The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (the commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 437, Fees, concerning §437.5, Renewal Fees.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to reduce the renewal fees for certification of fire protection personnel pursuant to a reduction in agency costs.

Tim Rutland, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five year period the proposed amendments are in effect, there will be a minor fiscal impact to state government and a positive impact to local governments.

Mr. Rutland has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, the public benefit from the passage is a reduction in cost to cities when renewing their fire protection personnel. There will be no effect on micro businesses, small businesses or persons required to comply with the amended sections as proposed; therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.

Comments regarding the proposed amendments may be submitted, in writing, within 30 days following the publication of this notice in the Texas Register to Tim Rutland, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Fire Protection, P.O. Box 2286, Austin, Texas 78768 or e-mailed to info@tcfp.texas.gov. Comments will be reviewed and discussed at a future commission meeting.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, §419.008, which provides the commission the authority to propose rules for the administration of its powers and duties; and §419.026, which allows the commission to set certain fees collected for each initial fire protection personnel certification issued and the annual renewal of those certifications.

The proposed amendments implement Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, §419.008 and §419.026.