TITLE public-safety-and-corrections

Part III. Texas Youth Commission

Chapter 85. Admission and Placement

Subchapter A. Commitment and Reception

37 TAC §85.3

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) proposes an amendment to §85.3, concerning admission process. The amended section will add requirements to the current procedure for youth admission to TYC's custody. Youth are not allowed to have personal possessions at intake. Any items in a youth's possession at intake are inventoried and returned to the committing county. The youth is required to sign an acknowledgment of the items returned. Youth classified as sex offenders are registered according to current law.

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

Mr. Graham also 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 greater efficiency and compliance with sex offender registration laws. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. No private real property rights are affected by adoption of this rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Gail Graham, Policy and Manuals Manager, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765.

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the Texas Youth Commission with the authority to adopt policies and make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed rule implements the Human Resource Code, §61.034.

§85.3. Admission Process.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Youth are not allowed to have personal possessions while at the assessment unit. Personal items are inventoried and returned to the county transporter. The transporter and youth are asked to sign an inventory/receipt for property items returned to the transporter's care. Items a youth may be allowed to keep are inventoried on the Personal Property and Clothing Inventory form, CCF-510, and a copy is given to the youth. [ The transporter is asked to sign a receipt for items returned to his care. Items a youth may be allowed to keep are inventoried and a receipt issued to the transporter. ]

(e)-(f)

(No change.)

(g)

Routine admission procedures include but are not limited to the following.

(1)-(7)

(No change.)

(8)

Intake staff assigns [ assign ] each youth an official TYC registration number.

(9)

Each youth classified as a sex offender:

(A)

is registered with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); and

(B)

has blood drawn for submission to DPS for DNA analysis.

(h)-(i)

(No change.)

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 27, 1999.

TRD-9900556

Steve Robinson

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 14, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6244


Part VII. Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Chapter 211. Administration

37 TAC §§211.1, 211.3, 211.15, 211.21, 211.22

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (Commission) proposes to amend Title 37, Texas Administrative Code §211.1, concerning definitions, §211.3 concerning the filing of documents, §211.15 concerning license action, §211.21 concerning fees and payments and §211.22 concerning issuance of duplicates or documents. Section 211.1 will be amending the existing terms; Accredited college or university and Executive Director. This section will also be amended to include new definitions for ALJ or Administrative Law Judge, Hearing examiner or Judge and SOAH-State Office of Administrative Hearings. The amendments to §211.3 eliminates some existing language changing the circumstances of when documents relating to matters before the Commission are considered appropriately filed and received by the executive director or SOAH. The amendments to §211.15 eliminates the language concerning license expiration or deactivation and the setting of a hearing by the commission upon petition by the holder of an expired or deactivated license. The amendments to §211.21 eliminates the option of cash payments being remitted to the commission by a person, agency or other entity. The amendments to §211.22 include additional language concerning the issuance of a document when all requirements had been previously met in instances when the Commission is issuing a duplicate of a document.

Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director of the Commission, has determined that for the first five year period that the new sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for the state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Dr. Dozier also has determined that for each year of the first five years the new sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing this section will be clearer understanding of the terms associated with the definitions being amended. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated increase in economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the amendments to these sections.

Written comments should be submitted to Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education, 6330 U.S. Highway 290 East, Suite 200, Austin, Texas, 78723, or by facsimile to (512) 936-7714.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010 (1), which authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules for the administration of Chapter 415.

The following statute is affected by this proposed amendment: Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010-General Powers.

§211.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Accredited college or university--An institution of higher education that is accredited or authorized by [ its state education department and by either ] the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges [ or a similar regional association ].

(2)

Agency--A law enforcement unit or other entity, whether public or private, authorized by law to appoint at least one license holder governed by the Government Code, Chapter 415, or its predecessor statutes.

(3)

ALJ or Administrative Law Judge--See "Hearings Examiner" defined below.

(4)

Appointed--Elected or commissioned by an agency as a peace officer or reserve or otherwise selected or assigned to a position governed by the Government Code, Chapter 415, without regard to pay or employment status.

(5)

Armed public security officer--A person appointed under the provisions of Chapter 758, 70th Legislature, 1987.

(6)

Chief administrator--The head of an agency, such as a sheriff, constable, chief of police, marshal, director of public safety, etc.

(7)

Commission--The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

(8)

Commissioned--Has been given the legal power to act as a peace officer or reserve, whether elected, employed, or appointed.

(9)

Commissioners--The nine commission members appointed by the governor and, where appropriate, the five ex-officio members.

(10)

Contract Jail-A correctional facility operated by a county, municipality or private vendor operating under a contract with a county or municipality to house inmates convicted of offenses committed against the laws of another state of the United States as provided by Texas Government Code, Chapter 511, §511.092.

