issued by the department that will be valid unless certification is inactivated, suspended or revoked. Issuance of a certificate to the service center shall be evidence that the service center meets all necessary criteria for approval and certification. Prior to issuance of the certification, an on-site evaluation may be required by the department to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section.

(g) Certification of the IID service center is contingent upon the applicant's agreement to conform and abide by any directives, orders, or policies issued or to be issued by the department regarding any aspect of the IID service center; this shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) program administration;

(2) reports;

(3) records and forms;

(4) inspections;

(5) methods of operations and testing protocol;

(6) personnel training and qualifications;

(7) criminal history considerations for service representatives; and

(8) records custodian.

(h) A manufacturer shall be responsible for providing continuing service by a certified service center during the installation period, without interruption, should a certified service center go out of business or be revoked.

(1) If the out of business or revoked service center is being replaced by the manufacturer, all reasonable efforts shall be made to obtain customer records and data from the service center being replaced and provide them to a new certified service center that is within 25 miles of the service center that is going out of business or being revoked. The department and the appropriate judicial authority shall be notified of this event as soon as possible.

(2) If the out of business or revoked service center is not replaced, the manufacturer shall retain the records and data as required in subsection (e)(1) of this section. The department and the appropriate judicial authority shall be notified of this event as soon as possible.

(A) The manufacturer whose out of business or revoked service center is not replaced shall be responsible for, and shall bear the cost of, removal of the original IID and replacement with another approved IID, regardless of the manufacturer of the device being substituted, if another manufacturer's device is available at a certified service center that is no more than 25 miles from the service center that is going out of business or being revoked.

(B) The manufacturer shall make every reasonable effort to notify all customers of the change of the certified service center or replacement of the device 30 days before the change or replacement will occur, or as soon as is possible.

(3) If neither subsection (e)(1) nor subsection (e)(2) of this section can be accomplished, the manufacturer shall be responsible for notifying the customers, the department, and the appropriate judicial authority that service will be terminated within 60 days, and then removing the devices at no cost to the customers in question.

(i) Certification of an IID service center may be denied, inactivated, suspended or revoked by the department if a vendor, service center, service representative, or IID equipment fails to meet all criteria stated in this section, or if the vendor violates or is not in compliance with any of these regulations or if the vendor violates any law of this state that applies to the vendor.

(1) Service center certification denial. Certification of an IID service center may be denied if a vendor, service center, service representative or IID equipment fails to meet all criteria stated in this section, or if the vendor has violated or is not in compliance with any IID regulation. Furthermore, a vendor's request to open additional service centers may be denied if there is pending action against the vendor for any violation of these regulations.

(2) Service center inactivation. Inactivation refers to the voluntary or temporary discontinuance of certification. Unless specifically stated otherwise, this loss of certification will be an administrative program control as opposed to suspension or revocation for violation of these regulations or for unreliability or incompetence. Inactivation may be initiated by anyone having authority to suspend or revoke, or by the certified service center in case of voluntary surrender of certification. In questionable cases, the decision to accept inactivation or invoke suspension or revocation will be determined by the department. A service center that no longer meets all the requirements for certification shall be inactivated. Inactivation shall be used for administrative program control to safeguard the scientific integrity of the IID program.

(3) Service center suspension. Suspension refers to the immediate curtailment of certification and may be applied to the service center when, because of unreliability, incompetence, or violation of these regulations the service center is not in compliance with the provisions stated in these regulations or when continuance of such certification in the opinion of the department would not uphold the scientific integrity of the IID program. A suspension can be initiated by an IID inspector or designated representative of the department. The minimum period of suspension will be for a period of time not less than 30 days. The IID inspector or a designated representative of the department may recommend a specific period of suspension to the department. A suspension curtails any certification issued to the service center for a period of suspension until renewal of certification. During a suspension, the suspended service center may continue to provide service to those IID customers in existence prior to the suspension, but shall not acquire new or transferred IID customers during the period of suspension. The manufacturer and appropriate judicial authorities shall be notified when a service center is suspended. Suspension shall be for the purpose of maintaining the scientific integrity of the IID program and enforcing these regulations.

(4) Service center revocation. Revocation refers to the immediate cancellation of certification. Revocation cancels any certification issued to the revoked service center for the period of revocation and until renewal of certification. Unless provided for by specific provision in these regulations, revocation will apply when the service center no longer meets the criteria for certification or no longer meets the requirements of these regulations because of unreliability, incompetence, or violation of these regulations, or in any case where, in the opinion of the department, continuance of certification would not uphold the scientific integrity of the IID program. If after the allowed appeals process, the revocation of a service center is sustained, the revoked service center shall be required to replace the IID service and/or the IID as in §19.25(e) of this title (relating to Maintenance and Calibration Requirements). In the event that no appeal from the revoked service center is forthcoming, the revoked service center shall have 30 days to achieve the requirements of §19.25(e) of this title (relating to Maintenance and Calibration Requirements). The appropriate manufacturer and judicial authorities shall be notified when a service center is revoked. Revocation shall be for the purpose of maintaining the scientific integrity of the IID program and enforcing these regulations.

(j) Appeal of denial, suspension or revocation. An IID service center whose pending application for certification has been denied, or an IID service center whose certification has been suspended or revoked may appeal such action as follows:

(1) The appeal shall be in writing and shall be received by the department no later than twenty (20) days after receipt of the letter notifying the service center of the action being taken by the department. No enforcement action will be taken by the department during this twenty (20) day period. Written request for appeal should be mailed to: Texas Department of Public Safety, Scientific Director, Breath Alcohol Test Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0570.

(2) A request for appeal shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 2001 of the Texas Government Code, and the procedures in 37 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 29.

(3) If the department does not receive a timely request for appeal, the department may deny the application for certification or sustain the suspension or revocation of certification without a hearing.

(k) The renewal of certification of a service center whose certification has been inactivated, suspended or revoked will require a written request from the applicant to the department and successful completion of the original requirements for certification as outlined in subsection (b) of this section and/or other requirements as determined by the department.

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 March 6, 2006.

TRD-200601409

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 26, 2006

Proposal publication date: September 9, 2005

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