TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 35. PRIVATE SECURITY

Subchapter C. STANDARDS

37 TAC §35.36

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes to amend §35.36, concerning Consumer Information and Vehicle Signage. Amendment of the section is necessary in order to clarify the rule by limiting the scope of the license number signage requirement to those vehicles on which the company name is displayed.

Oscar Ybarra, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments.

Mr. Ybarra also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit resulting from adoption of the section will be the clarification of this rule and the resulting display of license numbers on company vehicles will benefit the public by providing greater assurance of licensure and by facilitating the filing of complaints. There is no adverse economic impact anticipated for individuals, small businesses, or micro-businesses.

The department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

Written comments on the proposal are requested and may be sent to Steve Moninger, RLS Legal Staff, Department of Public Safety-Private Security Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, MSC-0246, Austin, Texas 78773-0246, (512) 424-5842, (fax: (512) 424-7725).

The amendment is proposed 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 Occupations Code, §1702.061(b), which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer this chapter.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3) and Texas Occupations Code, §1702.061(b) are affected by this proposal.

§35.36.Consumer Information and Vehicle Signage.

(a) A licensee shall, either orally or in writing, notify all consumers or recipients of services of the license number and the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the Private Security Bureau for the purpose of directing complaints.

(b) If a licensee chooses to provide the notice required by subsection (a) of this section in written form, the notification shall contain their license number, the name, mailing address and telephone number of the Bureau, in a type-face of the same size as that which appears in the document as a whole, but in no case less than 10 point size.

(c) A licensed company must display conspicuously in the principal place of business and any branch office, a sign containing the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the bureau, and a statement informing consumers or recipients of services that complaints against licensees can be directed to the bureau.

(d) The company license number must be displayed on any vehicle on which the company name is displayed, and must be in letters and numbers at least one inch high and permanently affixed or magnetically attached to each side of the vehicle in a color contrasting with the background color.

[ (e) Vehicles operated by private investigators or personal protection officers are exempt and vehicles operated for administrative purposes are exempt. ]

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 26, 2007.

TRD-200700225

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 11, 2007

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


Subchapter M. COMPANY RECORDS

37 TAC §35.204

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes to amend §35.204, concerning Pre-Employment Check. Amendment reformats the section in order to add new subsections (b) and (c). The new subsections are necessary in order to clarify the scope of the rule's requirement that an employer perform a pre-employment check on all applicants for non-commissioned security guard positions, and to require that employers keep records of this check.

Oscar Ybarra, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments.

Mr. Ybarra also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit resulting from adoption of the section will be more efficient and effective enforcement of the Private Security Act's requirement of pre-employment background checks of non-commissioned security guards. There is no adverse economic impact anticipated for individuals, small businesses, or micro-businesses.

The department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

Written comments on the proposal are requested and may be sent to Steve Moninger, RLS Legal Staff, Department of Public Safety-Private Security Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, MSC-0246, Austin, Texas 78773-0246, (512) 424-5842, (fax: (512) 424-7725).

The amendment is proposed 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 Occupations Code, §1702.061(b), which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer this chapter.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3) and Texas Occupations Code, §1702.061(b) are affected by this proposal.

§35.204.Pre-Employment Check.

(a) The employer of a [ commissioned security officer or ] registrant shall exercise due diligence in ensuring that an applicant's qualifications meet the provisions of §1702.113 of the Act, prior to duty assignment.

(b) The employer of an applicant for a security guard commission who wishes to allow the applicant to work as an unarmed guard while the application is pending shall exercise due diligence in ensuring that the applicant's qualifications meet the provisions of §1702.113 of the Act, prior to assigning the applicant to unarmed duty.

(c) The employer must maintain records to document the pre-employment check. The failure to maintain such records will constitute prima facie proof of the failure to exercise the due diligence required by this rule.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 26, 2007.

TRD-200700226

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 11, 2007

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


Subchapter S. CONTINUING EDUCATION

37 TAC §35.291

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes to amend §35.291, concerning Mandatory Continuing Education Courses. Amendment of the section is necessary in order to enhance the current continuing education requirements for the private security industry.

Oscar Ybarra, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments.

Mr. Ybarra also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit resulting from adoption of the section will be more effective training on the part of regulated service providers. There is no adverse economic impact anticipated for individuals, small businesses, or micro-businesses.

The department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

Written comments on the proposal are requested and may be sent to Steve Moninger, RLS Legal Staff, Department of Public Safety-Private Security Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, MSC-0246, Austin, Texas 78773-0246, (512) 424-5842, (fax: (512) 424-7725).

