TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 7. DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Subchapter B. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND PREPLANNING REQUIREMENTS

37 TAC §7.12, §7.13

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §7.12 and §7.13, concerning Emergency Management Planning and Preplanning Requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 911).

Amendment to §7.12 is necessary in order to require each local and interjurisdictional emergency management agency to submit to the Division of Emergency Management a copy of their local plan so that planning status may be tracked. Amendment to §7.13 is necessary because the Division of Emergency Management also administers a variety of grants from sources other than the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

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 departments work and Texas Government Code, §418.042, which requires the division of emergency management to prepare and keep current a comprehensive state emergency management plan.

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 May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303299

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


Subchapter C. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

37 TAC §7.27

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §7.27, concerning Emergency Management Operations, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 911).

Amendments to the section are necessary in order to change the title to make it descriptive of content and also recognize the Governor's authority to recommend protective action for 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 Government Code, §418.042, which requires the division of emergency management to prepare and keep current a comprehensive state emergency management plan.

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 May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303298

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


Chapter 18. DRIVER EDUCATION

Subchapter A. DRIVER TRAINING SCHOOL TESTING AND ISSUANCE OF INSTRUCTION PERMITS

37 TAC §18.1

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §18.1, concerning Driver Training School Testing and Issuance of Instruction Permits, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 912) and will not be republished.

Amendments to the section are necessary in order to clarify the definition of the term "instructor" in the parent taught driver education program, to allow for military personnel and their spouses to be eligible to provide driver training to their children without holding a Texas driver license, and to add for the definition of the term "Texas Driver Education Certificate."

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

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

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303300

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


Subchapter B. PARENT TAUGHT DRIVER EDUCATION

37 TAC §§18.21 - 18.25

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §18.21, §18.22, and new §§18.23-18.25 concerning Parent Taught Driver Education. Section 18.21 and §§18.23-18.25 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 913) and will not be republished. Section 18.22 is adopted with changes and will be republished.

Amendments to the rules regarding the Parent-Taught Driver Education Program are necessary to align the department's program with the recent revisions to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) driver education requirements. With these amendments, the department has also addressed the changes to licensing individuals under 18 years of age brought about by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System implemented in January of 2002. Further, the department has reorganized and renumbered the rules in order to make them more understandable and easier to utilize by the general public.

Information was added to the instructions for obtaining the Parent-Taught materials to benefit those individuals considering initiating the program. Issues have been raised by parents who obtain the packet and begin instruction then are later denied credit due to ineligibility to teach the program. By adding to the rule that the department will not check the instructor's qualifications at the time of application to the program, the department seeks to eliminate some confusion and complaints. Information is also given to explain how and if portions of the instruction can be transferred, again in an attempt to provide information prior to submitting the application for the program.

Changes have been made to the classroom training subsection to address the department's change to a new module type instruction plan. This is in response to changes in course requirements by the Texas Education Agency that certifies all driver education courses. Additionally, TEA has developed a driver education program that can be obtained on their web site eliminating the need for a driver education textbook; therefore this requirement is removed from the rule.

A new §18.23 was created for the information regarding the application for the instruction permit. The information is currently part of the classroom training, but the department feels this information is substantial enough to warrant an individual section.

§18.24, Behind the Wheel Instruction has been renumbered to accommodate the new section created for the instruction permit.

New §18.25 provides information on obtaining the provisional license. The department feels that by creating a new section the information is more readily accessible by the public. The new section further addresses the new GDL requirements.

Written comments were received regarding the adoption of these amendments from Patrick L. Barrett, President, Driver Ed in a Box, LLC.

Pursuant to the comments received, the department has amended rule 18.22(b) to reflect the current TEA standard of 640 minutes of video.

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

Comment: Why must a parent purchase course 101?

Response: The department processes all requests for the parent taught driver education program by providing the parent taught packet. The packet includes all necessary forms, general information about the driver license application process, contact information regarding approved courses, and the core curriculum. The core curriculum establishes the minimum course requirements for this program. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: The statute does not require the department to provide a course curriculum - only to establish the standards.

