TITLE 1.ADMINISTRATION

Part 4. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Chapter 91. TEXAS REGISTER

The Office of the Secretary of State, Texas Register, adopts amendments to §§91.23, 91.61, and 91.65, concerning Texas Register filing procedures and adopts the repeal and new §91.77, concerning how to file graphic material electronically. Sections 91.23, 91.65, and new §91.77 are adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 1999, issue of the Texas Register (24 TexReg 10633). Section 91.61 and the repeal of §91.77 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.

The purpose of the amendments and new section is to establish guidelines on how to submit graphic and tabular material in electronic format. This process will allow the Texas Register to include graphics in the Texas Administrative Code and in the electronic Texas Register in a timely manner.

We received the following comments from the Railroad Commission of Texas.

Comment.

The Railroad Commission noted that subsections (f)-(h) were not accounted for in the proposed amendments to §91.23 and that subsection (b)(6) and (7) and subsections (c)-(g) are not accounted for in §91.65.

Response.

We agree and adopt §91.23 and §91.65 with changes to account for the existing subdivisions.

Comment.

The Railroad Commission commented that it would be helpful to add language to §91.77(c) explaining that leading zeroes may be necessary to complete the graphic file name scheme "aa_bbbb_cccc".

Response.

We agree. The section is adopted with changes to incorporate the suggestion.

Comment.

The Railroad Commission noted that §91.77(g) fails to explain how to label graphics that are part of miscellaneous documents published in the In Addition section of the Texas Register .

Response.

We disagree. We do not feel that graphics included in miscellaneous documents need an internal label since they are published as part of the submitted document and not in the Tables and Graphics section of the Texas Register .

Comment.

The Railroad Commission suggested that language should be added to §91.77(k) explaining that an agency must bracket out a figure label when it is being moved within a rule.

Response.

We disagree with this comment. We do require that an agency resubmit a graphic with its new label when it moves within a rule, but we feel that showing a bracketed figure line at the old location is misleading. If an agency would like to show that a figure is moving in a proposed rule, they can indicate it in the new figure line. For example: Figure: 1 TAC §91.61 (c) [ (a) ]. Otherwise, the graphic label moves with existing text. The entire label should be in brackets only if the graphic is being deleted or replaced.

Comment.

The Railroad Commission asked if Excel files (.xls) will be accepted by the Texas Register.

Response.

While we will accept Excel files for graphic submissions, we are not adding that file type to the list of approved formats in §91.77(d). As we state in §91.77(e), we are requesting that an agency contact us before submitting a file in an electronic format not listed in subsection (d).

Subchapter A. ADMINISTRATIVE

1 TAC §91.23

The amendment is adopted under the Government Code, Chapter 2002, Subchapter B, §2002.017, which provides the Secretary of State with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the code.

§91.23.Structure; Terminology.

(a)

Follow the structure and order outlined in paragraphs (1)-(7) of this subsection when subdividing a rule.

(1)

The highest subdivision within a rule is a "subsection." You need not subdivide below this level.

(A)

When there are two or more subsections, designate them with a lower-cased letter in parenthesis, e.g., (a), (b), etc.

(B)

When there is only one subsection in a section, omit the "(a)." This is referred to as an "implied (a)."

(2)

The rule subdivision below a subsection is called a "paragraph" and is designated by an Arabic number in parenthesis, e.g., (1), (2), etc.

(3)

The rule subdivision below the paragraph is called a "subparagraph" and is designated by an upper-cased letter in parenthesis, e.g., (A), (B), etc.

(4)

The rule subdivision below the subparagraph is called a "clause" and is designated by a lower-cased Roman numeral in parenthesis, e.g., (i), (ii), etc.

(5)

The rule subdivision below the clause is called a "subclause" and is designated by an upper-cased Roman numeral in parenthesis, e.g., (I), (II), etc.

(6)

The rule subdivision below the subclause level is called an "item" and is designated by a lower-cased letter with a dash on both sides in parenthesis, e.g., (-a-), (-b-), etc.

(7)

The rule subdivision below the item is called a "subitem" and is designated by an Arabic numeral with a dash on both sides in parenthesis, e.g., (-1-), (-2-), etc.

