| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Neutral |
Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
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.
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.