The amendment is proposed 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 Occupations Code, §1702.061(b), which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer this chapter.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3) and Texas Occupations Code, §1702.061(b) are affected by this proposal.

§35.291.Mandatory Continuing Education Courses.

(a) A license may not be renewed until the required minimum hours of board approved continuing education credits have been obtained in accordance with the Act and board rules. Proof of the required continuing education must be maintained by the employer and contained in the personnel file of the registrant's employing company.

(1) All registrants not specifically addressed in this section shall complete a total of eight (8) hours of continuing education, seven hours of which must be in subject matter that relates to the type of registration held, and one (1) hour of which must cover ethics. Following the initial registration period, Qualified Managers of Class B licensed companies may take a one (1) hour course devoted to changes in laws and rules applicable to the security industry, as a substitute for the above ethics requirement.

(2) Non-participating owners, partners, shareholders, non-commissioned security officers and administrative support personnel are specifically exempted from the continuing education requirements.

(3) Private investigators and managers of Class A and Class C licenses with more than fifteen (15) years of continued registration as a private investigator or manager of a Class A or Class C license shall complete a total of twelve (12) hours of continuing education, eight (8) hours of which must be in subject matter that relates to the type of registration held, two (2) hours of which must be over ethics, and two (2) hours of which must involve the review of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, and the Board's Administrative Rules, Tex. Admin. Code, 37 TAC 35. Private Investigators and managers of Class A and Class C licenses with less than fifteen (15) years of continued registration as a private investigator or manager of a Class A or Class C license shall complete a total of eighteen (18) hours of continuing education, fourteen (14) of which must be in subject matter that relates to the type of registration held, two (2) hours of which must be over ethics, and two (2) hours of which must involve the review of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702 and the Board's Administrative Rules, Tex. Admin. Code, 37 TAC 35.

(4) Any person registered as a private investigator who fails to complete the required continuing education during the twenty-four (24) months of an initial registration is not eligible to make new or renewal application until such time as the training requirement for the previous registration period has been satisfied.

(5) Commissioned security officers and personal protection officers shall complete six (6) hours of continuing education. Continuing education for commissioned security officers and personal protection officers must be taught by schools and instructors approved by the board to instruct commissioned security officers as defined in §1702.1685 of the Act. Commissioned security officers shall submit a firearms proficiency certificate along with their renewal application.

(6) All registrants shall indicate they have completed the required minimum hours of board-approved continuing education credits on their application for renewal. A renewal application shall also include name of school, school number, seminar number, seminar date, and credits earned.

[ (7) Continuing education schools shall report attendees of continuing education classes to board within thirty (30) days of class completion. This report shall include the school number, instructor number, date and location of school. In addition to the following information for each participant: name, SSN and continuing education credit earned. ]

(7) [ (8) ] During the first (1st) twelve (12) [ twenty-four (24) ] months of initial registration each person employed as an alarm system installer or alarm systems salesperson must complete sixteen (16) hours of classroom instruction, as described in Chapter 1702, Texas Occupation Code , with two (2) hours covering the National Electrical Code (NEC) as it applies to low voltage . Any person employed as an alarm systems installer or alarm systems salesperson must obtain eight (8) hours of continuing education credits in alarm related field , with one (1) hour covering the National Electrical Code (NEC) as it applies to low voltage, during each subsequent twenty-four (24) month period preceding the expiration date of registration in order to renew the registration.

(8) For the protection of the installer and the general public, the work of an alarm system installer who has not completed the required sixteen (16) hours of instruction must be overseen by an installer who has completed the required sixteen (16) hours of instruction. The oversight required under this section need not involve direct, physical supervision, but the overseeing installer is responsible for ensuring that the installation complies with all applicable requirements and regulations.

(9) Any person licensed as an alarm systems installer or alarm systems salesperson who fails to complete 16 hours of training during the 24 months of initial licensure or who fails to complete 8 hours of continuing education during any subsequent licensing period is not eligible to make new or renewal application until such time as all training requirements for the previous license period have been satisfied.

(10) Alarm monitors shall complete four (4) hours of continuing education in subject matter that relates to the duties and responsibilities of an alarm monitor.

(11) The manager or his designee shall approve classes for continuing education that are determined to meet the qualifications of the Act and board rules.

(12) Any person licensed by the board as an alarm instructor shall be authorized to instruct all alarm continuing education courses approved by the board.

(13) Any person licensed by the board as a Level III or Level IV Instructor shall be authorized to instruct all continuing education courses approved by the board excluding alarm continuing education.

