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.