Response: Transportation Code, §521.205 requires the department to provide for the approval of a driver education course materials that are at least equal to those approved by the Texas Education Agency. The statute does not prohibit the department from providing materials that meet this requirement. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: The department will incur additional costs at the local driver license offices to review material utilized under the department's 101 course.

Response: The proposed amendment requires the parent/instructor to present a written instructional outline or other satisfactory evidence that the TEA Instructional Modules were used for student instruction. This process is required of a parent who chooses not to purchase one of the commercial programs. The requirement allows the department employee an opportunity to determine if all elements of the TEA module curriculum were included during it the instruction. The department provides a tracking sheet is provided with the packet to help the instructor keep records of all instruction hours and topics. The department employee will be responsible for final review of the core requirements. The department will continue to utilize the instructor certification by which the instructor certifies that all requirements have been met. The department does not expect to incur additional costs associated with this review. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: Parents using course 101 are able to select their own materials. How does the department determine if the materials selected by the parents are approved?

Response: There is no statutory provision prohibition against the use of additional resource materials, regardless of which driver education program is selected by the parent. If the parent chooses to utilize course 101, they are provided the core TEA curriculum. The decision to use supplemental material is up to the instructor and the department is not required to review these additional materials. If the parent chooses to supplement the training with additional reference material, it is the parent's responsibility to ensure that the information is current.

The standard is different, however, for commercial course providers who wish to participate in the program. The course provider must have all materials included in their program approved by the department. This requirement is necessary to ensure that information an outside entity is selling to the participants meets the minimum standards of the program. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: The department should alter the packet and drop course 101 from the contents and bypass the registration process.

Response: The department does not currently have plans to eliminate course 101. However, the department, by utilizing the new TEA module instructional guide, will be offering a new course 101 upon implementation of these rules. We will continue to review the new program for further improvements.

The department also plans to continue following the procedures associated with the current application process. Providing the approved course and the driver education certificate, DE-964, is not a workable alternative. The DE- 964 is utilized to provide the original driving permit. This form must be submitted with other required documentation, such as identification documents and verification of the social security number. The parent, as the instructor, is required to sign the certification and provide the necessary documentation. It is the department's opinion that tracking and maintaining the DE-964 in the appropriate driver license office is the most effective option for managing the parent taught program. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: The department is imposing more restrictive guidelines involving the use of videos for instruction.

Response: The department recognizes the validity of this comment and is amending rule 18.22(b) to reflect the current TEA standard of 640 minutes of video.

Comment: In rule 18.23, regarding the application for the instruction permit, only course 101 is mentioned.

Response: Course 101 is mentioned due to the requirement for the instructor to provide additional information regarding the lesson plan and curriculum. This is not required of the applicants who utilized one of the commercial instruction outlines. For courses 102 and 103, the department has previously reviewed the course materials and lesson plans and has determined that the required elements are addressed. An instructor utilizing course 101 must provide information to establish that instruction has been provided on all required elements have been instructed. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: The department requires satisfactory evidence that the TEA instructional outlines or instructional modules were used for student instruction. What is "satisfactory evidence?"

Response: The instructor must provide thorough documentation that the instructional outlines or modules were used for student instruction. The department chose the general "satisfactory evidence" language to eliminate the need to have an exhaustive list of alternatives. Under this language, the instructor can provide lesson plans, course outlines, checklists, or other documented documentation evidence. To be considered satisfactory, the documentation must show that all required elements were taught. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comment: Rule 18.23(10), other information as required by the department, is very open-ended and broad.

Response: In this rule, the department is providing information on the application for the instruction permit. Subsection (b)(10) relates to other rules and statutes that affect the license application, such as identification and social security number requirements. As requirements change, the department must place additional conditions on the applicant for an instruction permit. This subsection allows us to provide helpful information in this rule without restricting our ability to adapt to other statutory and rule requirement changes. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

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

§18.22.Classroom Training.

