TITLE 37. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
PART 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 13. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
SUBCHAPTER
G.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (the department) adopts amendments to §§13.151, 13.153, 13.160, 13.161, and 13.165, concerning Forfeiture And Destruction. These rules are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the February 27, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1275) and will not be republished.
The rule changes increase safety and efficiency of public safety personnel and property. Specifically, the addition of vape pens, a newer evidence type, to the excess quantity definition is added due to the fire hazard surrounding long-term battery storage. Other changes allow for the usage of courts' electronic records when making destruction authorization decisions. In addition, the amendments place clear inventory requirements on law enforcement personnel for controlled substance property prior to destruction or submission to a crime laboratory. It also clarifies that destruction may occur after laboratory analysis without further inventory if the repackaging and seal remain intact and clarifies destruction procedures with no laboratory analysis. Additional amendments remove an outdated requirement to submit a report to the department's Narcotics Regulation Bureau, which no longer exists, and updates the division's name.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of these rules.
These rules are adopted pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, §481.003, which authorizes the director to adopt rules to administer and enforce Chapter 481 and §481.154(a)(1) which authorizes the director to adopt reasonable rules and procedures concerning summary forfeiture and summary destruction of controlled substance property or plants.
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 April 10, 2026.
TRD-202601577
D. Phillip Adkins
General Counsel
Texas Department of Public Safety
Effective date: April 30, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 27, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 424-5848
CHAPTER 15. DRIVER LICENSE RULES
SUBCHAPTER
D.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (the department) adopts amendments to §§15.82 - 15.85, concerning Driver Improvement. These rules are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the February 27, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1277) and will not be republished.
The amendments align the rules with House Bill 4804, 89th Leg., R.S. (2025), which repealed Texas Transportation Code, §521.297(b) and §522.087(b). The amendments are necessary to conform with statutory changes which were required for compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations necessitating the elimination of a hearing and appeal process for certain commercial driver license (CDL) disqualifications.
No comments were received regarding the adoption of these rules.
These rules are adopted pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; Texas Transportation Code, §521.005, which authorizes the department to adopt rules necessary to administer Chapter 521, Driver's Licenses; Texas Transportation Code §521.291, which authorizes the department to adopt rules to administer Subchapter N, General Provisions Relating to License Denial, Suspension, or Revocation; Texas Transportation Code §522.005, which authorizes the department to adopt rules necessary to administer Chapter 522, Commercial Driver's Licenses; and House Bill 4804, 89th Leg., R.S. (2025), which repeals Texas Transportation Code, §521.297(b) and §522.087(b).
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 April 10, 2026.
TRD-202601578
D. Phillip Adkins
General Counsel
Texas Department of Public Safety
Effective date: April 30, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 27, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 424-5848