Source: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/December82017/Proposed%20Rules/16.ECONOMIC%20REGULATION.html
Timestamp: 2018-02-18 10:48:19
Document Index: 181954198

Matched Legal Cases: ['§25', '§2001', '§2001', '§22', '§14', '§36', '§14', '§36', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§2006', '§2001', '§84', '§411', '§84', '§84', '§84', '§1001', '§1001', '§84', '§84', '§84']

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) proposes new §25.247, relating to rate review schedule. The proposed new rule will establish a schedule requiring periodic filings for rate proceedings by investor-owned electric utilities operating solely inside the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), as required by Senate Bill 735 (SB 735) of the 85th Legislature, Regular Session in 2017. Project Number 47545 is assigned to this proceeding.
Darryl Tietjen, Director of the Rate Regulation Division, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.
Mr. Tietjen has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the section will be to bring the commission's rules into compliance with the provisions of SB 735 requiring the establishment of regularly scheduled commission reviews of the rates charged by electric investor-owned utilities operating in ERCOT.
Mr. Tietjen has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed rule is in effect: (1) no new or current government programs will be created or eliminated; (2) no employee positions will be created, nor will any existing commission staff positions be eliminated; and (3) there will not be an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the commission.
Additionally, Mr. Tietjen has determined that for the first five years the proposed rules are in effect: (4) there will be no increase or decrease in fees paid to the commission; (5) there will be no new regulations created by the proposal; (6) the proposed rule does not expand, limit, or repeal an existing regulation; (7) there will be no increase or decrease to the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability, and (8) the proposal will not adversely affect the state's economy.
There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses as a result of enforcing this section. Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.
Mr. Tietjen has also determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed section is in effect there should be no effect on a local economy, and therefore no local employment impact statement is required under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §2001.022 (West 2016).
The commission staff will conduct a public hearing on this rulemaking, if requested in accordance with the APA, Tex. Gov't Code Ann. §2001.029 (West 2016), at the commission's offices located in the William B. Travis Building, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 on January 23, 2018. The request for a public hearing must be received within 30 days after publication.
Initial comments on the proposed new section may be filed with the Commission's filing clerk at 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas or mailed to P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, within 30 days after publication. Sixteen copies of such comments are required by 16 TAC §22.71(c) to be submitted when filed. Reply comments may be submitted within 45 days after publication. Comments should be organized in a manner consistent with the organization of the proposed rule(s). The commission invites specific comments regarding the costs associated with, and benefits that will be gained by, implementation of the proposed section. The commission will consider the costs and benefits in deciding whether to adopt the section. All comments should refer to Project Number 47545.
This new section is proposed under Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Tex. Util. Code Ann. §14.002 (West 2007 and Supp. 2017), which provides the commission with the authority to make and enforce rules reasonably required in the exercise of its powers and jurisdiction, and specifically, PURA §36.157, which requires the commission to establish by rule a schedule requiring electric utilities to make periodic filings with the commission to modify or review base rates charged by the electric utility.
Cross reference to statutes: Public Utility Regulatory Act, §14.002 and §36.157.
(1) Each electric utility in the ERCOT region must file for a comprehensive rate review within 48 months of the order setting rates in its most recent comprehensive rate proceeding or other proceeding in which the commission approved a settlement agreement reflecting a rate modification that allowed the electric utility to avoid the filing of such a rate case. If the date of such commission order falls within the period October 1 through April 30, the electric utility may, in order to use a calendar-year test year, extend the date of the required filing to the first business day in May after the fourth anniversary of the order. For a transmission and distribution utility, the filing must include information necessary for the review of both transmission and distribution rates.
(A) for an electric utility providing transmission-only service, the utility's most recently accepted earnings monitoring report, filed in compliance with commission rules and instructions or as adjusted by the commission to conform with the rules and instructions, shows that it is earning, on a weather-normalized basis, less than 50 basis points above the average of the most recent commission-approved rate of return on equity for each transmission-only utility operating in ERCOT; or
(B) for a transmission and distribution utility, the utility's most recently accepted earnings monitoring report, filed in compliance with commission rules and instructions or as adjusted by the commission to conform with the rules and instructions, shows that it is earning, on a weather-normalized basis, less than 50 basis points above the average of the most recent commission-approved rate of return on equity for each transmission and distribution utility operating in ERCOT with at least 175,000 metered customers.
