TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 13. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Subchapter E. PRECURSORS AND APPARATUS

37 TAC §13.116

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts an amendment to §13.116, concerning Immediate Precursor List, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 3, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 11308).

The amendment to §13.116 is necessary in order to add Lithium metal removed from a battery and immersed in kerosene, mineral spirits, or similar liquid that prevents or retards hydration to the list of substances that are designated by the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety to be "immediate precursors."

The clandestine production of Methamphetamine is at an all time high in the state of Texas. Two main reaction methods are used to produce it.

One method involves the use of Ephedrine or Pseudo-ephedrine tablets, adding anhydrous Ammonia, and using Lithium as a catalyst. This reaction method is the most common method used in the northern half of the state. The persons using this method of Methamphetamine production obtain Lithium from alkaline batteries, which are readily available in every grocery, convenience, and hardware store. They have to pry open the battery to remove the Lithium, and once removed, they have to immerse it in a liquid like kerosene to prevent it from reacting with moisture in the air.

Health and Safety Code, §481.124(b) already states: For purposes of this section, an intent to unlawfully manufacture the controlled substance methamphetamine is presumed if the actor possesses or transports:.(2) lithium metal removed from a battery and immersed in kerosene, mineral spirits, or similar liquid that prevents or retards hydration;.

To help prosecutors prove that the possessor or transporter of this Lithium is committing an offense, the Lithium must be named as a chemical precursor.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481, including §481.003, which authorizes the director to adopt rules to administer the chapter, and §481.077(b), which authorizes the director to designate a substance to be an immediate precursor by rule.

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 27, 2005.

TRD-200500376

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: February 16, 2005

Proposal publication date: December 3, 2004

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


Part 3. TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION

Chapter 87. TREATMENT

Subchapter B. SPECIAL NEEDS OFFENDER PROGRAMS

37 TAC §87.81

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) adopts the repeal of §87.81, concerning Special Needs Offender Program, without changes to the proposal as published in the December 10, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 11461).

The justification for the repeal is to allow for publication regarding youth who have engaged in certain high-risk behavior.

The repeal will eliminate duplicate information regarding disciplinary consequence and treatment interventions in a highly secure and structured environment for youth who have engaged in certain high-risk behaviors.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the repeal.

The repeal is adopted under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the Texas Youth Commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its function.

The adopted rule implements the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

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 26, 2005.

TRD-200500373

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Effective date: February 15, 2005

Proposal publication date: December 10, 2004

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


Part 6. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Chapter 151. GENERAL PROVISIONS

37 TAC §151.4

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice adopts the amendment to §151.4, concerning Public Testimony and Comments to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice without changes to the text as proposed in the December 24, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 11942).

The purpose of the amendments are to rename the Rule title and clarify procedures for presenting public testimony on agenda items versus presenting public comment on topics under the jurisdiction of the Board.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §492.013, §492.007and Chapter 551, The Open Meetings Act.

Cross Reference to Statutes: Texas Government Code, §492.013, §492.007 and Chapter 551, The Open Meetings Act.

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 28, 2005.

TRD-200500413

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Effective date: February 17, 2005

Proposal publication date: December 24, 2004

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


Chapter 152. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS DIVISION

Subchapter D. OTHER RULES

37 TAC §152.71

The Texas Board of Criminal Justice adopts new §152.71, concerning Acceptance of Gifts and Grants Related to Buildings for Religious and Programmatic Purposes without changes to the text as proposed in the December 17, 2004, issue of the Texas Register (29 TexReg 11563). The purpose of the new rule is to clarify procedures and language relating to gifts and grants.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the new rule.

The new rule is adopted under Texas Government Code, §492.013(f), and §501.009.

Cross Reference to Statutes: Texas Government Code, §492.013(f), and §501.009.

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 28, 2005.

TRD-200500412

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Effective date: February 17, 2005

Proposal publication date: December 17, 2004

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