TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 13. TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION

Chapter 421. STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION

37 TAC §421.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts an amendment to §421.5, concerning definitions, in Chapter 421, entitled Standards for Certification. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8003), and will not be republished. The purpose of the amendment is to bring definitions concerning instructors into alignment with new Chapter 425, recently adopted to be effective March 1, 2006.

The amendment: 1) deletes the existing definition for "Coordinator" and renames the designation of "Training Officer" to "Chief Training Officer" to clarify that this is the title that the commission will recognize as the individual responsible for coordinating the activities of a training facility; 2) modifies the definition of "Lead Instructor" to clarify that this is the title that the commission will recognize as the individual qualified as an instructor to deliver fire protection training; 3) adds a definition for "Non-Self-Serving Affidavit"; 4) in the definition for "Years of Experience," adds to the requirements for fire instructor courses only, the following options: holding certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) and documentation of at least three years of experience as a volunteer in the fire service; and deletes obsolete documentation requirements for members of volunteer fire service organizations from another jurisdiction.

The TCFP has determined the amendment to be in compliance with Texas Government Code, §419.022(b) and §419.026(a).

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed amendment.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and Texas Government Code, §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to the issue or revoke certification for a training facility or fire protection personnel instructors.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601471

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 423. FIRE SUPPRESSION

Subchapter A. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR STRUCTURE FIRE PROTECTION PERSONNEL CERTIFICATION

37 TAC §423.1, §423.13

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §423.1 and §423.13, concerning minimum standards for structure fire protection personnel and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) seals, in Chapter 423, entitled Fire Suppression. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8005) and will not be republished.

The purpose of the amendments is to update obsolete information. The amendments reflect a state agency name change from "The Texas Department of Health" to "State Department of Health Services."

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601472

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 427. TRAINING FACILITY CERTIFICATION

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §§427.1, 427.19, 427.201, and 427.209; the repeal of §427.17 and §427.207, and new §§427.301, 427.303, 427.305, and 427.307 concerning certification requirements for on-site and distance training providers and training programs, in Chapter 427, entitled Training Facility Certification. The amendment to §427.201 and new §427.301 and §427.303 are adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8006). The amendments to §§427.1, 427.19, and 427.209; the repeal of §427.17 and §427.207, and new §427.305 and §427.307 are adopted without changes to the proposed text and will not be republished. The purpose of the repeals, amendments and new rules is to re-organize the information in the chapter to make it more easily accessible.

The repeal of §427.17 and §427.207 removes rules from existing Subchapter A and Subchapter B, which deal with certification requirements for training facilities, and re-organizes some of the information in new Subchapter C, which deals exclusively with training program requirements.

The amendments to §427.1, Minimum Standards for Certified Training Facilities for Fire Protection Personnel delete the word "qualified" in front of "instructor" in subsection (c), to reflect that the term "qualified instructor" is being deleted in an adopted amendment to §441.3, published concurrently in this issue of the Texas Register and change from 24 hours to three business days the time period within which any deviation in the approved course schedule or content must be reported to the commission.

The amendment to §427.201, Minimum Standards for Distance Training Provider, changes from 24 hours to three business days the time period within which any deviation in the approved course schedule or content must be reported to the commission. The change from the proposed text is a re-wording of subsection (d)(2), making explicit the types of examinations for which a training provider is required to submit a testing schedule to the commission.

The amendments to §427.19, General Information, and §427.209, General Information, delete ambiguous language regarding supervision of trainees transported to an emergency scene; and remove a reference to "qualified instructors" to reflect that this term is being deleted in an adopted amendment to §441.3, published concurrently in this issue of the Texas Register .

New Subchapter C, Training Programs for On-Site and Distance Training Providers, is comprised of §427.301, General Provisions for Training Programs--On-Site and Distance Training Providers, §427.303, Training Approval Process for On-Site and Distance Training Providers, §427.305, Procedures for Testing Conducted by On-Site and Distance Training Providers, and §427.307, On-Site and Distance Training Provider Staff Requirements.