(b)

When subdividing a rule, follow a parallel outline format, i.e., no (a) without (b), no (1) without (2), etc., with the exception of the implied (a) described in subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section.

(c)

When proposing to amend an existing rule, you must account for all existing language. Within the rule structure, put new language before obsolete language. Use the codes as described in §91.61(c)(5), (6), and (9) of this title (relating to Electronic Procedures for Filing Rules and Miscellaneous Documents).

Figure: 1 TAC §91.23(c) (No change.)

(d)

When you propose to amend a subdivision within a rule, follow the "No change" policy outlined in paragraphs (1)-(3) of this subsection.

(1)

When you amend only part of an existing rule, we print only the text of the affected subdivisions. Same-level subdivisions are labeled (No change.)

Figure: 1 TAC §91.23(d)(1) (No change.)

(2)

When you amend a subdivision of a rule below the subsection level, show the text of all the higher-level subdivisions which contain the amended subdivision.

Figure: 1 TAC §91.23(d)(2) (No change.)

(3)

When you renumber a subdivision that contains lower-level subdivisions, show the language contained in the lower-level subdivisions for clarification.

Figure: 1 TAC §91.23(d)(3) (No change.)

(e)

When you adopt new and amended rules submit the entire text. Do not use the "No change" designation, with the exception of graphic labels as described in §91.77(l) of this title (relating to Graphics). Submit adopted repealed rules with only the section number and title.

(f)

Do not reserve subdivisions within a rule for future expansion.

(g)

Follow any reference to another section or chapter in the same title with the phrase "of this title (relating to...)" with the title of the section or chapter inserted in the parenthesis. Follow a reference to a different subchapter in the same chapter with the phrase "of this chapter (relating to...)" with the title of the subchapter inserted in the parenthesis. It is not necessary to reference the same section, subchapter, or chapter name twice within a rule.

(h)

Cite any reference to a rule in another title with the title and section number(s) in accordance with §91.25(b) of this title (relating to Form of Citation). For example: 1 TAC §91.21.

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 January 19, 2000.

TRD-200000378

Jeffrey H. Eubank

Assistant Secretary of State

Office of the Secretary of State

Effective date: February 8, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5561


Subchapter B. FILING PROCEDURES

1 TAC §§91.61, 91.65, 91.77

The amendments and new section are adopted under the Government Code, Chapter 2002, Subchapter B, §2002.017, which provides the Secretary of State with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the code.

§91.65.Procedures for Filing Rules.

(a)

Proposed rules. The APA requires an agency to propose rules at least 30 days prior to adoption. When proposing rules, comply with the following procedures.

(1)

Notice of a proposed action follows rulemaking procedures as specified in §91.61 and §91.67 of this title (relating to Electronic Procedures for Filing Rules and Miscellaneous Documents and Rule Submission Preambles).

(2)

Propose only one version of a new rule.

(3)

A rule will have only one pending amendment at a time with the exception of rules containing only definitions.

(b)

Adopted rules. The APA states that a rule takes effect 20 days after the date on which it is filed in the Office of the Secretary of State unless a later date is required by statute, specified in the rule, or required by federal mandate. When adopting rules, comply with the following procedures.

(1)

Notice of an adopted action follows rulemaking procedures as specified in §91.61 and §91.67 of this title.

(2)

When filing a rule adoption, incorporate any formatting changes made by the Texas Register staff to the proposal as published. If you submit the final version of the rules without accounting for these changes, we will reject the submission.

(3)

If you submit the final version of the adopted rules without eliminating old and new language coding, we will reject the submission.

(4)

Submit the text of new and amended rules even when they are adopted without changes and will not be republished in the Texas Register.

(5)

Do not use the "No change" designation in adopted rule submissions, with the exception of graphic labels as described in §91.77(l) of the title (relating to Graphics). If you submit the final version of adopted rules with any level designation as "No change", we will reject the submission.

(6)

The proposed and adopted version of a rule must have the same rule number.

(7)

Do not withdraw an adopted rule.

