TITLE 37. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
PART 9. TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS
CHAPTER 259. NEW CONSTRUCTION RULES
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.117 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1586). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §259.117 that adds the design requirement that adjacent space be provided for immediate medical and mental health screening in jail construction. This requirement only applies to new construction.
The adoption of this rule requires new construction in county jails to provide adjacent space for medical and mental health screening.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602175
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §259.123
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.123 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1587). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §259.123 that changes "covered" to "coved" at the suggestion of subject matter experts, and deletes the word "disagreeable" regarding odors also at the suggestion of subject matter experts.
The adoption of this rule corrects a misspelled word.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602176
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §259.141
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.141 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1588). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 Texas Administrative Code §259.141 that changes the dimensional requirements of cells and day rooms to conform with the International Building Code. This change will apply only to new construction.
The adoption of this rule updates the minimum jail standards to reflect current International Building Code.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602177
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §259.151
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.151 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1588). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §259.151 that removes the specifications for how detention doors outside the security perimeter are constructed.
The adoption of this rule updates the minimum jail standards to reflect current International Building Code.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602178
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §259.153
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.153 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1589). The rule will not be republished.
The adoption of this rule makes this rule more clear.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602179
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §259.168
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.168 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1589). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 Texas Administrative Code §259.168 that updates the outdated term "closed circuit television" to "video monitoring" and adds the requirement to use digital privacy screens to more accurately reflect the currently available technology.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602180
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.264 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1590). The rule will not be republished.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602181
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
SUBCHAPTER
D.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.358 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1590). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 Texas Administrative Code §259.358 that updates the outdated term "closed circuit television" to "video monitoring" and adds the requirement to use digital privacy screens to more accurately reflect the currently available technology.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602182
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
SUBCHAPTER
E.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.454 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1591). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §259.454 that updates the outdated term "closed circuit television" to "video monitoring" and adds the requirement to use digital privacy screens to more accurately reflect the currently available technology.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602183
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
SUBCHAPTER
H.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.737 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1591). The rule will not be republished.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices and match other areas of standards.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602184
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §259.770
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §259.770 under Chapter 259 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1592). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 Texas Administrative Code §259.770 that updates the outdated term "closed circuit television" to "video monitoring" and adds the requirement to use digital privacy screens to more accurately reflect the currently available technology.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602185
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
CHAPTER 269. RECORDS AND PROCEDURES
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §269.3 under Chapter 269 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1593). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §269.3 that requires each Sheriff/operator to develop, submit, and implement a plan that specifies the weapons allowed within the security perimeter of a jail. This change is proposed due to the classification of the TASER 10 as a firearm by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms ruling.
The adoption of this rule updates standards due to a change in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms classification of the TASER 10.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602186
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
CHAPTER 275. SUPERVISION OF INMATES
37 TAC §275.1The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §275.1 under Chapter 275 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1594). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §275.1 that updates the outdated term "closed circuit television" to "video monitoring" to more accurately reflect the currently available technology.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602187
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
37 TAC §275.7
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) adopts amendments to §275.7 under Chapter 275 Part 9 of Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code without changes to the text as proposed in the March 13, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1594). The rule will not be republished.
The adopted rule adds language to 37 TAC §275.7 that updates the outdated term "closed circuit television" to "video monitoring" to more accurately reflect the currently available technology.
The adoption of this rule updates standards to reflect actual practices.
No comments were received during the public comment period.
Statutory authority to adopt this rule comes from Texas Government Code 511.009.
No further article, statute, or code is affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2026.
TRD-202602188
Ricky Armstrong
Executive Director
Texas Commission on Jail Standards
Effective date: June 15, 2026
Proposal publication date: March 13, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 850-9668
PART 15. TEXAS FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 651. DNA, CODIS, FORENSIC ANALYSIS, AND CRIME LABORATORIES
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas Forensic Science Commission (Commission) adopts an amendment to rule 37 Texas Administrative Code §651.7, Disciplines Exempt from Commission Accreditation Requirements by Administrative Rule, to exempt from accreditation requirements, examinations, or tests performed on non-lethal munitions without changes to the text as published in the February 27, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1279). The rule will not be republished.
Reasoned Justification for Rule Amendment. The adopted amendment exempts from accreditation requirements any forensic analysis performed on non-lethal munitions--devices commonly used by law enforcement to incapacitate or deter without causing permanent injury or death. Under Article 38.35 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, laboratories conducting firearms/toolmarks analysis must be accredited by the Commission. Because non-lethal munitions testing currently falls within this category, accreditation is required. However, no accredited laboratories currently offer this specialized testing, limiting access for both prosecutors and defendants. Though non-lethal munitions testing is uncommon compared to traditional firearm and toolmark comparison, the need for it does arise occasionally in the context of criminal prosecution or defense. Thus, it is in the interest of public safety and the fair administration of justice to exempt this form of testing from the accreditation requirement.