(a) After obtaining all necessary materials, the 32 hours of classroom instruction required in the classroom phase of a driver training program may be taught either as an entire block prior to any portion of the laboratory phase or concurrently with the laboratory phase. If taught as part of the Concurrent Program, the student must complete the first six hours of the classroom instruction as required under §18.31 of this title (relating to Requirements for Approval of Course) prior to the instruction of any of the laboratory phase of the Driver Education Course, and prior to the issuance of an instruction permit.

(b) There are no requirements that the location used as a classroom have any particular characteristics or equipment. It is recommended that the location be comfortable and the atmosphere be conducive to the learning experience. No more than 640 minutes of the required 32 clock hours of classroom instruction may be film or videotape. More may be used but may not be counted as part of the 32 clock hours.

(c) Texas law provides that an applicant must be at least 14 years of age to be eligible to take the classroom phase of a driver training course. A driver training course will not be approved by the department if any portion of either the classroom phase or the laboratory phase was provided to an applicant younger than 14 years of age. The student must be at least 15 years of age to be eligible for an instruction permit and must have the permit before taking any part of the laboratory phase of the course.

(d) The department approved course should be taught in sequential order. It is recommended that, if the Concurrent Program is used, the behind-the-wheel classes coincide with the related classroom instruction.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303301

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


37 TAC §18.23, §18.24

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §18.23 and §18.24, concerning Parent Taught Driver Education, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 916).

Repeal of the rules is necessary due to the reorganization of all rules regarding the Parent Taught Program. Section 18.23 is repealed and renumbered and §18.24 is repealed and placed in §18.1 regarding definitions.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeals.

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

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303304

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


Subchapter C. DEPARTMENT APPROVED DRIVER EDUCATION COURSES

37 TAC §§18.31 - 18.33

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to §18.31 and §18.32, and new §18.33, concerning Parent Taught Driver Education. Section 18.31 is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 916). Amendments to §18.32 and new §18.33 are adopted with changes and will be republished.

Amendments to the rules regarding the Parent-Taught Driver Education Program are necessary to align the department's program with the recent revisions to the Texas Education Agency driver education requirements. With these amendments, the department has also addressed the changes to licensing individuals under 18 years of age brought about by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System implemented in January of 2002. Further, the department has reorganized and renumbered the rules in order to make them more understandable and easier to utilize by the general public.

The department provides the new course requirements for the department's Parent-Taught program. This new program adopts by reference the driver education course approved and utilized by the Texas Education Agency.

Changes are made to the process of approval for courses utilized in the Parent-Taught program. The changes regard how and when information will be updated in the packet provided to all applicants. The changes also address the department's authority to require a previously approved course to resubmit information for reapproval if needed due to changes in state law, TEA requirements or administrative rules. Guidelines are established to give the entity time to address the issues and submit information to the department for reapproval. Failure to submit the requested information will result in the cancellation of the course approval.

The department provides information regarding when cancellation of approval will be authorized. Currently the statute requires the courses to be approved by the department. Through this requirement the department has statutory authority to provide approval; therefore, it also has authority to cancel that approval. New §18.33 states the reason for which the department will cancel approval.

Written comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments and new section from Patrick L. Barrett, President, Driver Ed in a Box, LLC.

Pursuant to the comments received, the department has amended §18.32(d) by replacing the word "subsequent" with "substantive." The department is also amending §18.33 by allowing the course provider the opportunity to address and correct issues prior to cancellation.

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

Comment: Does §18.32(d) allow for minor changes in course materials without pre-approval?

Response: In an attempt to stay fully apprised of the information being offered by and under the approved courses, the department feels it is necessary that changes to the curriculum or materials be submitted for review and approval. However, the department agrees that minor changes that do not effect the substantive text or curriculum requirements do not require pre-approval. Therefore, the department is amending the rule to use the term "substantive" instead of " subsequent" changes.

