TITLE 37. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

PART 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

CHAPTER 1. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

SUBCHAPTER A. OBJECTIVE, MISSION, AND PROGRAM

37 TAC §1.4

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to Chapter 1, Subchapter A, §1.4, concerning Programs under Texas Highway Patrol Division, without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 8, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 2748).

Adoption of amendments to §1.4 is necessary in order to update the rule so that it reflects the revised titles of the division and titles of the various services within the division that were changed during a reorganization.

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, §411.006(4), which authorizes the Director to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for control of the 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 July 24, 2009.

TRD-200903073

Lamar Beckworth

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: August 13, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 8, 2009

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


SUBCHAPTER D. PUBLIC INFORMATION POLICIES

37 TAC §1.58

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to Chapter 1, Subchapter D, §1.58, concerning Release of Information on Crash Victims, without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 8, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 2750).

Adoption of the amendments to §1.58 is necessary in order to update the rule so that it reflects the revised wording of "crash" as it relates to motor vehicle collisions which replaced the terminology "accident" previously used.

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, §411.006(4), which authorizes the Director to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for control of the 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 July 24, 2009.

TRD-200903074

Lamar Beckworth

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: August 13, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 8, 2009

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


SUBCHAPTER I. FEES FOR COPIES OF RECORDS

37 TAC §1.129

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to Chapter 1, Subchapter I, §1.129, concerning Fees for Sale of Motor Vehicle Crash Reports in Highway Patrol Field Offices, without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 8, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 2750).

Adoption of amendments to §1.129 is necessary in order to update the rule so that it reflects the revised wording of "crash" as it relates to motor vehicle collisions which replaced the terminology "accident" previously used.

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, §411.006(4), which authorizes the Director to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for control of the 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 July 24, 2009.

TRD-200903075

Lamar Beckworth

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: August 13, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 8, 2009

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


SUBCHAPTER W. SENATE BILL 1074 VIDEO UNITS

37 TAC §§1.281 - 1.285

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts the repeal of Chapter 1, Subchapter W, §§1.281 - 1.285, concerning Senate Bill 1074 Video Units, without changes to the proposal as published in the May 8, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 2751).

Adoption of repeal of the sections is necessary due to the sections no longer being necessary. This subchapter pertains to the regulation of a contract for video units in 2002 that no longer exists.

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 Government Code, §411.006(4), which authorizes the Director to adopt rules, subject to commission approval, considered necessary for control of the 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 July 24, 2009.

TRD-200903076

Lamar Beckworth

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: August 13, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 8, 2009

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


CHAPTER 14. SCHOOL BUS SAFETY STANDARDS

SUBCHAPTER D. SCHOOL BUS SAFETY STANDARDS

37 TAC §14.52

(Editor's note: In accordance with Texas Government Code, §2002.014, which permits the omission of material which is "cumbersome, expensive, or otherwise inexpedient," the figure in 37 TAC §14.52 is not included in the print version of the Texas Register. The figure is available in the on-line version of the August 7, 2009, issue of the Texas Register.)

The Texas Department of Public Safety adopts amendments to Chapter 14, Subchapter D, §14.52, concerning Texas School Bus Specifications, with changes to the proposed text as published in the May 8, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 2752) and will be republished.

Adoption of amendments to §14.52 is necessary in order to update the rule so that it reflects the 2009 Texas School Bus Specifications as the current publication.

The department accepted comments on the proposed rule through June 8, 2009. One written comment was submitted by Lee Banks representing Rush Bus Centers.

The comment, as well as the department's response thereto, is summarized below:

COMMENT: Regarding §14.52. Language in the 2009 School Bus Specifications document states they will be applicable for 2009 Model School Buses. This statement would make the 2009 Specifications retroactive to buses that have already been sold thus far in 2009 and put into service. My understanding is these specifications are to be effective on buses ordered and/or quoted during the period of time they are in effect regardless of year model.

