The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (the commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 433, Driver/Operator, Subchapter A, Minimum Standards For Driver/Operator-Pumper, §433.3, concerning Minimum Standards for Driver/Operator-Pumper Certification; and Subchapter B, Minimum Standards for Driver/Operator-Aerial Apparatus, §433.201, concerning Driver/Operator-Aerial Apparatus Certification, and §433.203, concerning Minimum Standards for Driver/Operator-Aerial Apparatus Certification.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to extend the end date for the initial certification period to one full year from the effective date of the new rule.

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 individuals seeking to obtain this certification will have one full year from the effective date of the new rule to do so.

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.