[ (b) Continuing education instructors shall provide a certificate of completion to each person successfully completing the continuing education course within 7 days after the date of course completion. ]

[ (1) The continuing education certificate of completion shall contain: ]

[ (A) the name and social security number of the person attending the course; ]

[ (B) the title and topic of the course; ]

[ (C) the number of hours of instruction provided; ]

[ (D) the signature of the instructor; and ]

[ (E) any information deemed necessary by the manager. ]

[ (2) The manager of a commissioned security officer training school conducting a continuing education course for commissioned security officers shall provide a certificate of completion to each person successfully completing the course within 7 days after the date the course was completed. ]

[ (3) The certificate of completion for commissioned security officers shall contain: ]

[ (A) the name and social security number of the person attending the course; ]

[ (B) the title and topic of the course; ]

[ (C) the number of hours of instruction provided; ]

[ (D) the signature of the instructor and school director; and ]

[ (E) any information deemed necessary by the manager. ]

(b) [ (c) ] To receive board approval, a continuing education course shall contain instruction relating to one or more of the following:

(1) investigative procedures and practices;

(2) business practices;

(3) legal aspects of private investigation or private security;

(4) ethical aspects of private investigation or private security;

(5) handgun proficiency as defined under §1702.168 of the Act; and/or

(6) any other course of instruction approved by the manager.

(c) [ (d) ] To receive board approval, a continuing education course shall contain at least one (1) clock hour of instruction.

(d) [ (e) ] The manager shall approve courses for continuing education that are determined to meet the qualifications of these rules and the Act.

[ (1) Courses may be provided for and taught by any organization or person that, in the manager's discretion, has the education, knowledge and experience to provide such information. ]

[ (2) A person wishing to conduct a continuing education course must provide the manager a description of the contents of the curriculum and the qualifications of any instructor. ]

[ (3) The manager shall inform the person wishing to conduct the course of the approval or disapproval within 10 working days of receiving the request. ]

[ (4) The manager may delegate this responsibility to other employees of the board. ]

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 26, 2007.

TRD-200700227

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 11, 2007

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


37 TAC §35.292

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes new §35.292, concerning Requirements for Continuing Education Courses. New §35.292 is necessary in order to specify the curriculum, instructor qualifications, and record keeping requirements for continuing education courses.

Oscar Ybarra, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government, or local economies.

Mr. Ybarra also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be more effective regulation of the continuing education courses provided to the private security industry. There is no adverse economic impact anticipated for small businesses, or micro-businesses. The anticipated cost to individuals will be the $300 annual licensing fee for school directors and the $100 annual licensing fee for instructors.

The department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Steve Moninger, RLS Legal Staff, Department of Public Safety-Private Security Bureau, P.O. Box 4087, MSC 0246, Austin, Texas 78773-0246, (512) 424-5842 (fax: (512) 424-7725).

The new section is proposed 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 Occupations Code, §1702.061(b), which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer this chapter; and Texas Occupations Code, §1702.062, which authorizes the department to establish reasonable and necessary fees to administer this chapter.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3) and Texas Occupations Code, §1702.061(b) and §1702.062 are affected by this proposal.

§35.292.Requirements for Continuing Education Courses.

(a) All recognized continuing education schools shall be licensed by the Bureau.

(b) All continuing education schools shall comply with the following:

(1) Schools shall have a physical address within the state of Texas. A U.S. post office box or private postal service box will not be considered a physical address.

(2) Schools shall have a school director who lives and maintains an office in the state of Texas.

(3) The school director shall maintain attendance records within the state of Texas.

(4) School attendance records shall include the following:

(A) subjects taught in each course of instruction;

(B) total hours of each course of instruction and the hours instructed on each subject;

(C) date of instruction;

(D) name, license number, and date(s) of attendance for each individual that attended a course of instruction.

(5) Schools shall issue a certificate of attendance to each individual attending a course of instruction. The certificate of attendance shall contain the name and license number of the attendee, the date of attendance, the number of hours of attendance, and the course(s) of instruction attended.

(6) Schools shall teach all continuing education courses in the state of Texas, unless the course has a Texas-licensed continuing education school sponsor approved by the Bureau. A Texas school must make a written request to sponsor an out of state course of instruction to the Bureau at least sixty (60) days prior to the course presentation. The Texas school shall maintain records of instructors, courses taught, number of hours presented, and any Texas licensed or registered attendees of the sponsored school for a period of five (5) years.