(C) For purposes of this subsection, all utility earnings monitoring reports evaluated in earnings-report memoranda filed by commission staff are deemed accepted on the date that such memoranda are filed with the commission, unless a memorandum states explicitly otherwise or, with regard to the acceptance of the report for a specific electric utility, the commission modifies staff's conclusions pertaining to that electric utility. If necessary to achieve the purposes of this rule, commission staff may at any time issue an individual notice of acceptance for an electric utility's earnings monitoring report by filing a memorandum with the commission.
(3) The commission may extend the scheduled filing deadline under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection for one year for good cause shown or because of resource constraints of the commission.
(5) Nothing in this section limits the commission's authority to initiate a rate proceeding at any time under this title on the basis of other criteria that the commission determines are in the public interest, including but not limited to the information provided in an electric utility's earnings monitoring report.
(1) If an electric utility subject to subsection (a) of this section has a comprehensive rate proceeding pending on the effective date of this rule, the electric utility is required to file, after the commission's final order in that pending proceeding, a comprehensive rate proceeding in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section. If the pending proceeding is withdrawn, dismissed, or otherwise resolved without a final order, the electric utility shall be subject to the transition timelines in paragraph (2) of this subsection unless the commission orders otherwise.
(2) All electric utilities subject to subsection (a) of this section shall make their initial filings under that subsection on or before the later of:
(A) 48 months from the order in the electric utility's last comprehensive rate proceeding or other proceeding in which the commission approved a settlement agreement reflecting a rate modification that allowed the electric utility to avoid the filing of such a rate case, or such date as extended by the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section; or
TRD-201704706
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes amendments to existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 84, Subchapter A, §84.2; Subchapter C, §84.41 and §84.44; Subchapter D, §84.51; Subchapter E, §84.62; Subchapter F, §84.70; Subchapter M, §§84.500, 84.502 and 84.503; and Subchapter N, §84.600, regarding the Driver Education and Safety Program.
The rules under 16 TAC, Chapter 84 implement Texas Education Code, Chapter 1001. These proposed amendments primarily implement Senate Bill 848 (SB 848), House Bill 912 (HB 912), and House Bill 1372 (HB 1372), 85th Legislature, Regular Session (2017.) The proposed amendments also replace outdated language and make editorial corrections. The legislation (SB848/HB912) removed outdated language; expanded the population of persons who are authorized to provide instruction in the 'parent taught' driver education program; reduced the driver education course provider bond to $10,000; and authorized driver education and driving safety course completion certificates to be issued electronically. House Bill 1372 added a requirement that the curriculum for each driver education and safety course include information on the proper use of child passenger safety seats.
In a future rulemaking, the Department will be implementing two remaining bills from the 85th Legislature, Regular Session (2017), that affected the Driver Education and Safety Program, including: Senate Bill 30 relating to traffic stop safety; Senate Bill 1051 relating to creating a driver education course in American Sign Language; and implementing the portion of SB 848 and HB 912 that specifically authorized driving safety schools to issue course completion certificates electronically. The anticipated future rulemaking will also include proposing amendments to the curriculum for driver education and safety courses.
The proposed amendments to §84.2 remove a definition that was repealed in SB 848 and HB 912 relating to certain qualification for license.
The proposed amendments to §84.41 implement SB 848 and HB 912 authorizing driver education certificates to be issued electronically.
The proposed amendments to §84.44 implement SB 848 and HB 912, removing a burdensome requirement in the driver education and driving safety instructor license renewal process.
The proposed amendments to §84.51 correct an existing typographical error.
The proposed amendments to §84.62 implement SB 848 and HB 912, reducing the driver education course provider bond to $10,000.
