The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (the commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 455, Minimum Standards For Wildland Fire Protection Certification, concerning §455.3, Minimum Standards for Basic Wildland Fire Protection Certification.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to reflect new procedures for curricula development for the commission's voluntary certifications.

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 training facilities will be able to design curricula more closely suited to local needs, thus expediting the training and credentialing of personnel charged with protecting the public. Furthermore, agency committees will be able to devote more time to the development and maintenance of high quality tests, which will ultimately produce more highly qualified personnel serving the public need. 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.