The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (the commission) proposes new Chapter 429, Fire Inspector, concerning Subchapter A, Minimum Standards For Fire Inspector I Certification, §429.1, Minimum Standards for Fire Inspector I Personnel, §429.3, Minimum Standards for Fire Inspector I Certification, §429.5, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal; and Subchapter B, Minimum Standards For Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I Certification, §429.201, Minimum Standards for Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I Personnel, §429.203, Minimum Standards for Basic Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I Certification, §429.205, Minimum Standards for Intermediate Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I Certification, §429.207, Minimum Standards for Advanced Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I Certification, §429.209, Minimum Standards for Master Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I Certification, and §429.211, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal.

The purpose of the proposed new chapter is to establish new rule language that creates distinct certifications for Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II/Plan Examiner I that follows the guidelines set forth in the National Fire Protection standard applicable to Fire Inspector.

Tim Rutland, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five year period the proposed new chapter is in effect, there will be no significant fiscal impact to state government or local governments.

Mr. Rutland has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed new sections are in effect, the public benefit from the passage is that the commission will now offer two separate certifications for Fire Inspector which has been requested by the fire service. There will be no effect on micro or small businesses or persons required to comply with the proposal.

Comments regarding the proposed new sections 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 new chapter 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; §419.032 which allows the commission to appoint fire protection personnel.

The proposed new chapter implements Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, §419.008 and §419.032.