1. (a) Unless otherwise specifically provided in this part, the terms and phrases used in Chapters 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310 have the meanings assigned by Government Code, Chapters 861 - 865.
2. (b) In Chapters 302, 304, 306, 308 and 310, "Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act" means the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (Article 6243e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).
3. (c) For purposes of this part and Government Code, Chapters 861-865, the term "spouse" means an individual to whom a member is legally married under Subtitle A, Title 1, Family Code or a comparable law of another jurisdiction (including a ceremonial marriage or an informal marriage), provided that in the case of an informal marriage in this state, the marriage must be evidenced by a declaration of informal marriage recorded in accordance with Subchapter E, Chapter 2, Family Code prior to the death of a member. With respect to an informal marriage established in this state, a spouse is considered married to a member as of the date a declaration of informal marriage was recorded in accordance with Subchapter E, Chapter 2, Family Code.

Source Note:The provisions of this §302.1 adopted to be effective October 2, 2005, 30 TexReg 6060; amended to be effective June 30, 2025, 50 TexReg 3786.