(c)

Withdrawn rules. When withdrawing rules, comply with the following procedures.

(1)

Withdrawal of proposed rules.

(A)

You may withdraw a proposed rule action prior to its adoption or before the effective date of the automatic withdrawal (see paragraph (2) of this subsection) by submitting a submission form in accordance with §91.63 of this title (relating to Submission Forms).

(B)

The withdrawal takes effect immediately upon filing or on a stated date not later than 20 days after filing. The effective date may not be before the date of filing.

(C)

You may take no further action on a proposal which you have withdrawn; however, this does not preclude a new proposal of an identical or similar rule following rulemaking procedures for proposed rules as specified in subsection (a) of this section.

(2)

Automatic withdrawals.

(A)

We automatically withdraw a proposed rule six months after the date of publication in the Texas Register if the agency neither adopts nor withdraws it.

(B)

We publish the notice of the automatic withdrawal. The effective date of the automatic withdrawal is the day after the last day of the six-month period.

(C)

You may take no further action on the proposal after the expiration of the six-month period; however, this does not preclude a new proposal of an identical or similar rule following rulemaking procedures for proposed rules as specified in subsection (a) of this section.

(d)

Emergency rules.

(1)

Under the APA, §2001.034, you may promulgate emergency rulemaking action on less than 30 days' notice.

(2)

Notice of adoption of emergency action follows rulemaking procedures as specified in §91.61 and §91.67 of this title.

(3)

Emergency rulemaking action does not preclude proposed and final rulemaking action in accordance with the Government Code, Chapters 2001 and 2002.

(4)

Emergency action becomes effective immediately upon filing or on a stated date less than 20 days after filing. The effective date cannot be earlier than the filing date. The APA limits the effectiveness of emergency action to 120 days, renewable for no more than 60 days, for a maximum of 180 days. Calculate the period of effectiveness by counting the effective date as day one. File the renewal notice during the last 20 days of the original period of effectiveness. You may not renew the effective period after the expiration date. The expiration date is the day after the final full calendar day in the count.

(5)

After the original filing of an emergency rule, emergency amendments may be made to the original action as many times as needed during the 180-day period of effectiveness (120 days original period of effectiveness plus 60 days renewal of effectiveness). All such amendments expire on the original expiration date. Do not withdraw an emergency rule and file it a second time in order to extend the 180-day effective period.

(e)

Multiple rule filing. You may file more than one rule number in a submission, if the rules share the same chapter and, if applicable, the same subchapter or division. Do not submit repeals on a submission form containing new or amended rules.

(f)

Invalid rules. You must formally revise or repeal rules rendered invalid by legislation, constitutional amendment, or court decision in accordance with rulemaking procedures in this chapter.

(g)

Rule transfers. If legislation transfers rulemaking authority from one agency to another, the transferring and/or receiving agency requests that we administratively transfer the affected rules. The agency should send a written request to the director of the Texas Register. The written request will cite the legislation that requires this transfer and include a copy of the legislation, the effective date of the transfer, and a conversion chart containing the old and new chapters, subchapters (if applicable), and rule numbers affected by the transfer. We will notify the agencies of the transfer notice publication date.

§91.77.Graphics.

(a)

Graphic material accompanying a rule appears in the Tables and Graphics section of the Texas Register and as part of our on-line publications.

(b)

Submit graphics in electronic format using one of the following methods.

(1)

File transfer protocol (FTP). Submit graphic documents via FTP in binary mode. For the FTP address, login and password, contact us. Each file must contain only one graphic.

(2)

E-mail. Attach graphic files to an e-mail, separate from rule or miscellaneous submissions. More than one graphic file may be attached to an e-mail, but each file must contain only one graphic. The subject line should be the name of the graphic file or files.

(3)

3-1/2 inch diskettes. Submit a diskette containing graphics separately from rule or miscellaneous text files. A diskette may contain more than one graphic file, but each file should contain only one graphic. Label the diskette with the graphic file names and agency name.