RESPONSE: The department agrees with the comment and clarifies there is no intent to retroactively apply these specifications for 2009 model school buses purchased before formal adoption of the 2009 Texas School Bus Specifications. The specifications have been changed from "The 2009 Texas School Bus Specifications are effective January 1, 2009 and supersede the 2008 Texas School Bus Specifications" to the new language of "The 2009 Texas School Bus Specifications are effective upon final adoption of the Public Safety Commission." This change is made to the first paragraph of page A-3 of the 2009 Texas School Bus Specifications document.

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; Texas Education Code, §34.002, which authorizes the department to adopt safety standards for school buses; and Texas Transportation Code, §547.102, which authorizes the department to adopt standards and specifications for school bus equipment; and §547.7015, which authorizes the department to adopt rules governing the design, color, lighting, and other equipment, construction, and operation of a school bus for the transportation of schoolchildren.

§14.52.Texas School Bus Specifications.

(a) All school bus chassis and body manufacturers shall certify to the department, in the form of a letter, that all school buses offered for sale to or use by the public school systems in Texas meet or exceed all standards, specifications, and requirements as specified in the department's publication Texas School Bus Specifications. The department hereby adopts the Texas School Bus Specifications for 2009 Model School Buses. Previously published Texas School Bus Specifications remain in effect for earlier model year school buses until the department repeals these publications.

Figure: 37 TAC §14.52(a) (.pdf)

(b) All school bus chassis and body manufacturers shall certify to the department, in the form of a letter, that all multifunction school activity buses offered for sale to or use by the public school systems in Texas meet or exceed all federal standards, specifications, and requirements of a multifunction school activity bus as specified in the Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 571.

(1) A multifunction school activity bus may be painted any color except National School Bus Glossy Yellow.

(2) A multifunction school activity bus cannot be used for home to school or school to home transportation. Before delivery of a multifunction school activity bus, the manufacturer must place a label in the direct line of site of the driver while seated in the driver's seat stating: "This vehicle is not to be used for home to school or school to home transportation."

(c) Any new school bus found out of compliance with the specifications that were in effect in Texas on the date the vehicle was manufactured will be placed out of service by the vehicle's owner until it is brought into compliance with the applicable specifications.

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 July 24, 2009.

TRD-200903077

Lamar Beckworth

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Effective date: August 13, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 8, 2009

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


PART 13. TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION

CHAPTER 421. STANDARDS FOR CERTIFICATION 37 TAC §421.5, §421.17

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts the amendments to Chapter 421, Standards for Certification concerning §421.5, Definitions, and §421.17, Requirement to Maintain Certification. These amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3345) and will not be republished.

These amendments are to acknowledge and accept the State Firemen and Fire Marshals' Association Level II Instructor certification by individuals received on or after June 1, 2008, or Instructor I certification received on or after June 1, 2008. The Commission will credit the time the individual has held the new certification if issued after the effective date, and any individual whose certificate has been expired for one year or longer may not renew the certificate that was previously held. To obtain a new certification, an individual must meet the requirements in §439.1 of this title (relating to Requirements--General).

No comments were received from the public regarding these proposed amendments.

These amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments; §419.021 and §419.035.

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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200902997

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 427. TRAINING FACILITY CERTIFICATION

SUBCHAPTER B. DISTANCE TRAINING PROVIDER

37 TAC §427.201

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts an amendment to Chapter 427, Training Facility Certification, Subchapter B, Distance Training Provider; §427.201, Minimum Standards for Distance Training Provider. This amendment is adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3346) and will be republished.

This amendment is to acknowledge and accept the State Firemen and Fire Marshals' Association Level II Instructor certification by individuals received on or after June 1, 2008, or Instructor I certification received on or after June 1, 2008. The Commission will credit the time the individual has held the new certification if issued after the effective date.

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

These amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulation and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments.

§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 fees. 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) 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.

