(a) To obtain a public information officer (PIO) certificate, an applicant must:
- (1) successfully complete an initial PIO course approved by the commission; and
- (2) report completion of this course to the commission.
- (b) A certificate is valid for one year from issuance.
- (c) To keep the certificate valid, the holder must successfully complete the PIO continuing education hours required by the Texas Division of Emergency Management prior to each anniversary of the issuance of the certificate.
- (d) If the certificate becomes invalid, a holder may renew the certificate by completing all outstanding continuing education hours.
- (e) The effective date of this section is June 1, 2026.
Source Note:The provisions of this §221.48 adopted to be effective June 1, 2026, 51 TexReg 3613.