The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (the commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 431, Fire Investigation, concerning, Subchapter A, Minimum Standards For Arson Investigator Certification, §431.3, Minimum Standards for Arson Investigation Personnel, and §431.11, Minimum Standards for Arson Investigator Certification for Law Enforcement Personnel; and Subchapter B, Minimum Standards for Fire Investigator Certification, concerning §431.201, Minimum Standards for Fire Investigation Personnel, §431.203, Minimum Standards for Fire Investigator Certification, and §431.207, Minimum Standards for Advanced Fire Investigator Certification.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to clarify requirements for a person to obtain an Arson Investigator or Fire Investigator certification.

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 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 amendments are in effect, the public benefit from the passage is that the commission will provide clarification and consistent rules regarding Arson or Fire Investigator certification. There will be no effect on micro or small businesses or persons required to comply with the amendments as proposed.

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 amendments are 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 amendments implement Texas Government Code, Chapter 419, §419.008 and §419.032.