Bill

SB 709

87(R) - 2021
Senate Local Government
House Urban Affairs
Senate Local Government
House Urban Affairs
State Agencies
Sunset Commission

Contact the Author

Bob Hall

Phone:

512-463-0102

Capitol Office:

E1.610

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Bob Hall
César J Blanco
Dawn Buckingham
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Angela Paxton
Charles Schwertner

Co-Author(s)

Paul Bettencourt

Sponsor(s)

Terry Canales
Philip Cortez

Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 709 is sunset review bill which would continue the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) for 12 years making moderate changes to the composition of the advisory committee by requiring members serve a six-year, staggered terms. Members would be prohibited from being appointed to more than two consecutive terms. 

SB 709 would require the executive director to create a training manual and distribute a copy of the training manual annually to each member of the commission.

SB 709 would also allow TCFP to enter into reciprocity agreements with other state fire personnel certification agencies. SB 709 would also add some flexibility by allowing the commission to extend the certification period to two years at its discretion rather than being statutorily bound to the current one year certification period.

SB 709 would abolish a requirement for the commission to report annually to the governor and legislature on the commission's activities. The bill would also abolish the Fire Fighter Advisory Committee and associated statutory requirements. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 709 which uplifts our limited government principle. This bill specifically avoids adding onerous new certification fees and requirements while also doing away with an unnecessary reporting requirement, abolishing an unnecessary committee, opening up the possibility of allowing certification to extend two years before renewal, and allowing reciprocity agreements across state lines. These provisions are consistent with a limited government approach.

Contact the Author

Bob Hall

Phone:

512-463-0102

Capitol Office:

E1.610

Email: