TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 5. CRIMINAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

Subchapter B. REPORTING PROPERTY CRIMES AGAINST THE ELDERLY

37 TAC §§5.11 - 5.16

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) adopts new Chapter 5, Subchapter B, §§5.11-5.16, concerning Reporting Property Crimes Against the Elderly without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 14, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 7068).

The new sections are necessary due to the passage of Tex. H.B. 195, Acts 2001, 77th Leg., R.S., ch. 789, §1. The new sections promulgate the policies and procedures requiring local law enforcement agencies to submit a copy of their investigation reports where an elderly person is the victim of a property crime.

No formal comments were received by the department through December 31, 2001. However, the department previously solicited informal drafting comments from all local law enforcement agencies as contemplated rule-making before the rules were formally proposed. Written comments were received from the Abilene Police Department and the Beaumont Police Department during the earlier contemplated rule-making stage. Written comments have also been received from numerous law enforcement agencies requesting notification about the contents of the new rules when adopted and requesting a copy of the rules as finally adopted. The department will respond appropriately. The substantive informal comments as well as the department's responses are summarized below.

COMMENT: The proposed rules should only apply to 'mobile or traveling suspects, not every local suspect who acts against a single victim.'

RESPONSE: The law being implemented by the proposed rules (Texas Government Code, §411.051) does not make this distinction. The department is aware of the underlying logic of the comment and will endeavor to avoid the problem of broad or excessive dissemination of information which is of limited, local utility. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: The term 'CLEO' is used in the proposed rule, without reference to what it is or how and whether local law enforcement might gain access.

RESPONSE: Proposed 37 TAC §5.16 (relating to Dissemination) describes CLEO in Subsection (d) as the "Criminal Law Enforcement Online" web site. CLEO is a non- public web site maintained by the Criminal Law Enforcement Division of the department for general law enforcement use. Any law enforcement agency may contact the Special Crimes Service of the department to gain access to this web site. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: The department should provide information to each law enforcement agency about '28 CFR Part 23.1 et seq.' and 'TXGANG,' which are referenced in the proposal.

RESPONSE: Proposed 37 TAC §5.11(2) (relating to Definitions) defines '28 CFR' as a certain federal administrative rule promulgated by the U.S. Department of Justice. 'TXGANG' is a system created and maintained by the department under the authority of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 61 (relating to Compilation of Information Pertaining to Criminal Combinations and Criminal Street Gangs). Any law enforcement agency may contact the Special Crimes Service of the department to obtain information about, or a copy of either 28 CFR or the TXGANG operating polices and procedures. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: The commenting police department does not currently have in place a local process to identify either supplemental offense reports or the final disposition of charges for an elderly crime.

RESPONSE: The law being implemented (Texas Government Code, §411.051) provides in Subsection (c) that a department rule governing the submission of reports by a law enforcement agency concerning elderly crimes ". . . must require submission of the original investigative report and any supplemental investigative report containing new, significant information. (emphasis added)" The rule as proposed meets this statutory requirement by, first, repeating the emphasized statutory language to require an investigating agency to forward: " .a copy of any supplemental investigative report containing new, significant information. "and, then, adding the phrase: ".material to the investigation, including any ultimate charge or disposition." Because resolution of a matter is important knowledge about it, an 'ultimate charge' or 'final disposition' is 'significant' information. However, the proposed rule neither requires an agency to inquire about charge or disposition nor write a supplementary report about charge or disposition. It merely requires that, if a supplementary report about charge or disposition is actually made, it must be identified as such and forwarded to DPS. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: The commenting police department does not currently have in place a process for their local prosecutor to report back to them the 'ultimate charge or disposition' for an elderly crime. Therefore, the proposed rule exceeds the authority of the law being implemented. DPS should also consider a rule requiring all prosecutors to submit to DPS information about the ultimate charge and disposition of an elderly crime.

RESPONSE: The proposed 37 TAC §5.13(b)(2) (relating to Requirements) does not require creation of any report, only the forwarding of certain reports if created. The proposed rule means that, if a local law enforcement agency does not receive information about an ultimate charge or disposition from a prosecutor, then no supplemental report need be prepared or submitted to the department. The department is without rule making power under Texas Government Code, §411.051, to require that a prosecutor report to DPS about an ultimate charge or disposition of an elderly crime. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: Since the law being implemented only applies to an offense in one of two expressly referenced Texas Penal Code chapters, Chapter 31 (theft) and Chapter 32 (fraud), the proposed rules exceed these two chapters by adding the phrase "robbery, burglary, or computer crimes" in 37 TAC §5.11(7)(C) (relating to Definitions).