Comment: The department should set a specific time period for the review of course materials. A period of ten days would be preferred.

Response: The department is unable to provide one specific time period which would encompass and has chosen to provide that the department will review process as a whole. A period of ten days, as suggested by the comment, although not sufficient to review an entire course curriculum, would be adequate to review a minor change. A "in a timely review" fashion. The time ensures that proposed changes are reviewed effectively and efficiently, without the need for establishing narrow time constraints. No changes were made as a result of this comment.

Comments: The provisions of §18.33 that allow the department to cancel course approval do not allow for due process.

Response: The department feels it is necessary to maintain the authority to withdraw approval if it determines that required TEA standards are not met or additional information is provided in an approved course curriculum that was not included in the initial review process. However, it will certainly be in the best interest of the program to allow the course provider the opportunity to respond and make any needed changes prior to a final determination. Therefore, the department has amended the rule to reflect this change.

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

§18.32.Submission of Course for Departmental Approval.

(a) Entities desiring to have courses evaluated for department approval must submit their complete course curriculum and copies of all materials to: License Issuance Bureau Texas Department of Public Safety, Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78772-0316, Attention: Parent Taught Driver Education Section.

(b) The curriculum and all materials will be evaluated. If it substantially meets or exceeds the minimum standards set out in §18.31 of this title (relating to Requirements for Approval of Course) the course will be approved. The course name and address for ordering materials will be added to the approved list, included in the Parent Taught Driver Education Packet. New course information will be included in the next printing of the Parent Taught Driver Education Packet, which will occur upon the depletion of the current stock of packets.

(c) A written request is required to change any information included in the Parent Taught Packet that concerns an approved course. This would include changes to contact information, changes in the company name or changes to the course title. Any changes will occur only upon the deletion of the current stock of packets.

(d) Notification of approval or disapproval will be sent to the entity. In cases of disapproval, deficiencies will be noted. Any substantive change in the course curriculum or materials will require submission for approval as stated in subsection (a) of this section.

(e) Submitted materials will be retained in the department files.

(f) The department has the authority to require a course to be reapproved due to changes in the TEA driver education curriculum requirements, state law, or administrative rules. The department will notify the entity when reapproval is required. The entity will have 180 days from the date of notification to submit the information requested for the reapproval. Failure to adequately respond within the required time will result in the cancellation of the course approval. The department will review the course material provided and make a determination as to adoption in a timely manner.

§18.33.Cancellation of Department Approval.

(a) A DPS approved Parent Taught Driver Education Course may have its approval cancelled upon a finding:

(1) that the course does not meet the standards required under §18.31 of this title (relating to Requirements for Approval of Course);

(2) the materials used were not approved by the department; or

(3) after notice, the program has not been reapproved as required by §18.32(f) of this title (relating to Submission of Course for Departmental Approval).

(b) Prior to cancellation, the department will allow the course provider the opportunity to address deficiencies in the curriculum and remove the non-approved material.

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 May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303302

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


37 TAC §18.33

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of §18.33, concerning Department Approved Driver Education Courses, without changes to the proposal text as published in the January 31, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 917).

Repeal of the rule is necessary due to the lack of statutory authority to establish an appeal process for decisions regarding the Parent Taught Program.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeal.

The repeal 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, §521.005.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 29, 2003.

TRD-200303303

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: June 18, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 31, 2003

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


Part 13. TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION

Chapter 421. STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION

37 TAC §421.3, §421.9

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §421.3, concerning minimum standards set by the commission, and §421.9, concerning designation of fire protection duties, in Chapter 421, entitled Standards for Certification. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the March 21, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 2474) and will not be republished.

The amendments make grammatical corrections and remove references to Notice of Employment and Change of Discipline forms.

There were no comments received on the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to propose rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022, which requires reports, and §419.032 and §419.0321, which defines the appointment of fire protection personnel and part-time fire protection employees.

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 May 28, 2003.