(e) 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 providers' 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 website. 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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200902998

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


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

37 TAC §427.303, §427.305

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 427, Training Facility Certification; Subchapter C, Training Programs for On-Site and Distance Training Providers; §427.303, Training Approval Process for On-Site and Distance Training Providers; and §427.305, Procedures for Testing Conducted by On-Site and Distance Training Providers. These amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3347) and will not be republished.

These amendments are to specify deviations from the original course approval submitted to the Commission. Some language changes were made for better clarification and to establish performance skills testing which will not be conducted until after all required training is complete, and that will facilitate the Commission's ability to audit the skills testing portion of the test.

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

These amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulation and Assisting 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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200902999

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 433. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR DRIVER/OPERATOR-PUMPER

37 TAC §433.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts an amendment to Chapter 433, Minimum Standards for Driver/Operator-Pumper; §433.5, Examination Requirements. This amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3348) and will not be republished.

This amendment is adopted in order to remove restrictions requiring individuals to take a written test. This change will allow the Commission the latitude to administer a computer-based test. This change also restructures the last section to define the requirements that an individual must meet before taking the test.

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

This amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting 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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903000

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 437. FEES

37 TAC §§437.3, 437.5, 437.13

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 437, Fees; §437.3, Certification Fees; §437.5, Renewal Fees; and §437.13, Basic Certification Examination Fees. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3348) and will not be republished.

The amendments are adopted in order to raise fees charged by the Commission to process applications for testing, certification and renewal of certifications, and associated late fees. The fee increase was a condition agreed upon by the legislature to supplement the cost associated with adding seven additional employees to the Commission staff in order to meet the demands placed upon it by the fire service.

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

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting 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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903001

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 439. EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION

SUBCHAPTER A. EXAMINATIONS FOR ON-SITE DELIVERY TRAINING

37 TAC §§439.1, 439.3, 439.5, 439.7, 439.9, 439.11, 439.19

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 439, Examinations for Certification; Subchapter A, Examinations for On-Site Delivery Training; §439.1, Requirements--General; §439.3, Definitions; §439.5, Procedures; §439.7, Eligibility; §439.9, Grading; §439.11, Academy Administered Performance Skill Evaluations; and §439.19, Number of Test Questions. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3350) and will not be republished.

The amendment to §439.1 removes redundant language and language that is not a requirement to test. Language from another section was incorporated in order to address the requirements to retest for expired certifications. The amendment to §439.3 cleans up the language to clarify intent and meaning. Section 439.5 procedures for test administration were restructured to facilitate the ability to administer computer-based tests and not limit the Commission to administering written examinations. The amendment to §439.7 clarifies the necessary steps to determine eligibility. The amendment to §439.9 removes language that limited the Commission to written examinations. The amendment to §439.11 identifies the procedures and time to complete the performance skills relating to the certification examination process. In §439.19 the word "written" is removed from the section so as not to limit the Commission in administering only written tests, but to also enable the Commission to administer computer-based questions. It also identifies the total number of skills evaluated for each certification and the minimum number required for a final evaluation.

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

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting 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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903002

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


37 TAC §§§439.13, 439.15, 439.17

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts the repeal of Chapter 439, Examinations for Certification, Subchapter A, Examinations for On-Site Delivery Training; §439.13, State Administered Performance Skill Evaluation, §439.15, Proof of Proficiency, and §439.17, Testing for Certification Status. These sections are adopted without changes as proposed in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3353).

The Commission adopts this repeal in order to remove the existing three sections as some of the information was redundant and the required proof of proficiency and certification status was incorporated into §439.1 as part of the general requirements.

No comments were received from the public regarding this repeal.

This repeal is adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419 , Subchapter B, §419.008, Regulating and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments, §419.032, Appointment of Fire Protection Personnel and §419.035, Certification Examinations.