In adopted §427.301, the change from the proposed text in subsection (c) deletes the words "randomly chosen." In adopted §427.303, the change from the proposed text in subsection (a) adds the words "whether on-site or distance," making explicit that the requirement for a training provider to certify that they have provided the required resources applies to both on-site and distance training providers.

No comments were received from the public regarding the proposed repeals, new rules, and amendments.

Subchapter A. ON-SITE CERTIFIED TRAINING PROVIDER

37 TAC §427.1, §427.19

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to certify training facilities and training programs, under conditions that the TCFP prescribes.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601473

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


37 TAC §427.17

The repeal is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to certify training facilities and training programs, under conditions that the TCFP prescribes.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601474

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Subchapter B. DISTANCE TRAINING PROVIDER

37 TAC §427.201, §427.209

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to certify training facilities and training programs, under conditions that the TCFP prescribes.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

§427.201.Minimum Standards for Distance Training Provider.

(a) The following definition is applicable to this subchapter only. Approved distance training is defined as fire training where instructors and students are primarily in different locations and content is instructed primarily using the internet or an intranet and courses must contain some level of interactivity. Distance training that serves as nothing more than electronic text is not acceptable. Online courses must provide the opportunity for the student to interact or ask questions via e-mail, chat rooms or some other method of communication Other computer-mediated methods of instruction may be used to enhance instruction; however, the primary delivery method must be through the internet or an intranet.

(b) A distance training provider must seek certification as a training facility in each discipline it intends to instruct.

(c) In order to become a commission approved distance training provider; the provider must submit a completed commission training facility application with supporting documentation and fee. Such application will include descriptions and addresses of where the distance training provider will have their course delivery and materials. A distance training provider must provide documentation of its ability to meet all minimum requirements for each discipline for which it seeks certification. The documentation must also identify how students and instructors will access resources as identified in the curriculum.

(d) All training for certification must be submitted to the commission for approval at least 20 days prior to the proposed starting date of the training. Approved courses are subject to audit by commission staff any time during the approved schedule. Any deviation in the approved course schedule or content must be reported to the commission within three business days of the deviation. The academy coordinator will:

(1) attest to the fact that the training meets the competencies in the applicable Commission Curriculum and/or NFPA Standards;

(2) submit a testing schedule for all academy periodic, final, or skills examinations as required in §427.305 of this title; and

(3) notify the Commission of any changes in instructor staff and/or field examiners.

(e) A distance training provider that applies for certification as a training facility in a discipline that includes skills training shall comply with Subchapter A of this chapter concerning minimum standards, facilities, apparatus, protective clothing, equipment, and live fire training utilized to teach and test the required skills.

(f) A distance training provider certified for the first time by the commission will receive, at no charge, one Commission Certification Curriculum and Standards Manual on CD to be utilized by the certified distance training provider-s instructors. The distance training provider is responsible for ensuring that all subjects are taught as required by the curricula. Additional CD copies may be purchased from the commission or downloaded from the agency web site. Distance training providers that renew their certification will receive appropriate updates at no charge.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601476

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


37 TAC §427.207

The repeal is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to certify training facilities and training programs, under conditions that the TCFP prescribes.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601475

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Subchapter C. TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ON-SITE AND DISTANCE TRAINING PROVIDERS

37 TAC §§427.301, 427.303, 427.305, 427.307

The new rules are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to certify training facilities and training programs, under conditions that the TCFP prescribes.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

§427.301.General Provisions for Training Programs--On-Site and Distance Training Providers.

(a) Training programs that are intended to satisfy the requirements for fire protection personnel certification for each curriculum must meet the objectives and competencies in that curriculum.

(b) A system for evaluating the comprehension of the trainee, including periodic and comprehensive written tests, is required. If performance skills are part of the applicable curriculum, performance testing shall be done in accordance with §427.305 of this title.

(c) The training facility must maintain records (electronic or paper) of skills testing on each examinee. The records must reflect the results of the evaluation of skills, the dates that the skill evaluations took place, and the names of the field examiners who conducted the evaluations.

§427.303.Training Approval Process for On-Site and Distance Training Providers.