RESPONSE: The law being implemented (Texas Government Code, §411.051) clearly applies to an offense against the elderly if it is:

(1) an offense under Texas Penal Code, Chapter 31 (theft),

(2) an offense under Texas Penal Code, Chapter 32 (fraud), or

(3) any other offense under the Texas Penal Code involving an intent to steal or defraud.

The proposed 37 TAC §5.11(7) (relating to Definitions) repeats the first two categories and implements the last category by adding ". . . [any Texas Penal Code offense that involves] an intent to steal or defraud, which may include robbery, burglary, or computer crime. . . ." While these three, specific offenses are, of course, not part of the theft or fraud chapters, they may involve an intent to steal or defraud and, if so, they fall within the last category of the law and the rule. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: The term 'CLERIS' is used in the proposed rule, without reference to what it is or how and whether local law enforcement might gain access.

RESPONSE: Proposed 37 TAC §5.14 (relating to Processing and Analysis) describes CLERIS in Subsection (a) as the "Criminal Law Enforcement Report Information System." This is a DPS offense report database for the internal use of departmental personnel. While a member of local law enforcement may, of course, solicit from a member of the department a copy of a specific CLERIS offense report, local agencies do not have routine, direct access to the CLERIS system. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: Proposed 37 TAC §5.16(a)(2) (relating to Dissemination) purports to limit dissemination to local law enforcement agencies by the department "to the extent the information or the analysis is reasonably necessary or useful to the agency . . . in carrying out the duties imposed by law on the agency . . . ." The comment questions who will decide what is 'reasonable' and, implicitly, whether the process will be a one way street, whether after local agencies supply their information to the department, the department will fail or refuse to send out useful information to the local agencies.

RESPONSE: The cited provision is essentially a recapitulation of principles found in 28 CFR Part 23.1 et seq, which limit the dissemination of intelligence information on a 'need to know' and 'right to know' basis. The department will disseminate elderly crime information to local law enforcement in full compliance with the spirit and letter of federal and Texas law and rules. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

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 Government Code, §411.051(c), which authorizes the department to adopt rules prescribing the form, manner and regular intervals for reporting investigations of certain property crimes committed against the elderly.

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 5, 2002.

TRD-200201346

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 25, 2002

Proposal publication date: September 14, 2001

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


Chapter 21. EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE STANDARDS

37 TAC §21.8

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new §21.8, concerning Equipment and Vehicle Standards, without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 2, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 8770).

New §21.8 promulgates the standards, and specifications that apply to the color, size, and mounting position of the flag required to be attached to the rear of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), and is necessary due to the passage of Tex. H.B. 651, Acts 2001, 77th Leg., R.S., ch. 472, §2.

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, §663.037.

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 5, 2002.

TRD-200201349

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 25, 2002

Proposal publication date: November 2, 2001

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


Chapter 23. VEHICLE INSPECTION

Subchapter F. VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION OPERATION

37 TAC §23.73

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §23.73, relating to Inspection Fees, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 4, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 115).

Amendments to the section are necessary in order to implement changes resulting from the passage of Tex. H.B. 2134, Acts 2001, 77th Leg., R.S., ch. 1075, §1, directing the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the Texas Department of Public Safety to adopt procedures to encourage a stable private market for providing emissions testing to the public.

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, §§548.301, 548.501, and 548.505.

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 5, 2002.

TRD-200201347

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 25, 2002

Proposal publication date: January 4, 2002

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


Chapter 28. DNA DATABASE

Subchapter G. RESTRICTED DNA RECORD OF A PERSON RELEASED ON BAIL, CHARGED WITH, PLACED ON COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FOR, OR CONVICTED OF CERTAIN OFFENSES

37 TAC §§28.101 - 28.110

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts new Subchapter G, §§28.101-28.110, concerning Restricted DNA Record Of A Person Released On Bail, Charged With, Placed On Community Supervision For, Or Convicted Of Certain Offenses, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 4, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 117).

Tom Haas, Chief of Finance, revises the additional estimated cost to local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The initial estimated cost was $2.77 per sample. However, the cost of the sample is estimated to be $3.25 in order to include anticipated shipping and handling charges.

The new sections promulgate the policies and procedures of DPS governing approval of an outside laboratory, collection and processing of a specimen, records, and additional specimen collection for these restricted DNA records.