(c) School directors of licensed continuing education schools shall comply with the following:

(1) The school director shall maintain all records of attendance within the state of Texas.

(2) The school director shall provide each attendee with a certificate of attendance/completion upon completion of any course. Each certificate shall be signed and dated by the school director.

(3) The school director shall verify that each continuing education course offered is in compliance with all administrative rules related to continuing education courses.

(4) The school director shall verify the qualifications of each instructor and adjunct or assistant instructor. Verification records shall be retained for five (5) years.

(5) The school director shall provide copies of all school records to the bureau upon request.

(6) The school director shall pay an annual licensing fee of $300.00.

(d) Instructors of licensed continuing education schools shall comply with the following:

(1) The instructor shall pay an annual licensing fee of $100.00.

(2) The instructor shall provide proof of qualifications/expertise and a course outline for each course of instruction to the school director sponsoring the course taught by the instructor.

(3) Instructors may use adjunct or assistant instructor to assist in presenting courses of instruction. The instructor shall provide proof of the qualifications of any adjunct or assistant instructor to the school director sponsoring the course. The instructor must be in attendance with the adjunct or assistant instructor during the presentation.

(e) Attendees of courses of continuing education shall maintain certificates of completion furnished by the school director in their files for a period of three (3) years. Attendees shall furnish the Bureau with copies of all certificates of completion upon request.

(f) The Bureau may recognize courses of instruction received through any state-recognized university, college, or community college upon proof of attendance and completion of the course with a passing grade.

(g) Companies licensed by the Bureau with ten (10) or more registered employees may make a written request for a letter of exemption allowing them to provide continuing education to those employees registered under the requesting company's license. Such requests shall be addressed to the Bureau Manager. A letter of exemption granted under this section shall be valid for two (2) years. To qualify for a letter of exemption, the company must appoint a training director, assure that all training is in compliance with all related administrative rules, maintain proof of all training, and provide each employee with a certificate of training as required by this section. There is no annual fee associated with a letter of exemption issued under this subsection.

(h) The Bureau shall inspect the continuing education records of 10% of licensees and registrants annually to assure compliance with these requirements and to maintain the integrity of the continuing education program.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 26, 2007.

TRD-200700224

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 11, 2007

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


Part 3. TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION

Chapter 81. INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC

37 TAC §81.36

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) proposes an amendment to §81.36, concerning interaction with the public. The amendment to the section will expand the notification requirements regarding offense-related information concerning youth in the jurisdiction of the commission to officials of the school in which the youth is enrolled.

Robin McKeever, Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Financial Support, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Don Brantley, Ph.D., Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Juvenile Corrections, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be compliance with current law regarding offense-related notices to schools officials when a youth in the jurisdiction of the commission enrolls in school. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendment as proposed. No private real property rights are affected by adoption of this rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice to DeAnna Lloyd, Chief of Policy Administration, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765, or email to deanna.lloyd@tyc.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under the Code of Criminal Procedures, §15.27, which provides the commission with the authority to permit oral and written notices regarding offense-related information to school officials when a youth in the jurisdiction of the commission enrolls in school.

The proposed rule affects the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§81.36.Notification to Public and Private Schools.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to provide a procedure for Texas Youth Commission (TYC) staff to notify public and/or private school officials regarding offense-related information concerning TYC youth in a community or on parole. [ when certain action is taken against a TYC paroled youth. ]

(b) Explanation of Term Used. School Officials--For public schools it is the superintendent and the principal of the school/district the youth is enrolled. For private schools it will be the administrator of the school in which the youth is enrolled.

(c) Notification Requirements. For youth in a non-secure placement or on TYC parole, TYC staff shall provide the following information, in oral and written form, to school officials in which the youth is enrolled:

(1) the offense(s), including dates of action, resulting in commitment to and classification within TYC;

(2) whether or not the youth is a registered sex offender;

(3) any court adjudication/conviction subsequent to commitment to TYC, including the date of the action and the offense/allegation; and

(4) any arrest/detention/referral to court that is still pending final disposition.

[(b) The assigned TYC parole officer of a youth who transfers from a school or is subsequently removed from a school and later returned to a school or to a different school district shall notify the new school officials of:]

[(1) an arrest/detention/referral to juvenile court, the date of the action, and the offense/allegation; or]

[(2) an adjudication/conviction, date of the action, and the offense for which the action was taken.]

[(c) The oral and written notice must include sufficient detail so that the official can determine whether there is reasonable belief that the youth has engaged in conduct defined as a felony.]

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 22, 2007.

TRD-200700156

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 11, 2007

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301