The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Agency--The Texas Department of Public Safety.
2. (2) Applicant or petitioner--A party seeking a license or rule from the commission or the agency, or appealing any action of the director or the Public Safety Commission.
3. (3) Commission--The Public Safety Commission.
4. (4) Commissioner--One of the appointed members of the Public Safety Commission.
5. (5) Complainant--Any party who has filed a signed, written complaint with the commission or the agency against any party subject to the jurisdiction of the agency or the Public Safety Commission.
6. (6) Contested case--A proceeding, including but not restricted to licensing and appeals, in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by the commission or the agency after an opportunity for adjudicative hearing.
7. (7) Director--The administrator in charge of the agency.
8. (8) Division--One of the administrative units for regulation of specific activities within the jurisdiction of the agency.
9. (9) Hearing officer--Any person appointed by the commission or the agency to conduct hearings on matters within the commission's or the agency's jurisdiction.
10. (10) Intervenor--Any party otherwise not defined.
11. (11) License--Includes the whole or part of any agency permit, certificate, approval, registration, or similar form of permission required by law.
12. (12) Licensing--Includes the agency process respecting the granting, denial, renewal, revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, or amendment of a license.
13. (13) Party--Each person or agency named or admitted as a party.
14. (14) Person--Any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private organization of any character other than an agency.
15. (15) Pleading--Written allegations filed by parties concerning their respective claims.
16. (16) Protestant--Any party opposing an application or petition filed with the commission or the agency.
17. (17) Register--The Texas Register.
18. (18) Respondent--Any party against whom any complaint has been filed.
19. (19) Rule--Any commission or agency statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule but does not include statements concerning only the internal management or organization of any agency and not affecting private rights or procedures. This definition includes substantive regulations.

Source Note:The provisions of this §29.1 adopted to be effective January 1, 1976.