New §28.101 lists the subchapter definitions related to the proposed restricted DNA database; §28.102 describes the purpose and applicability of the proposed sections; §28.103 describes eligible individuals from whom a restricted specimen may be taken; §28.104 describes the date and manner of approval for an outside laboratory; §28.105 describes the collection of a restricted specimen, including discouraged use of restricted specimens for evidentiary purposes, collection kits, training, statutory prohibitions, court-ordered specimens, and criminal history checks; §28.106 describes the processing of a restricted specimen, including processing of the specimen, the restricted DNA database card, forwarding the card, acceptance or rejection of the card, testing fee, and profile entry; §28.107 describes the restricted DNA record, including maintenance, certification, retention period, segregation, and access to the record; §28.108 describes the taking of an additional specimen, including a request from a felony prosecutor, the circumstances when no request is required, and whether or not a profile already exists; §28.109 describes required notifications to the DPS Crime Laboratory Service and making information available after contacting the Crime Laboratory Service; and §28.110 describes contact telephone numbers and addresses of the Crime Laboratory Service.

The new sections are necessary as a result of the passage of Tex. S.B. 638, Acts 2001, 77th Leg., R.S., ch. 1490, §2.

The department received one written comment from the American Civil Liberties Union (of Texas). Following is the department's response thereto:

COMMENT: The American Civil Liberties Union (of Texas) stated that Senate Bill 638 requires (and the rules as proposed do not repeat) that DNA records and samples are 'confidential' and are not 'subject to open records disclosure,' and unlawful disclosures are, variously, a third degree felony, state jail felony, or official misconduct. The rule should address these confidentiality issues, because of the potential for misuse of DNA information. Also, the rules must provide a 'mechanism' to prevent and punish wrongful disclosure.

REPONSE: The department disagrees with the comment. The asserted felonies and official misconduct associated with wrongful disclosure are already expressly stated in the law and need not be restated by rule. However, the department shares with the comment many of the same concerns about potential abuse. Therefore, the department intends to clarify these issues in its "Restricted DNA Procedural Guidelines (LAB-11)" and to cover them expressly in all mandatory training associated with the proposed rules. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

COMMENT: The department received informal inquiries from several law enforcement agencies seeking information about the procedure for purchasing specimen collection kits.

RESPONSE: Law enforcement agencies may purchase kits through the department or purchase the kits directly from manufacturers. The purchase price through the department is $3.25 per kit. The department revises its estimated cost to local governments for administering the rule from $2.77 per sample to $3.25 per sample in order to recover the department's actual costs for providing the samples to local governments. The purchase price includes all shipping and handling charges. An interlocal agreement is posted on the department website at www.txdps.state.tx.us for use by local law enforcement agencies that wish to purchase kits through the department. If law enforcement agencies decide to purchase the kits directly, the agencies should consult with the Crime Lab regarding the technical specifications for the kits. The department did not revise the rules in response to this comment.

The new sections are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.006(4), which authorizes the director to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for the control of the department; Texas Government Code, §411.1471(d), which requires the director to adopt rules requiring a local law enforcement agency that collects a DNA specimen from individuals arrested, indicted, or convicted of certain felonies or misdemeanors under the provisions of that section, to preserve the specimen, maintain a record of its collection, use an approved method of collection, and not collect a blood specimen; Texas Government Code, §411.1472(c), which requires the director to adopt rules requiring a local law enforcement agency that collects a DNA specimen from certain probationers under the provisions of that section, to preserve the specimen, maintain a record of its collection, use an approved method of collection, and not collect blood specimen; and Texas Government Code, §411.1531, which requires the director to adopt rules to segregate records created under §411.1471 or §411.1472 from other DNA records created under Government Code, Chapter 411, subject to certain exceptions.

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 5, 2002.

TRD-200201348

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: March 25, 2002

Proposal publication date: January 4, 2002

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


Part 6. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Chapter 151. GENERAL PROVISIONS

37 TAC §151.52

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice adopts the amended §151.52, concerning the TDCJ Sick Leave Pool without changes to the proposed text as published in the November 30, 2001 issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9763). The purpose of this new section is to provide procedures relating to the operation of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) sick leave pool.

No comments were received on the proposed amendments.

The new section is adopted under Texas Government Code, §492.013, which grants general rulemaking authority to the Board and Texas Government Code, §661.002, which specifically authorizes this section.

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 8, 2002.