Summary of Comments. The public comment period on the rule proposal began on February 27, 2026, and ended on April 14, 2026. The Commission did not receive any comments.
Statutory Authority. The amendment is made in accordance with the Commission's accreditation authority under Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 38.01 §4-d(c), which establishes that the Commission may add crime laboratory accreditation exemptions, and the Commission's rulemaking authority under Art. 38.01 §3-a, which directs the Commission to adopt rules necessary to implement Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 38.01.
Cross reference to statute. The adoption amends rule 37 Texas Administrative Code §651.7.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 28, 2026.
TRD-202602226
Leigh Tomlin
Associate General Counsel
Texas Forensic Science Commission
Effective date: June 17, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 27, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 936-0661
37 TAC §651.219
The Texas Forensic Science Commission (Commission) adopts an amendment to rule 37 Texas Administrative Code §651.219, Code of Professional Responsibility (Code) to clarify the scope of application. The change clarifies that crime laboratory managers at unaccredited law enforcement agencies are not required to comply with the Code sections pertaining to management. The amendment is adopted with changes to the text as published in the February 27, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1281). The rule will be published.
Reasoned Justification for Rule Amendment. The Commission's Code governs all licensed forensic analysts and forensic technicians, as well as crime laboratory managers employed by accredited laboratories under the Commission's jurisdiction. It does not extend to managers of forensic science service providers (crime laboratories) working within unaccredited law enforcement agencies. Numerous unaccredited entities encourage employees to pursue voluntary forensic analyst licensure by the Commission, contributing to continued improvement of the integrity and reliability of forensic practices in Texas courts. Licensed analysts and technicians are bound by the Code, whereas their unlicensed supervisors in unaccredited settings are not, given the Commission's limited jurisdiction. The adopted rule amendment clarifies this regulatory distinction, informs the forensic community and the Commission's law enforcement partners, and encourages broader participation in the voluntary licensing program.
Summary of Comments. The public comment period on the rule proposal began on February 27, 2026 and ended on April 14, 2026. The Commission did not receive any comments.
Statutory Authority. The amendments are adopted in accordance with the Commission's forensic analyst licensing authority under Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 38.01 §4-a(d)(1), which requires the Commission to establish rules for qualifications for a forensic analyst license, Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 38.01 §3-b, which requires the Commission to adopt a code of professional responsibility to regulate the conduct of persons, laboratories, facilities, and other entities regulated by the Commission, and the Commission's general rulemaking authority under Article 38.01 § 3-a which directs the Commission to adopt rules necessary to implement Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 38.01.
Cross reference to statute. The adoption amends rule 37 Texas Administrative Code §651.219.
§651.219.
(a) Code of Professional Responsibility for Forensic Analysts, Forensic Technicians, and Crime Laboratory Management Subject to the Jurisdiction of the Texas Forensic Science Commission. The Code of Professional Responsibility ("Code") for forensic analysts, forensic technicians, and crime laboratory management defines a framework for promoting integrity and respect for the scientific process and encouraging transparency in forensic analysis. Forensic analysts, forensic technicians, and crime laboratory management subject to the Commission's jurisdiction are expected to abide by this Code in all forensic science-related professional activities regardless of the geographic location where the activities are performed. Because certain components of the Code are best suited to individual forensic analysts or technicians while others are best suited to crime laboratory management, the Code is divided into two sections.
(b) Each person licensed by the Commission shall:
(1) Accurately represent his/her education, training, experience, and areas of expertise.
(2) Commit to continuous learning in the forensic disciplines and stay abreast of new findings, equipment and techniques to maintain professional competency.
(3) Promote validation and incorporation of new technologies, guarding against the use of non-valid methods in casework and the misapplication of validated methods.
(4) Avoid tampering, adulteration, loss, or unnecessary consumption of evidentiary materials.
(5) Avoid participation in any case where there are personal, financial, employment-related or other conflicts of interest.
(6) Conduct thorough, fair and unbiased examinations, leading to independent, impartial, and objective opinions and conclusions.
(7) Make and retain full, contemporaneous, clear and accurate written records of all examinations and tests conducted and conclusions drawn, in sufficient detail to allow meaningful review and assessment by an independent person competent in the field.
(8) Base conclusions on procedures supported by sufficient data, standards and controls, not on political pressure or other outside influence.
(9) Not offer opinions or conclusions that are outside one's expertise.
(10) Prepare reports in clear terms, distinguishing data from interpretations and opinions, and disclosing any relevant limitations to guard against making invalid inferences or misleading the judge or jury.
(11) Not issue reports or other records, or withhold information from reports for strategic or tactical litigation advantage.
