Texas Administrative Code Title 37 - PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Title 37 is dedicated to Public Safety and Corrections. This broad title encompasses the regulations, rules, and procedures adopted by numerous state agencies and commissions responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, managing correctional facilities, and overseeing various aspects of public safety.
Here's a breakdown of the key agencies and the types of topics they cover within Title 37:
Agencies and Their Primary Focus:
Part 1: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): This is a very extensive part, covering a wide range of public safety functions. Topics include:
Organization and Administration of DPS
Texas Highway Patrol operations
Commercial Vehicle Regulations and Enforcement
Criminal Law Enforcement
License to Carry Handguns (Concealed and Open Carry permits)
Capitol Complex security
Public Safety Communications (911 systems)
Ignition Interlock Devices
Controlled Substances and Drug Enforcement
School Bus Safety Standards
Driver License Rules (issuance, renewal, administrative license revocation)
Commercial Driver Licenses
Breath Alcohol Testing Regulations
Vehicle Inspection and Equipment Safety Standards
Crime Records and DNA/Forensic Analysis
Private Security (licensing and regulation of private security companies and guards)
Sex Offender Registration
Fusion Center Operations
Compassionate-Use/Low-THC Cannabis Program
Part 4: Texas Military Department: Regulations related to the state's military forces, including the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, and Texas State Guard. Topics might include building construction administration.
Part 5: Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles: Rules governing parole eligibility, parole revocation, executive clemency recommendations (pardons, commutations), and victim services related to parole.
Part 6: Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ): This part covers the state's adult correctional system, including:
Management and operation of state prisons and correctional facilities.
Inmate rules and regulations (e.g., visitation, telephone access, mail).
Rehabilitation programs and services for offenders.
Parole and probation services (though parole release is under the Board of Pardons and Paroles, TDCJ administers parole supervision).
Employee conduct and ethics.
Use of inmate labor.
Part 7: Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE): This commission sets standards for, and licenses, peace officers, county jailers, and telecommunicators in Texas. Topics include:
Minimum standards for the creation and continued operation of law enforcement agencies.
Licensing requirements, training, and continuing education for officers.
Rules of conduct and disciplinary procedures for licensees.
Certification of training programs.
Part 9: Texas Commission on Jail Standards: This commission is responsible for establishing minimum standards for the construction, equipment, maintenance, and operation of county jails. Topics include:
Facility requirements (e.g., cell size, sanitation, fire safety).
Inmate care (e.g., medical, mental health, suicide prevention plans, food service).
Staffing levels and training for jail personnel.
Compliance and enforcement procedures, including remedial orders for non-compliance.
Advisory committees, such as the Intellectual or Developmental Disability Advisory Committee.
Part 11: Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD): Regulations for the state's juvenile justice system, including:
Rules for state-operated juvenile programs and facilities.
Admission, placement, release, and discharge of youth.
Rehabilitation programs and treatment.
Rules for contract facilities housing juvenile offenders.
Administrative investigations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Part 13: Texas Commission on Fire Protection: This commission licenses and certifies firefighters and fire protection personnel and sets standards for fire departments. Topics include:
Minimum standards for various fire service certifications (e.g., Firefighter, Fire Officer, Hazardous Materials, Wildland Fire Protection, Incident Safety Officer).
Licensing of fire training academies.
Regulation of state and federal agencies and employees involved in fire protection.
Part 14: Independent Ombudsman: This part may contain rules related to the functions and procedures of an independent ombudsman, likely within the correctional system, to address inmate grievances or concerns.
Part 15: Texas Forensic Science Commission: Regulations governing the accreditation and oversight of crime laboratories and other entities conducting forensic analyses of physical evidence for use in criminal proceedings.
Part 16: Texas Civil Commitment Office: Rules pertaining to the civil commitment of sexually violent predators after they have completed their criminal sentences.
In essence, Texas Administrative Code Title 37 is a comprehensive legal framework that provides detailed rules for a vast array of public safety and correctional activities, from driver licensing and law enforcement training to the operation of prisons and juvenile detention centers, all aimed at protecting the public and ensuring the effective administration of justice in Texas.
RELATED Blog
0 comments