TRD-200201445

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Effective date: March 28, 2002

Proposal publication date: November 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-0422


Part 13. TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION

Chapter 435. FIRE FIGHTER SAFETY

37 TAC §§435.1, 435.3, 435.9, 435.11, 435.13, 435.15, 435.17, 435.19

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §435.1 and §435.3 and new §§435.11, 435.13, and 435.15 without changes to the text published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10805). The TCFP adopts new §§435.9, 435.17, and 435.19 with changes to the text published in the same issue.

The adopted amendments and new sections incorporate the amendments to Chapter 419 of the Texas Government Code which were effected by Senate Bill 382 on September 1, 2001.

The adopted amendments to §435.1 and §435.3 establish deadlines by which protective clothing must comply with NFPA 1851 and time frames for inspecting and testing SCBA. New §435.9 outlines an employing entity's duty in regard to providing PASS devices to fire protection personnel. New §§435.11, 435.13, 435.15, 435.17, and 435.19 provide guidelines for fire departments to use in developing written departmental standard procedures and lists timeframes related to Commission investigations.

One comment was received from the Waco Fire Department on protective clothing. The commenter requested the TCFP's interpretation of Texas Government Code, §419.040. The commenter did not suggest changes to the text of the proposed amendments for the TCFP's rule on protective clothing, §435.1. One comment was received from the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department on §435.3. The commenter suggested that consideration be given to the number of times the SCBAs are subject to use, and that it not be mandated that SCBAs be checked daily. It is the position of the TCFP that it is unfeasible to base rules on the number of fires that departments respond to because the fire fighter's safety can be jeopardized if the SCBA is not tested at the beginning of each duty period when the SCBA is assigned to an individual user or in-service apparatus, regardless of the amount of use. Hence, the TCFP is adopting the proposed amendments to §435.3 without changes. One comment was received from the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department regarding new §435.9. The commenter suggested that the procedure for checking PASS devices be the same as for checking SCBA. The TCFP is addressing this concern by adopting new §435.9 with changes to the published text of §435.9(1) to reference "on-duty" personnel instead of "each." One comment was received from the Garland Fire Department on new §435.11. The commenter suggested that language be added to the published text to clarify that the term "incident management system" is interchangeable with "incident command system." The TCFP agrees that the terms are interchangeable. However, TCFP feels "incident management" reflects the current terminology and concepts used in the variety of incidents faced today and is adopting the new §435.11 without changes to the published text. One comment was received from the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department on new §435.15. The commenter expressed concern that smaller fire departments would be unable to meet the requirements of NFPA 1710 in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). The TCFP is adopting new §435.15 without changes to the published text as fire departments are not mandated to meet the requirements of NFPA 1710, but rather NFPA 1710 is available as a guideline for fire departments in developing SOPs. Five comments were received on new §435.17 from representatives of the Garland Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Texas Municipal League, Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, and the Waco Fire Department. The TCFP agrees with a suggestion that it clarify in §435.17(a)(1) that at least four fighters must be assembled prior to an interior attack, and the TCFP has added "at least" to the text. The TCFP disagrees with two suggestions to change the proposed language in new §435.17(b) to extend the exception to the 2-In/2-Out Rule to after a team of four fire protection personnel are assembled. Two comments referred to the use of both of the terms "fire protection personnel" and "fire fighters" and suggested one term be used consistently throughout new §435.17. The TCFP will adopt §435.17 with changes to the published text to replace all references to "fire fighters" with "fire protection personnel." The TCFP received one comment form the Stephenville Fire Department which did not suggest changes to the published text for any proposed changes to Chapter 435, but recorded the response the commenter had received from the Fire Fighter Advisory Committee regarding compliance with specific NFPA standards listed in Chapter 435.

The amendments and new sections are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022, which provides the TCFP with the authority to assist fire departments and fire protection personnel with problems relating to fire-fighting techniques, clothing, and equipment; Texas Government Code, §419.040, which relates to protective clothing; Texas Government Code, §419.041, which relates to self-contained breathing apparatus, Texas Government Code, §419.042 which relates to personal alert safety systems, Texas Government Code, §419.043 which relates to NFPA standards; Texas Government Code, §419.044, which relates to incident management systems; Texas Government Code, §419.045, which relates to personnel accountability systems; Texas Government Code, §419.046, which relates to fire protection personnel operating at emergency incidents; and Texas Government Code, §419.047, which relates to TCFP enforcement.

§435.9.Personal Alert Safety System (PASS).