(11)

Contract Jailer-A person employed as a jailer or guard of a contract jail under the provisions of Texas Government Code, §511.092, whose job title may be jailer, detention officer, correction officer, correctional officer, or some similar title but the term does not mean a jailer appointed and employed by the sheriff and paid by the county as defined within these rules or the provisions of the Local Government code, §85.005.

(12)

Convicted--Has been adjudged guilty of or has had a judgment of guilt entered in a criminal case that has not been set aside on appeal, regardless of whether:

(A)

the sentence is subsequently probated and the person is discharged from probation;

(B)

the charging instrument is dismissed and the person is released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from the offense;

(C)

the cause has been made the subject of an expunction order; or

(D)

the person is pardoned, unless the pardon is expressly granted for subsequent proof of innocence.

(13)

Executive director--The executive director of the commission or any individual authorized to act on behalf of the executive director.

(14)

Firearms proficiency--Receiving a passing score on a course of fire that meets or exceeds the minimum standards for annual firearms proficiency.

(15)

Hearing examiner or Judge--An administrative law judge appointed by the chief administrative law judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2003, or a person appointed by the executive director to conduct administrative hearings for the commission.

(16)

Jailer--A person appointed as a jailer or guard of county jail under the provisions of the Local Government Code, §85.005, whose job title may be county jailer, county detention officer, county correction officer, county correctional officer, or some similar title but the term does not mean a city, state, federal, or private jailer.

(17)

Law enforcement agency--An organization or entity, whether public or private, authorized by law to appoint at least one peace officer.

(18)

License holder--Any person who holds a current, valid license of any type issued by the commission, whether or not under current appointment.

(19)

Officer--A peace officer or reserve.

(20)

Peace officer--A person elected, employed, or appointed as a peace officer under the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 2.12, under the Education Code, §51.212 or §51.214, or under other law.

(21)

Placed on probation--Has received an unadjudicated or deferred adjudication probation for a criminal offense.

(22)

Reserve--A person appointed as a reserve law enforcement officer under the provisions of the Local Government Code, §85.004 (reserve deputy sheriff), §86.012 (reserve deputy constable), or §341.012 (municipal police reserve).

(23)

SOAH--the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

(24)

Telecommunicator--A dispatcher or other communications specialist appointed under or governed by the provisions of Chapter 147, 70th Legislature, 1987.

§211.3.Filing of Documents.

All petitions, complaints, motions, replies, answers, notices, or other documents relating to any matter before the commission shall be filed with the executive director and shall be deemed filed only when actually received by him or, when appropriate, by SOAH. [ the hearing examiner ]

§211.15.License Action.

(a)

A person whose license the commission proposes to deny, cancel, suspend, or revoke is entitled to preliminary notice from and to a hearing before the commission.[ License expiration or deactivation is automatic. However, the commission may set a hearing upon petition by the holder of an expired or deactivated license for the commission to prove expiration or deactivation. ]

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The effective date of this section is 30 days from date of final publication. [ February 1, 1989. ]

§211.21.Fees and Payment.

(a)

Any fee or payment made to the commission by a person, agency, or other entity [ will be accepted only in the form of a ] shall be remitted by money order, cashier's check, or agency check. [ Cash or personal check may be refused. ] Fees must be submitted with an application, and are non-refundable.

(b)

Application fees for licenses, certificates, [ and ] endorsements and duplicate documents include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

Application for Reactivation of an expired [ a ] Peace Officer License: $100

(2)

Master Peace Officer Certificate Application: $20

(3)

Firearms Instructor Certificate Application: $20

(4)

Application for Reinstatement of Suspended or Expired License: $100

(5)

Application for Endorsement of Eligibility Based on Out-of-State Training or Education: $100

(6)

Duplicate license or certificate: $20

(c)

The commission may charge other reasonable fees as authorized or required by rule or law.

(d)

The effective date of this section is 30 days from date of final publication. [ November 1, 1997. ]

§211.22.Issuance of Duplicate or Documents.

(a)

If an original license, certificate, acknowledgment, or other document was previously issued by the commission, a duplicate of that document may, if the document is current and valid, be issued after:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

payment of a non-refundable $20 [ nonrefundable ] application fee.

(b)

If all requirements for issuance of a document were previously met [ at one time ], the commission may issue the document, without requiring the payment of a fee, regardless of:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(c)

The effective date of this section is 30 days from date of final publication. [ September 1, 1998. ]

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 February 1, 1999.

TRD-9900671

Edward T. Laine

Chief Professional Standards and Administrative Operations

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 14, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7700


37 TAC §211.10

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (Commission) proposes new to Title 37, Texas Administrative Code §211.10 concerning proposals for decision and exceptions or briefs. The new section is being proposed to be in accordance with the State Office of Administrative Hearings requirements concerning contested case hearings. The new section explains the rights of an adversely affected party to file exceptions or briefs in response to a proposal for decision.

Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director of the Commission has determined that for the first five-year period that the new section is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for the state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Dr. Dozier also has determined that for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit will be clearer understanding of the terms associated with contested case hearings. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated increase in economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the new section.

Written comments should be submitted to Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education, 6330 U. S. Highway 290 East, Suite 200, Austin, Texas, 78723, or by facsimile (512) 936-7714.

The new section is proposed under Texas Government Code annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010 which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for the administration of Chapter 415.

The following statutes are affected by the proposed new section: Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010-General Powers.

§211.10.Proposal for Decision and Exceptions or Briefs.

(a)

Following a contested case hearing, the administrative law judge shall prepare a proposal for decision, in accordance with SOAH requirements.

(b)

Unless right of review has been waived, any adversely affected party may, within 20 days after the date of issuance of the proposal for decision, file exceptions or briefs. Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law may also be filed. Replies to exceptions, briefs, or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be filed within 30 days after the issuance of the proposal for decision.

(c)

The effective date of this section is 30 days from date of final publication.

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 February 1, 1999.

TRD-9900673

Edward T. Laine

Chief, Professional Standards and Administrative Operations

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 14, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7700


37 TAC §211.27

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards Education proposes new to Title 37, Texas Administrative Code §211.27 concerning license renewal. The new section is proposed to implement a procedure whereby licenses of persons who fail to obtain legislatively mandated continuing education will automatically expire on the two year anniversary date of licensing.

Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director of the Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period that the new section is in effect, there will be fiscal implications for state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section provided the licensees meet the applicable continuing education requirements set forth in §217.9. Under the terms of this rule, enforcement action will no longer be required to discipline officers who do not meet the continuing education requirements. Instead, licenses will expire automatically. A decrease in costs associated with enforcement actions is anticipated to be approximately $30,000 per year.

Dr. Dozier also has determined that for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit will be greater control and monitoring of the training, education and certification of officers. The anticipated cost to individuals who are required to comply with the new section will be $100 for the application for reactivation of an expired peace officer license if licensee allows his license to expire by not meeting the applicable continuing education requirements set forth in §217.9.

Written comments should be submitted to Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education , 6330 U. S. Highway 290 East, Suite 200, Austin, Texas, 78723, or by facsimile (512) 936-7714.

The new section is proposed under Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010 which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for the administration of Chapter 415.

The following statutes are affected by the proposed new section: Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010-General Powers.

§211.27.License Renewal.

(a)

The commission will automatically renew each license on August 31 of each odd numbered year, beginning two years from the date of licensing, as defined in §211.23(a), of this title, provided the licensee has met the applicable continuing education requirements set forth in §217.9, for the current two year period, and meets all minimum standards for licensing.

(b)

The executive director shall notify in writing each licensee who is not in compliance with the continuing education requirements of the fact that his license will not be renewed at least six months prior to expiration and again when the license expires for failing to meet the requirements. The notice shall be mailed to the licensee and to the licensee's last appointing agency, if any, and the notice shall inform the licensee that the license will expire if the licensee does not meet the continuing education requirements by the expiration date specified in subsection (a) of this section.

(c)

The executive director shall notify each person whose license expires for failure to meet applicable continuing education requirements. The notice shall be mailed to the licensee and to the licensee's last appointing agency, if any. The notice shall inform the licensee of his opportunity to have the license reinstated.

(d)

A person whose license has expired may have the license reinstated by demonstrating compliance with the current continuing education requirements within two years after license expiration. If a license is not reinstated within two years after expiration, then a new license shall not be issued until the applicant meets the requirements of §217.1, including the successful subsequent completion of the applicable licensing examination.

(e)

The time between expiration and reinstatement of a license will not count towards the issuance of proficiency certification or service time.

(f)

The effective date of this section is January 1, 2000.

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 February 1, 1999.

TRD-9900674

Edward T. Laine

Chief, Professional Standards and Administrative Operations

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 14, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7700


Chapter 217. Licensing Requirements

37 TAC §217.9

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (Commission) proposes an amendment to Title 37, Texas Administrative Code §217.9, concerning continuing education for license holders. The amendment is proposed to implement the new license renewal rule concerning the expiration of a persons license and the required continuing education program for peace officers. As part of the required training, officers appointed to their first and subsequent supervisory positions must complete a specified course of training developed by the commission in supervision as part of their required training within 24 months following the date of appointment as a supervisor.

Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director of the Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period that the new section is in effect, there may be fiscal implications. Under the terms of this rule, enforcement action will no longer be required to discipline officers who do meet the continuing education requirements. Instead, licenses will expire automatically. A decrease in costs associated with enforcement actions is anticipated to be approximately $30,000 per year.