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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903008

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


SUBCHAPTER B. EXAMINATIONS FOR DISTANCE TRAINING

37 TAC §439.203, §439.205

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 439, Examinations for Certification, Subchapter B, Examinations for Distance Training; §439.203, Procedures; and §439.205, Performance Skill Evaluation. The amendment to §439.203 is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3353) and will not be republished. The amendment to §439.205 is adopted with changes to the proposed text and will be republished.

The amendments are adopted for the purpose of removing redundant language as procedures and skill evaluation requirements are addressed in Subchapter A, and as they are applicable to all types of training facilities.

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

The amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments.

§439.205.Performance Skill Evaluation.

If the performance skill portion of a state exam is to be evaluated by an approved field examiner who will not observe the completion of the skill while in the immediate physical presence of the examinee, a letter of assurance from the candidate's training officer or fire chief is required stating that the fire department assures the integrity of the evaluation procedure. If the candidate is not a member of a fire department, then a certified fire instructor, fire chief, or training officer may provide a letter of assurance that meets the requirements of this section. The provider of distance training is required to keep a record of this assurance and provide it to the Commission upon request.

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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903003

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 449. HEAD OF A FIRE DEPARTMENT

37 TAC §449.3, §449.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 449, Head of a Department; §449.3, Minimum Standards for Certification as Head of a Suppression Fire Department; and §449.5 Minimum Standards for Certification as Head of a Prevention Only Department. These amendments are adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3354) and will be republished.

These amendments remove the word "written" throughout this chapter which enables the Commission to administer computer-based examinations.

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

These amendments are adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments.

§449.3.Minimum Standards for Certification as Head of a Suppression Fire Department.

(a) In order to be certified as a head of a fire department providing fire suppression, an individual must be appointed as head of a fire department; and

(1) hold a certification as a fire protection personnel in any discipline that has a Commission-approved curriculum that requires structural fire protection personnel certification and five years experience in a full-time fire suppression position; or

(2) an individual from another jurisdiction who possesses valid documentation of accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress that is deemed equivalent to the Commission's approved basic fire suppression curriculum and provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of five years experience in a full-time fire suppression position; or

(3) provide documentation in the form of a nonself serving sworn affidavit of ten years experience as an employee of a local governmental entity in a full-time structural fire protection personnel position in a jurisdiction other than Texas; and successfully pass a Commission, Head of Department examination as specified in Chapter 439 of this title; or

(4) provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of ten years of experience as a certified structural part-time fire protection employee; or

(5) provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of ten years experience as an active volunteer fire fighter in one or more volunteer fire departments that meet the requirements of subsection (b) of this section and successfully pass a Commission, Head of Department examination as specified in Chapter 439 of this title.

(b) The ten years of volunteer service must include documentation of attendance at 40% of the drills for each year and attendance of at least 25% of a department's emergencies in a calendar year while a member of a volunteer fire department or departments with 10 or more active members that conducts a minimum of 48 hours of drills in a calendar year.

(c) Individuals certified as the head of a fire department must meet the continuing education requirement as provided for in Chapter 441 of this title.

(d) An individual certified as head of a fire department under this section may engage in fire fighting activities only as the head of a fire department. These activities include incident command, direction of fire fighting activities or other emergency activities typically associated with fire fighting duties, i.e. rescue, confined space and hazardous materials response.

§449.5.Minimum Standards for Certification as Head of a Prevention Only Department.

(a) In order to be certified as the head of a fire department providing fire prevention activities only, an individual must be appointed as head of a Fire Prevention Department; and

(1) hold a certification as a fire inspector, fire investigator, or arson investigator and have five years of full-time experience in fire prevention activities; or

(2) an individual from another jurisdiction who possesses valid documentation of accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress that is deemed equivalent to the Commission's approved basic arson investigator, fire investigator or fire inspector curriculum and provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of five years experience in a full-time fire prevention position; or

(3) provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of ten years experience as an employee of a local governmental entity in a full-time fire inspector, fire investigator, or arson investigator position in a jurisdiction other than Texas and successfully pass a Commission, Head of Department examination as specified in Chapter 439 of this title; or

(4) provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of ten years experience as a certified fire investigator, fire inspector or arson investigator as a part-time fire prevention employee; or

(5) provide documentation in the form of a sworn nonself serving affidavit of ten years experience as an active volunteer fire inspector, fire investigator, or arson investigator with ten years experience in fire prevention and successfully pass a Commission Head of Department examination as specified in Chapter 439 of this title.

