The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (the commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 423, Fire Suppression, concerning, Subchapter A, Minimum Standards For Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.1, Minimum Standards for Structure Fire Protection Personnel, §423.3, Minimum Standards for Basic Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.5, Minimum Standards for Intermediate Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.7, Minimum Standards for Advanced Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.9, Minimum Standards for Master Structure Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.11, Higher Levels of Certification, and §423.13, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal; Subchapter B, Minimum Standards for Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel, concerning §423.201, Minimum Standards for Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel, §423.203, Minimum Standards for Basic Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel Certification, §423.205, Minimum Standards for Intermediate Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel Certification, §423.207, Minimum Standards for Advanced Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel Certification, §423.209, Minimum Standards for Master Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Personnel Certification, and §423.211, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFAC) Seal; and Subchapter C, Minimum Standards For Marine Fire Protection Personnel, §423.301, Minimum Standards for Marine Fire Protection Personnel, §423.303, Minimum Standards for Basic Marine Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.305, Minimum Standards for Intermediate Marine Fire Protection Personnel Certification, §423.307, Minimum Standards for Advanced Marine Fire Protection Personnel Certification, and §423.309, Minimum Standards for Master Marine Fire Protection Personnel Certification.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to update and clarify language for consistency.

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 clear and consistent rules regarding the minimum qualifications for structure, aircraft and marine certifications. 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 and §419.032 which allows the commission to appoint fire protection personnel.

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