Dr. Dozier also has determined that for each year of the first five years the new section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing this section will be greater control and monitoring of the training, education and certification of officers. The anticipated cost to individuals who are required to comply with the new section will be $100 for the application for reactivation of an expired peace officer license.

Written comments should be submitted to Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education, 6330 U. S. Highway 290 East, suite 200, Austin, Texas, 78723, or by facsimile (512) 936-7714.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415 §415.010, which authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules for the administration of Chapter 415, and §415.052 which authorizes the Commission to issue licensees.

The following statute is affected by this proposed amendment: Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010-General Powers.

§217.9.Continuing Education for License Holders.

(a)-(b)

(No change)

(c)

The required continuing education program for peace officers shall consist of 40 hours of training in each 24 month period specified in subsection (a) of this section. The required program as outlined in subsection (b) of this section shall contain no more than 20 hours of curricula and learning objectives. The remaining hours may consist of additional objectives and materials selected or developed by the appointing or employing agency. The additional topic or topics selected by the agency should be consistent with the peace officer's assigned duties. This rule does not limit the number of hours of continuing education an agency may provide to each peace officer, reserve law enforcement officer, county jailer, or public security officer it appoints or employs.

(d)

As part of the 20 hours of required training which must include the curricula and learning objectives developed by the commission:

(1)-(3)

(No change.)

(4)

each peace officer appointed to their first and subsequent supervisory positions must complete a specified course [ the ] of training developed by the commission in supervision as part of the required training within 24 months following the date of appointment as a supervisor.

(e)

(No change.)

(f)

The license of a person who fails to complete the required continuing education program during a 24 month period shall expire pursuant to the provisions of §211.27 of this title. [ The commission may suspend a peace officer's license for failure to complete the required continuing education program at least once every 24 months. ]

(g)

Each person [ peace officer ] who is currently licensed and reported to the commission as appointed or employed by an agency on or before September 1, 1995 shall complete the continuing education program required under this section before September 1, 1997. Any person [ officer ] licensed or appointed after September 1, 1995 shall have 24 calendar months from the date of initial licensing to complete the continuing education program required under this section.

(h)

Subsequent 24 month periods for continuing education shall begin on the last day of the prior period and end 24 months thereafter.

(i)

The effective date of this section is 30 days from date of final publication. [ April 15, 1996. ]

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 February 1, 1999.

TRD-9900672

Edward T. Laine

Chief, Professional Standards and Administrative Operations

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 14, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7700


37 TAC §217.11

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (Commission) proposes new to Title 37, Texas Administrative Code, §217.11 Concerning Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements. The new section is being proposed to implement procedures that are to be applied in instances when a licensee requests a waiver of the continuing education requirements due to mitigating circumstances which justify the licensee's failure to obtain the required education. This section also explains the rights of a licensee if his/her request for a waiver is denied.

Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director of the Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period that the new section is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Dr. Dozier also has determined that for each year of the first five-years the new section is in effect, the public benefit will be greater control and monitoring of the training and education of officers. There is no anticipated increase in economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the new section.

Written comments should be submitted to Dr. D.C. Jim Dozier, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education, 6330 U. S. Highway 290 East, Suite 200, Austin, Texas, 78723, or by facsimile (512) 936-7714.

The new section is proposed under Texas Government Code annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010(1) which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for the administration of Chapter 415.

The following statutes are affected by the proposed new section: Texas Government Code Annotated, Chapter 415, §415.010-General Powers.

§217.11.Waiver of Continuing Education Requirements.

(a)

The executive director may waive the continuing education requirements for a licensee, described in §217.9 of this title, if the licensee demonstrates the existence of mitigating circumstances justifying the licensee's failure to obtain the required continuing education.

(b)

Mitigating circumstances are defined as:

(1)

catastrophic illness or injury that prevents the licensee from performing active duty for longer than 12 months; or

(2)

active duty with the armed forces of the United States, or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States for a time period in excess of 12 months.

(c)

A request for a waiver of the continuing education requirements under this section shall be in writing, accompanied by verifying documentation, and shall be submitted to the executive director with a copy to the chief administrator of the licensee's appointing agency not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the license.

(d)

Within 30 days of receiving a request for a waiver under this section, the executive director shall notify the licensee and the chief administrator of the licensee's appointing agency, whether the request has been granted or denied.

(e)

A licensee whose request for a waiver under this section is denied, is entitled to a hearing in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2001. In a hearing pursuant to this subsection, the licensee is the petitioner and the executive director is the respondent. The burden of proof shall be on the licensee to show why he is entitled to a waiver of the continuing education requirement.

(f)

The effective date of this section is January 1, 2000.

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 February 1, 1999.

TRD-9900675

Edward T. Laine

Chief, Professional Standards and Administrative Operations

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 14, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 936-7700