TRD-200303265

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: June 17, 2003

Proposal publication date: March 21, 2003

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


Chapter 437. FEES

37 TAC §437.17, §437.19

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §437.17, concerning records review fees, and §437.19, concerning late filing penalty, in Chapter 437, entitled Fees. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the March 21, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 2475) and will not be republished.

The adopted amendments establish procedures for reviewing the training records of paid in-state fire protection personnel and remove the references to Notice of Employment and Change of Discipline forms.

There were no comments received on the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to propose rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.026, which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish and collect fees for certification.

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 May 28, 2003.

TRD-200303264

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: June 17, 2003

Proposal publication date: March 21, 2003

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


Chapter 445. ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTIONS AND PENALTIES

37 TAC §445.1

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts an amendment to §445.1, concerning entity inspections, in Chapter 445, entitled Administrative Inspections and Penalties. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the March 21, 2003 issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 2476) and will not be republished.

The amendment is adopted in conjunction with the repeal of Subchapter B in order to reorganize Chapter 445 to include under the commission's regulatory jurisdiction, inspections of volunteer fire fighters and fire departments that participate in one or more component areas of the voluntary regulation program pursuant to the Texas Government Code, §419.071. As there is no longer a distinction between volunteer fire departments and paid fire departments, dividing the chapter into two subchapters (Subchapter A, entitled "Paid Fire Department Inspections," and Subchapter B, entitled "Volunteer Fire Department Inspections") is now obsolete. As of the effective date of the adopted repeals and amendment, Chapter 445 is no longer divided into any subchapters.

There were no comments received on the proposed amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to propose rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.071, which defines the rules of a voluntary certification program for volunteer fire fighters and fire departments.

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 May 28, 2003.

TRD-200303263

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: June 17, 2003

Proposal publication date: March 21, 2003

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


Chapter 445. ADMINISTRATIVE INSPECTIONS AND PENALTIES

Subchapter B. VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTIONS

37 TAC §§445.201, 445.203, 445.205, 445.207

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts the repeal of §445.201, concerning request for inspection, §445.203, concerning report of inspection, §445.205, concerning administrative penalties, and §445.207, concerning certificate of compliance, in Chapter 445, entitled Administrative Inspections and Penalties. The repeals are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the March 21, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 2476) and will not be republished.

The repeals are adopted in order to reorganize Chapter 445 to include under the commission's regulatory jurisdiction, inspections of volunteer fire fighters and fire departments that participate in one or more component areas of the voluntary regulation program pursuant to the Texas Government Code, §419.071. As there is no longer a distinction between volunteer fire departments and paid fire departments, dividing the chapter into two subchapters (Subchapter A, entitled "Paid Fire Department Inspections," and Subchapter B, entitled "Volunteer Fire Department Inspections") is now obsolete. As of the effective date of the adopted repeals and amendment, Chapter 445 is no longer divided into any subchapters.

There were no comments received on the proposed repeals.

The repeals adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to propose rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.071, which defines the rules of a voluntary certification program for volunteer fire fighters and fire departments.

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 May 28, 2003.

TRD-200303262

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: June 17, 2003

Proposal publication date: March 21, 2003

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


Chapter 449. HEAD OF A FIRE DEPARTMENT

37 TAC §§449.1, 449.3, 449.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §449.1, concerning minimum standards for the head of a fire department, §449.3, concerning minimum standards for certification as head of a suppression fire department, §449.5, concerning minimum standards for certification as head of a prevention only department, in Chapter 449, entitled Head of a Fire Department. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the March 21, 2003 issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 2477) and will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted to clarify certification and experience requirements of an individual who is appointed as head of a suppression fire department and an individual who is appointed as head of a prevention only fire department.

There were no comments received on the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with authority to propose rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.032(f), which defines the appointment of fire protection personnel to the position of head of a fire department.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 28, 2003.

TRD-200303261

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: June 17, 2003

Proposal publication date: March 21, 2003

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