The employing entity shall:

(1) purchase, provide, and maintain a PASS device for each on duty fire protection personnel who engage in operations where IDLH atmospheres may be encountered, or where the atmosphere is unknown, or where hazardous conditions from fire or other emergencies exist, or where the potential for such exposure exists;

(2) ensure that all PASS devices used by fire protection personnel comply with the minimum standards of the National Fire Protection Association identified in NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS) for Fire Fighters:

(A) the National Fire Protection Association standard applicable to a PASS device is the standard in effect at the time the entity contracts for new, rebuilt, or used PASS devices;

(B) an entity may continue to use a PASS device that meets the requirements of an earlier edition of NFPA 1982, unless the commission determines that the continued use of the PASS device constitutes an undue risk to the wearer, in which case the commission shall order that the use be discontinued and shall set an appropriate date for compliance with the revised standard;

(3) ensure that the PASS device assigned to an individual user be inspected at the beginning of each duty period and before each use.

(4) maintain and provide upon request by the commission, a departmental standard operating procedure regarding the proper use, selection, care and maintenance of PASS devices.

§435.17.Procedures for Interior Structural Fire Fighting (2-In / 2-Out Rule).

(a) The fire department shall develop written procedures that comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Final Rule, 29 CFR Section 1910.134(g)(4) by requiring:

(1) a team of at least four fire protection personnel must be assembled before an interior fire attack can be made when the fire has progressed beyond the incipient stage;

(2) at least two fire protection personnel to enter the IDLH atmosphere and remain in visual or voice (not radio) contact with each other;

(A) Visual means that the fire protection personnel must be close enough to see each other.

(B) Voice means that the fire protection personnel of the entry team must be close enough to speak to one another without the use of radios.

(3) at least two fire protection personnel remain located outside the IDLH atmosphere to perform rescue of the fire protection personnel inside the IDLH atmosphere;

(4) all fire protection personnel engaged in interior structural fire fighting use self-contained breathing apparatus and be clothed in a complete set of protective clothing as identified in Chapter 435;

(5) all fire protection personnel located outside the IDLH atmosphere be equipped with appropriate retrieval equipment where retrieval equipment would contribute to the rescue of the fire protection personnel that have entered the IDLH atmosphere;

(6) one of the outside fire protection personnel must actively monitor the status of the inside fire protection personnel and not be assigned other duties. The second outside fire protection personnel may be assigned to an additional role, including, but not limited to, incident commander, safety officer, driver-operator, command technician or aide, or fire fighter/EMS personnel, so long as this individual is able to perform assistance or rescue activities without jeopardizing the safety or health of any fire protection personnel working at the scene;

(7) the fire protection personnel outside the IDLH atmosphere must remain in communication (including, but not limited to, radio) with the fire protection personnel in the IDLH atmosphere. Use of a signal line (rope) as a communications instrument for interior fire fighting is not permitted by the commission. This does not preclude the use of rescue guide ropes (guide line or lifeline or by what ever name they may be called) used during structural searches; and

(8) each outside fire protection personnel must have a complete set of protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus, as identified in Chapter 435, immediately accessible for use if the need for rescue activities inside the IDLH atmosphere is necessary.

(b) The fire department shall comply with the 2-in/2-out rule as described in this section except in an imminent life-threatening situation when immediate action could prevent the loss of life or serious injury before the team of four fire protection personnel are assembled.

§435.19.Commission Enforcement Of Chapter 435.

(a) The commission shall enforce Chapter 435 at anytime, including, but not limited to, commission investigations, fire department inspections, or upon receiving a written complaint of an alleged infraction of Chapter 435.

(b) Upon receipt of a written complaint alleging a violation of Chapter 435, the commission shall have 30 days to initiate an investigation and report back to the complainant its progress.

(c) Upon substantiating the validity of a written complaint, the commission shall follow the procedures outlined in Government Code, Chapter 419, §419.011(b) and (c).

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 4, 2002.

TRD-200201319

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 24, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4921


Chapter 437. FEES

37 TAC §437.3

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts an amendment to §437.3, concerning certification fees, without changes to the text published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10808).

The result of enforcing the amended section will be that there will be a more efficient use of state resources due to a higher percentage of properly completed applications.

The amendment adds language to provide for a non-refundable application fee for each certification issued by the TCFP. The application fee will apply towards certification if the application is approved.

No comments were received on the proposed amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.026, which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish fees for certifications and examinations; and Texas Government Code, §419.034, which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish standards for certificate renewal.

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 4, 2002.

TRD-200201320

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 24, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 239-4921