The proposed amendments to §84.70 repeal language that was repealed in SB 848 and HB 912 relating to certain qualifications for license.
The proposed amendments to §84.500 implement HB 1372, adding information relating to child passenger safety seats to driver education school curriculum.
The proposed amendments to §84.502 implement HB 1372, adding information relating to child passenger safety seats to driving safety course curriculum.
The proposed amendments to §84.503 implement HB 1372, adding information regarding the proper use of child passenger safety seats to specialized driving safety courses of instruction.
The proposed amendments to §84.600 implement HB 1372, adding information regarding the proper use of child passenger safety seats to the driver education Program of Instruction for Public Schools.
Brian E. Francis, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect there will be no direct cost to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendments.
Mr. Francis has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, there is no estimated increase or loss in revenue to the state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendments.
The reduction in the bond amount does not have an effect on the Department's revenue, as the bond is used only if a driver education school becomes insolvent and its claims are to refund fees to students.
Mr. Francis has also determined that for each year of the first five-year period, the proposed amendments are in effect, the public will benefit from a greater understanding of the rules, and from drivers being aware of the proper use of child passenger safety seats, thus, preventing injuries during accidents. The public should also benefit from the convenience of receiving driver education certificates electronically upon completion of courses.
Mr. Francis has determined that for each year of the first five-year period, the proposed amendments are in effect, there are minimal anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendments. There is no fee to the Department as a result of the addition of the proper use of child passenger safety seats into driving safety and driver education curriculum. There may be nominal costs to rewrite the curriculum and resubmit to the Department.
There will be no adverse affect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities as a result of the proposed amendments. A small or micro business may save some costs by the reduction of the driver education course provider bond amount.
Since the agency has determined that the proposed amendments will have no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses or rural communities, preparation of an Economic Impact Statement and Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, as detailed under Texas Government Code §2006.002, are not required.
The proposed amendments do not have a fiscal note that imposes a cost on regulated persons, including another state agency, a special district, or a local government. Therefore, the agency is not required to take any further action under Government Code §2001.0045(c).
The statutory provisions affected by the proposal are those set forth in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 1001.
§84.2.Definitions.
[(13) Good reputation--A person is considered to be of good reputation if the department determines that the person is eligible for licensure, based on the department's review of the application, any supporting documentation and analysis pursuant to any of the laws and rules that relate to the license requirements, including but not limited to this chapter; 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 60; Texas Education Code Chapter 1001; and Texas Occupations Code Chapters 51 and Chapter 53.]
(13) [(14)] Inactive course--a driving safety or specialized driving safety course for which no uniform certificates of completion or course completion certificate numbers have been purchased for 36 months or longer.
(14) [(15)] Instructor trainer--A driving safety instructor trainer (DSIT) or specialized driving safety instructor trainer (SDSIT) who has been trained to prepare instructors to give instruction in a specified curriculum. A DSIT or SDSIT supervises the student instructor trainee during their practical teaching sessions, overseeing their presentation of the course. The DSIT or SDSIT may provide feedback and guidance to the trainee concerning their practical teaching, but would not provide the training of techniques of instruction and in-depth familiarization with course material to the trainee during the Instructor Development Course.
(15) [(16)] National criminal history record information--Criminal history record information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Texas Government Code, §411.087, based on fingerprint identification information.
(16) [(17)] New Course--A driving safety or specialized driving safety course is considered new when it has not been approved by the department to be offered previously, or has been approved by the department and become inactive; or the content, lessons, or delivery of the course has been changed to a degree that a new application is requested and a complete review of the application and course presentation is necessary to determine compliance.
(17) [(18)] Personal validation question--A question designed to establish the identity of the student by requiring an answer related to the student's personal information such as a driver's license number, address, date of birth, or other similar information that is unique to the student.
(18) [(19)] Post program exam--an exam designed to measure the student's comprehension and knowledge of course material presented after the instruction is completed.
(19) [(20)] Pre-program exam--an exam given during the program introduction using questions drawn from material to be covered in the course to determine the level of drug and alcohol knowledge possessed by the student prior to receiving instruction.