(a) When seeking training approvals, a training provider, whether on-site or distance, shall certify that it has provided the resources described in §427.1(f) of this title.

(b) All training for certification must be approved by the commission. A training provider must submit to the commission a completed Training Prior Approval Form, a schedule of periodic, final, and skills tests, and a class schedule at least 20 days prior to the proposed starting date of the training.

(c) The provider of training will receive from the commission the following documents.

(1) A Notice of Course Approval. This document will serve as notification that the course has been approved by the commission and will contain the approval number assigned by the commission and the course I.D. number.

(2) An Application for Testing Form. See §439.5(b) of this title.

(3) A Certificate of Completion Form. This document must be completed by the training provider and issued to each student when the student has successfully completed the applicable curriculum.

(d) Approved courses are subject to audit by commission staff at any time during the approved schedule. Any deviation in the approved course schedule, content, field examiners, or the substitution of one instructor for another (this does not apply to the addition of an instructor to the roster of instructors already approved by the commission) must be reported to the commission within three business days of the deviation.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601477

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 429. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE INSPECTORS

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §§429.3, 429.11, and 429.211, concerning minimum standards for basic fire inspector certification and International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) seals, in Chapter 429, entitled Minimum Standards for Fire Inspectors. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8009) and will not be republished.

The purpose of the amendments is to update obsolete information and make a grammatical correction. The amendment to §429.3 removes obsolete language pertaining to curriculum requirements for fire inspector certification that were in effect prior to January 1, 2005 and are no longer relevant. The amendments to §429.11 and §429.211 correct the title "Plans Examiner" to "Plan Examiner."

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed amendments.

Subchapter A. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION BASED ON REQUIREMENTS IN EFFECT PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2005

37 TAC §429.3, §429.11

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601478

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Subchapter B. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION

37 TAC §429.211

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601479

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 435. FIRE FIGHTER SAFETY

37 TAC §435.5, §435.21

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts an amendment to §435.5, entitled Commission Recommendations, and new §435.21, entitled Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative, in Chapter 435, entitled Fire Fighter Safety. New §435.21 is adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8011). The amendment to §435.5 is adopted without changes and will not be republished.

The purpose of the proposed amendment and new rule is to endorse the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative established by International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).The IAFF/IAFC initiative recognizes the physical and emotional stresses associated with the job that fire fighters perform and recommends specific actions that would mitigate or lessen the impact of those stresses.

The commission established an ad-hoc committee on Fire Fighter Wellness and Fitness. The committee was charged with reviewing the current state of wellness and fitness of the fire service in Texas. They were to make recommendations to the commission regarding the promulgation of rules concerning the standards for fire fighter physicals, health, safety, and wellness.

The committee sent surveys to more than 600 Texas fire service agencies and received a response from 111 fire departments. Based upon the survey results and other information gathered, the committee made recommendations to the commission concerning possible interventions regarding regulated fire service agencies.

The amendment to §435.5 adds the IAFF/IAFC Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative to the list of resources that the commission recommends employing entities use as a guide. New §435.21, Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative, sets out provisions regarding the initiative, including that employing entities shall assess the wellness and fitness needs of their personnel; that they shall develop, maintain, and make available for commission inspection a standard operating procedure; and that the approach an employing entity takes regarding personnel fitness needs shall be based on the local assessment of resources. The changes in new §435.21 from the proposed text consist of: 1) a clarification that the procedure used to make the assessment of a departments wellness and fitness needs shall also be in writing and available for commission inspection; and 2) the addition of a statement in the rule text that the effective date of the new rule is October 1, 2006.

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed amendment and new rule.

The amendment and new rule are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022(a)(5) are affected by this rulemaking.

§435.21.Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative.

(a) A fire department shall assess the wellness and fitness needs of the personnel in the department. The procedure used to make this assessment shall be written and made available for commission inspection.

(b) A fire department shall develop and maintain a standard operating procedure to address those needs.

(c) The approach to the fitness needs of the department shall be based on the local assessment and local resources.

(d) The standard operating procedure shall be made available to the commission for inspection.