(12) Present accurate and complete data in reports, oral and written presentations and testimony based on good scientific practices and valid methods.
(13) Testify in a manner which is clear, straightforward and objective, and avoid phrasing testimony in an ambiguous, biased or misleading manner.
(14) Retain any record, item or object related to a case, such as work notes, data, and peer or technical review information due to potential evidentiary value and pursuant to the laboratory's retention policy.
(15) Communicate honestly and fully with all parties (investigators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other expert witnesses), unless prohibited by law.
(16) Document and notify management or quality assurance personnel of adverse events, such as an unintended mistake or a breach of ethical, legal, scientific standards, or questionable conduct.
(17) Ensure reporting, through proper management channels, to all impacted scientific and legal parties of any adverse event that affects a previously issued report or testimony.
(c) Members of management in crime laboratories that perform forensic analysis for which accreditation is required shall:
(1) Encourage a quality-focused culture that embraces transparency, accountability and continuing education while resisting individual blame or scapegoating.
(2) Provide opportunities for forensic analysts to stay abreast of new scientific findings, technology and techniques while guarding against the use of non-valid methods in casework, the misapplication of validated methods or improper testimony regarding a particular analytical method or result.
(3) Maintain case retention and management policies and systems based on the presumption that there is potential evidentiary value for any information related to a case, including work notes, analytical and validation data, and peer or technical review.
(4) Provide clear communication and reporting systems through which forensic analysts may report to management non-conformities in the quality system and other adverse events, such as an unintended mistake or a breach of ethical, legal, scientific standards, or questionable conduct.
(5) Make timely and full disclosure to the Texas Forensic Science Commission of any non-conformance that may rise to the level of professional negligence or professional misconduct.
(6) Provide copies of all substantive communications with the laboratory's national accrediting body to the Commission.
(7) For any laboratory that performs forensic analysis on behalf of the State of Texas, develop and follow a written forensic disclosure compliance policy for the purpose of ensuring the laboratory's compliance with article 39.14 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
(8) Ensure the laboratory's forensic disclosure policy provides clear instructions for identifying and disclosing any exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating document, item, or information in the possession, custody, or control of the laboratory. The policy should explicitly address how to inform potentially affected recipients of any non-conformances or breaches of law or ethical standards that may adversely affect either a current case or a previously issued report or testimony.
(9) Inform all forensic analysts working on behalf of the laboratory that they may report allegations of professional negligence or professional misconduct to the Texas Forensic Science Commission without fear of adverse employment consequences.
(d) Code of Professional Responsibility Applicability to Crime Laboratory Managers at Entities Not Subject to Accreditation Requirements. Crime laboratory managers at entities that perform testing limited to forensic examinations or tests not subject to accreditation as described by Article 38.35(a)(4)(A), (B), (C), or (D), of the Code of Criminal Procedure are not subject to this section.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 28, 2026.
TRD-202602227
Leigh Tomlin
Associate General Counsel
Texas Forensic Science Commission
Effective date: June 17, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 27, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 936-0661
SUBCHAPTER
G.
The Texas Forensic Science Commission (Commission) adopts new Subchapter G to establish the Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program (TFAAPP) that includes new rules: (1) §651.601 Purpose; (2) §651.602 Definitions; and (3) §651.603 Accredited Crime Laboratory Eligibility Requirements for the TFAAPP without changes to the text as published in the February 27, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1283). The rules will not be republished.
Background and Justification. Subchapter G responds to Senate Bill 1620, enacted during the 89th Texas Legislature, which requires the Office of Court Administration (OCA, the agency to which the Commission is administratively attached) to collaborate with the Commission to establish and administer a Texas forensic analyst apprenticeship pilot program focused on increasing the forensic science workforce capacity in the State. Specifically, the bill requires the Commission to adopt eligibility requirements for: (1) individuals who may apply for an apprentice position under the pilot program; and (2) publicly funded accredited crime laboratories that may apply to sponsor an apprentice under the pilot program. The rules proposed herein establish: (1) the TFAAPP program; (2) the components required for an individual to qualify for an apprenticeship; and (3) the components required for a publicly funded accredited crime laboratory to qualify for an award by the Commission to sponsor an apprenticeship position.
Summary of Comments. The public comment period on the rule adoption began on February 27, 2026, and ended April 14, 2026. The Commission did not receive any comments.
Statutory Authority. The Commission adopts new subchapter G under Government Code §§72.201-.203, and the Commission's general rulemaking authority provided in Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 38.01 §3-a.
Cross reference to statute. The adoption affects Government Code §§72.201-.203.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 28, 2026.
TRD-202602230
Leigh Tomlin
Associate General Counsel
Texas Forensic Science Commission
Effective date: June 17, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 27, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 936-0661