(b) Individuals certified as the head of a fire department under this section must meet the continuing education requirement as provided for in Chapter 441 of this title.

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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903004

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 451. FIRE OFFICER

SUBCHAPTER A. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE OFFICER I

37 TAC §451.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 451, Fire Officer; Subchapter A, Minimum Standards for Fire Officer I; §451.5, Examination Requirements. The amendment is adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3355) and will be republished.

The amendment is adopted to allow the Commission the latitude to administer a computer-based test, and also restructures the last section to define the requirements an individual must meet before they take a test.

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

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments.

§451.5.Examination Requirements.

(a) Examination requirements of Chapter 439 of this title (relating to Examinations for Certification) must be met in order to receive Fire Officer I certification.

(b) Individuals will be permitted to take the Commission examination for Fire Officer I certification by documenting the following: Structure Fire Protection Personnel certification and Fire Service Instructor certification through the Commission or the equivalent IFSAC seals, and completing a Commission-approved Fire Officer I curriculum.

(c) No individual will be permitted to take the Commission examination for Fire Officer I certification unless the individual documents completion of the Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II level training as required by Chapter 1, Basic Fire Suppression, of the Commission's Certification Curriculum Manual and holds, as a minimum, Fire Service Instructor I certification through the Commission, or documents accreditation from International Fire Service Accreditation Congress as an Instructor I.

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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903005

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


SUBCHAPTER B. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR FIRE OFFICER II

37 TAC §451.205

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts amendments to Chapter 451, Fire Officer; Subchapter B, Minimum Standards for Fire Officer II; §451.205, Examination Requirements. The amendment is adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3356) and will be republished.

The amendment is adopted to remove restrictions requiring individuals to take a written test. This amendment will allow the Commission the latitude to administer a computer-based test and also restructures the last section to define the requirements an individual must meet before they can take a test.

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

The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting Fire Fighters and Fire Departments.

§451.205.Examination Requirements.

(a) Examination requirements of Chapter 439 of this title (relating to Examinations for Certification) must be met in order to receive Fire Officer II certification.

(b) Individuals will be permitted to take the Commission examination for Fire Officer II certification by documenting the following: Structure Fire Protection Personnel certification, Fire Service Instructor certification and Fire Officer I certification through the Commission or the equivalent IFSAC seals, and completing a Commission-approved Fire Officer II curriculum.

(c) No individual will be permitted to take the Commission examination for Fire Officer II certification unless the individual documents completion of the Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II level training as required by Chapter 1, Basic Fire Suppression, of the Commission's Certification Curriculum Manual and holds, as a minimum, Fire Service Instructor I certification through the Commission, or documents accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress as an Instructor I.

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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903006

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838


CHAPTER 453. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN

37 TAC §453.5

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts an amendment to Chapter 453, Minimum Standards for Hazardous Materials Technician; §453.5, Examination Requirements. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the May 29, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 3356) and will not be republished.

The amendment is adopted to remove the restriction requiring individuals to take a written test. This change would allow the Commission to administer a computer-based test and also restructures the last section to define the requirements that an individual must meet before they can take a test.

There were no comments from the public regarding this proposed amendment.

This amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, Subchapter B, Regulating and Assisting 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 July 21, 2009.

TRD-200903007

Gary L. Warren, Sr.

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Fire Protection

Effective date: August 10, 2009

Proposal publication date: May 29, 2009

For further information, please call: (512) 936-3838