BILL ANALYSIS C.S.H.B. 613 By: Uher 04-21-95 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND The Commission on Fire Protection was formed through the Sunset process by the 72nd Legislative Session by combining functions of three separate agencies. The Commission is governed by the provisions of Chapter 419 of the Government Code. The state fire marshal is governed by the provisions of Chapter 417 of the Government Code. PURPOSE CSHB 613 revises the functions and operation of the Commission on Fire Protection as to the recommendations of the Fire Protection Personnel Advisory Committee, The Volunteer Fire Fighter Advisory Committee, and advisory councils created pursuant to the Insurance Code, RULEMAKING AUTHORITY Rulemaking authority is granted the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1 Allows Commission to adopt, reject, or modify recommendations by the Fire Protection Personnel Advisory Committee. SECTION 2. Allows Commission to adopt, reject, or modify recommendations by the Volunteer Fire Protection Personnel Advisory Committee. SECTION 3. Allows Commission to adopt, reject, or modify recommendations by advisory councils created pursuant to the Insurance Code. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE The substitute deletes provisions from the original bill concerning composition of the Commission, definition of fire protection personnel, general powers, inspections, training programs, governmental cooperation, certification, fire standards requested by counties, and the repeal of prior certification recognition. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION HB 613 was considered in a public hearing on April 20, 1995. A complete substitute was considered by the committee. The substitute was adopted without objection. The following people testified in favor of the bill: Karen Kennard, representing the Texas Municipal League; Ken Bailey, representing the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters; Charlie Hester, representing the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals Association of Texas; and Richard A. Knopf, representing the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. The following people testified on the bill: Mike Hines, representing himself; and Rick Mumey, representing the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association. The bill was reported favorably as substituted, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, by a record vote of 8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 pnv, and 1 absent.