(e) The effective date of this rule is October 1, 2006.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601480

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 439. EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts the repeal of §§439.1, 439.3, 439.5, 439.7, 439.9, 439.11, 439.13, 439.15, 439.17, 439.201, 439.203, and 439.205; and new §§439.1, 439.3, 439.5, 439.7, 439.9, 439.11, 439.13, 439.15, 439.17, 439.19, 439.201, 439.203., 439.205, concerning general requirements and procedures regarding state administered examinations, performance skill evaluations, testing for proof of proficiency, and grading, in Chapter 439, entitled Examinations for Certification. The new rules are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8012) and will not be republished.

The purpose of the adopted repeals and new rules is to re-organize the information in the chapter to make it more easily accessible.

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed repeals and new rules.

Subchapter A. EXAMINATIONS FOR ON-SITE DELIVERY TRAINING

37 TAC §§439.1, 439.3, 439.5, 439.7, 439.9, 439.11, 439.13, 439.15, 439.17

The repeals are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum educational, training, physical, and mental standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601481

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


37 TAC §§439.1, 439.3, 439.5, 439.7, 439.9, 439.11, 439.13, 439.15, 439.17, 439.19

The new rules are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum educational, training, physical, and mental standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601482

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Subchapter B. EXAMINATIONS FOR DISTANCE TRAINING

37 TAC §§439.201, 439.203, 439.205

The repeals are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum educational, training, physical, and mental standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601483

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


37 TAC §§439.201, 439.203, 439.205

The new rules are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum educational, training, physical, and mental standards for appointment as fire protection personnel.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.022 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601484

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 441. CONTINUING EDUCATION

37 TAC §441.3, §441.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §441.3 and §441.5, concerning continuing education definitions and requirements, in Chapter 441, entitled Continuing Education. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8016) and will not be republished. The purpose of the amendments is to update obsolete information.

The amendment to §441.3, Definitions, deletes the definition for "Qualified Instructor." It has been rendered obsolete because the commission's new instructor rules which become effective March 1, 2006 require all fire service instructors to be certified, with the exception of guest instructors who contract with training facilities (individuals with special knowledge, skill, and expertise in a specific subject area and who must teach under the endorsement of the lead instructor).

The amendment to §441.5 deletes references to "qualified instructors" for the same reason as stated in the preceding paragraph of this preamble.

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; Texas Government Code, §419.022(a)(5), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum standards for appointment as fire protection personnel; and §419.028, which provides the TCFP with the authority to certify persons as qualified fire protection personnel instructors under conditions which the TCFP prescribes.

Texas Government Code, §§419.008, 419.022, and 419.028 are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601470

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Chapter 451. FIRE OFFICER

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) adopts amendments to §451.3 and §451.203, concerning minimum standards for Fire Officer I and II certification, in Chapter 451, entitled Fire Officer. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 2, 2005, issue of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8017) and will not be republished.

The purpose of the adopted amendments is to add new requirements for Fire Officer I certification as required in the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard and to reflect changes made to the instructor certification titles in the new instructor rules effective March 1, 2006.

The amendment to §451.3, Minimum Standards for Fire Officer I Certification, adds the requirement that an individual must hold Fire Service Instructor I certification through the commission. The amendment to §451.203, Minimum Standards for Fire Officer II Certification, changes the titles of the required instructor certifications from Intermediate Fire Service Instructor to Fire Service Instructor I; and removes other obsolete instructor certification titles.

No comments were received from the public regarding adoption of the proposed amendments.

Subchapter A. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE OFFICER I

37 TAC §451.3

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.032(b), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum qualifications relating to certification.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.032(b) are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601485

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821


Subchapter B. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE OFFICER II

37 TAC §451.203

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, §419.008, which provides the TCFP with the authority to adopt rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and Texas Government Code, §419.032(b), which provides the TCFP with the authority to establish minimum qualifications relating to certification.

Texas Government Code, §419.008 and §419.032(b) are affected by this rulemaking.

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 7, 2006.

TRD-200601486

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: March 27, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 2, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3821