(c)

Name rule graphics according to the following formula: aa_bbbb_cccc-1."file extension." In this scheme, aa represents the title number, bbbb represents the chapter number, cccc represents the rule number, and 1 indicates that this is the first graphic file submitted for this rule filing. Example: 01_0091_0001-3.htm indicates this is the third file submitted for Title 1, Chapter 91, rule 1 (1 TAC §91.1) and it is an html file. Add leading zeroes to complete the aa_bbbb_cccc fields, if necessary. Files containing graphic material for miscellaneous documents will be named in accordance to the following: "date of submission"_"Texas Register agency code"-1."file extension." Example: 1019_004-1.pdf indicates it is the first file submitted on October 19 from the Secretary of State and it is an Adobe Acrobat file.

(d)

We accept the following types of graphic files:

(1)

Word documents (.doc extension);

(2)

Word Perfect documents (.wpd extension);

(3)

Hypertext Markup Language (.htm or .html extension);

(4)

image files with the extension .jpg or .gif; and

(5)

Adobe Acrobat files (.pdf extension).

(e)

If you cannot create electronic graphic files or have files in an electronic format other than those listed in subsection (d)(1)-(5) of this section, contact us for assistance.

(f)

Indicate on the submission form the graphic file name and whether the file was submitted by FTP, e-mail, or diskette. For rule graphics, mark whether or not the graphic is new or amended.

(g)

Include in each electronic graphic file a label comprised of the word "Figure," the TAC citation, and the level of the rule that references the graphic. Example: "Figure: 34 TAC §3.334(a)(1)" will appear at the top of the printed or on-line version of the graphic. The rule text must reference the same label at the appropriate level. Label a table or graphic within a preamble with the word "Figure," TAC citation, and the word "preamble." Example: "Figure: 34 TAC Chapter 3 - Preamble."

(h)

Do not refer to the Tables and Graphics section of the Texas Register in rule text. Place graphic labels at the end of the appropriate subdivision and not within the text of the subdivision. The graphic label should not be the only text in a subdivision.

(i)

When proposing a new graphic, submit it in its entirety. When proposing to amend a rule graphic, send only the portion that is being changed. Example: If only two pages of a ten-page graphic are changed, submit only the two changed pages.

(j)

When adopting new or amended rules, submit a complete version of any graphics that were published as part of the proposed rulemaking. Example: If only two pages of a ten-page graphic are changed, submit all ten pages.

(k)

If the body of a graphic is not being amended, but it is moving within a rule, resubmit it with its new label in both the proposed and adopted rule filings.

(l)

If a graphic attached to an amended subdivision is not changed or deleted, mark it as "No change." Example: "Figure: 34 TAC §3.334(a)(1) (No change.)" If a subdivision with a graphic was marked "No change" in the proposed rulemaking, submit the complete text of the adopted rule with its graphic label designated "No change." Since we require adopted rules to be submitted with full text, graphic lines labeled "No change" are the only portions of final rules that you do not submit.

(m)

When proposing to delete a graphic from a rule, bracket the figure label within the rule text. Example: [Figure: 34 TAC §3.334(a)(1)]. Do not submit the deleted graphic with the filing.

(n)

Explain in the preamble changes made to amended graphic material. Do not use the <etb>, [ ], <*>, or *n codes in graphic material. Do not use the "tab" function to create tables and equations in Word or Word Perfect because the tab formatting will be lost in the conversion to html.

(o)

Submit graphics on the same day as the text file that includes the graphic label.

(p)

If we are unable to access a graphic file, if the file does not match the submission form or if the file does not convert to web ready, we will contact the liaison promptly. If time permits us to process the graphic without delaying production of the issue, we will ask the liaison to resubmit the file. If there is not sufficient time, we will reject the submission.

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 January 19, 2000.

TRD-200000379

Jeffrey H. Eubank

Assistant Secretary of State

Office of the Secretary of State

Effective date: February 8, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5561


1 TAC §91.77

The repeal is adopted under the Government Code, Chapter 2002, Subchapter B, §2002.017, which provides the Secretary of State with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the code.

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 January 19, 2000.

TRD-200000380

Jeffrey H. Eubank

Assistant Secretary of State

Office of the Secretary of State

Effective date: February 8, 2000

Proposal publication date: December 3, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 463-5562