(20) [(21) Primary school--A licensed driver education main school that may have branch schools.
(21) [(22)] Public or private school--an accredited public or non-public secondary school.
(22) [(23)] Specialized driving safety course--a six-hour driving safety course that includes at least four hours of training intended to improve the student's knowledge, compliance with, and attitude toward the use of child passenger safety seats systems and the wearing of seat belt and other occupant restraint system.
(23) [(24)] Teacher of record--A licensed supervising driver education teacher or licensed driver education teacher employed at the school who is directly responsible for the classroom instructional phase provided by a teaching assistant full or supervising teaching assistant full.
(24) [(25)] Uniform certificate of course completion--A document with a serial number purchased from the department that is printed, administered and supplied by course providers or primary consignees for issuance to students who successfully complete an approved driving safety or specialized driving safety course and that meets the requirements of Texas Transportation Code, chapter 543, and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 45.051 or 45.0511. This term encompasses all parts of an original or duplicate uniform certificate of course completion.
(25) [(26)] Validation question--A question designed to establish the student's participation in a course or program and comprehension of the materials by requiring the student to answer a question regarding a fact or concept taught in the course or program.
TRD-201704708
§84.41.Driver Education School Responsibility.
(c) Each driver education school owner-operator or employee that purchases driver education certificate numbers from the department must:
(3) develop and maintain a department-approved method for [printing and] issuing original and duplicate driver education certificates that, to the greatest extent possible, prevents the unauthorized production or misuse of the certificates; and
§84.44.Driver Education Instructor License.
(c) An application for renewal of an instructor license shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the department [and shall be postmarked or hand-delivered at least thirty (30) days before the date of expiration or a late instructor renewal fee shall be imposed]. A complete application shall include the following:
(1) annual licensing fee; and
(2) evidence of completing continuing education during the individual license renewal period.
TRD-201704709
§84.51.Parent Taught Submission of Course for Department Approval.
(1) that the course does not meet the standards required under §1001.112 [§1001.212] of the Code; or
TRD-201704710
§84.62.Course Provider License Requirements.
(b) Bond requirements for course provider. In the case of an original or a change of owner application, an original bond shall be provided in the amount of $10,000 [$25,000]. In the case of a renewal application, an original bond or a continuation agreement for the approved bond currently on file shall be submitted. The bond or the continuation agreement shall be executed on the form prescribed by the department.
(c) - (k) (No change.)
TRD-201704711
§84.70.Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program School Licensure Requirements.
(b) Approval. The department shall approve the application of a drug and alcohol driving awareness school if the department finds that [the school owner and employees are of good reputation and] the school does not owe a civil penalty under Texas Education Code, Chapter 1001.
TRD-201704712
(a) The educational objectives of driver training courses shall include, but not be limited to, promoting respect for and encouraging observance of traffic laws and traffic safety responsibilities of driver education and citizens; reducing traffic violations; reducing traffic-related injuries, deaths, and economic losses; the proper use of child passenger safety seat systems; and motivating development of traffic-related competencies through education, including, but not limited to, Texas traffic laws, risk management, driver attitudes, courtesy skills, and evasive driving techniques.
(A) Educational objectives. The educational objectives of driving safety courses shall include, but not be limited to promoting respect for and encouraging observance of traffic laws and traffic safety responsibilities of drivers and citizens; the proper use of child passenger safety seat systems; reducing traffic violations; reducing traffic-related injuries, deaths, and economic losses; and motivating continuing development of traffic-related competencies.
(V) helmets and other protective equipment[; and]
(VII) [(VI)] dangers involved in locking or leaving children in vehicles unattended.
(xi) - (xiii) (No change.)
§84.503.Specialized Driving Safety Courses of Instruction.
(A) Educational objectives. The educational objectives of specialized driving safety courses shall include, but not be limited to improving the student's knowledge and use of, compliance with, and attitude toward the use of child passenger safety seat systems and the wearing of seat belt and other occupant restraint systems.
TRD-201704713
TRD-201704715