1. (a) Renewal. The Commission may renew an individual's Forensic Analyst License up to 90 days before the expiration of the individual's two-year license term.
2. (b) Expiration. A Forensic Analyst License or renewed Forensic Analyst License expires two years from the date the initial application was granted.
3. (c) Effective date. A renewed Forensic Analyst License takes effect on the date the licensee's previous license expires.
4. (d) Application. An applicant for a Forensic Analyst License renewal shall complete and submit to the Commission a current Forensic Analyst License Renewal Application form provided on the Commission's website, pay the required fee, attach documentation of fulfillment of Continuing Forensic Education requirements set forth in this section, provide an updated copy of the Commission's Proficiency Testing Certification form signed by the licensee's authorized laboratory representative, and complete the mandatory online legal and professional responsibility update described in this section.

5. (e) Continuing Forensic Education Including Mandatory Legal and Professional Responsibility Update:

   1. (1) Licensees must complete a Commission-sponsored mandatory legal and professional responsibility update by the expiration of each two-year license cycle as provided by the Commission.
   2. (2) Mandatory legal and professional responsibility training topics may include training on current and past criminal forensic legal issues, professional responsibility and human factors, courtroom testimony, disclosure and discovery requirements under state and federal law, and other relevant topics as designated by the Commission.

   3. (3) All forensic analysts shall be required to satisfy the following Continuing Forensic Education Requirements:

      1. (A) Completion of twenty-four (24) continuing forensic education hours per 2-year license cycle.
      2. (B) Eight (8) hours of the twenty-four (24) hours may be journal articles - one journal article equals one hour.
      3. (C) Sixteen (16) hours of the twenty-four (24) must be discipline-specific training and/or conference education hours.
      4. (D) The remaining eight (8) hours may be general forensic training and/or conference education hours and include the mandatory legal and professional responsibility training.
   4. (4) Continuing forensic education programs will be offered and/or designated by the Commission and will consist of independent, online trainings, readings, and participation in recognized state, regional, and national forensic conferences and workshops.
6. (f) If an applicant fails to fulfill any or all of the requirements pertaining to license renewal, continuing forensic education and the mandatory legal and professional responsibility update, the applicant may apply to the Commission for special dispensation on a form to be provided on the Commission's website. Upon approval by the Commission, the applicant may be allowed an extension of time to fulfill remaining continuing forensic education requirements.

Source Note:The provisions of this §651.208 adopted to be effective May 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 3106; amended to be effective December 16, 2018, 43 TexReg 7910.