BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 897
	By: Paxton
	Local Government
	3/17/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The Texas Commission on Fire Protection underwent a review from the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission in 2020-2021. Interested parties contend that fire departments in large cities are not sufficiently represented within the commission's governing body.

S.B. 897 changes the composition of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection by requiring that one member of the commission serve a population greater than 250,000, and replaces the "certified arson investigator or certified protection inspector" member position, and instead requires that at least one member of the commission hold one of those certifications.

As proposed, S.B. 897 amends current law relating to the composition of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 419.004, Government Code, by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1), as follows:

(a)� Provides that the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) is composed of 13 members, including one member who is a chief officer with a minimum rank that is equivalent to the position immediately below that of the fire chief, who is employed in a fire department as defined by Section 419.021 (Definitions), that is under the jurisdiction of TCFP and that serves a population of 250,000 or more, and who is not a member of the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. Deletes existing text requiring TCFP membership to include one certified arson investigator or certified fire protection inspector.

(a-1)� Requires that one TCFP member be a certified arson investigator or certified fire protection inspector.

SECTION 2. Provides that the changes in law made by this Act to the qualifications of members of TCFP do not affect the entitlement of a member serving on TCFP immediately before the effective date of this Act to continue as a member of TCFP for the remainder of the member's term. Provides that the changes in law apply only to a member appointed on or after the effective date of this Act. Provides that this Act does not prohibit a person who is a member of TCFP on the effective date of this Act from being reappointed to TCFP if the person has the qualifications required for a member under Section 419.004 (Composition of Commission), Government Code, as amended by this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2021.