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Last week in the Texas Register, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)proposed a rule change that only affects military service members, military veterans, and their spouses.

What the Rule Change Does

·        Replaces the old Military Fee Exemption (§9.14) with a new rule called Military Licensing & Fee Exemption.

·        Comes from Texas House Bill 5629 and Senate Bill 1818, passed this year.

·        Requires the RRC to:

·        Two Ways to Get an Alternative License: 

Applicants who are military, veterans, or spouses may qualify if they:

  1. Hold a valid out-of-state license in good standing, OR

  2. Held a Texas license within the past five years.

·        Recognize out-of-state licenses for military members and spouses who meet the requirements.

·        Waive application and exam fees for military applicants (the RRC already does this, but is now streamlining it).

·        Complaint Tracking: The Commission must now keep a record of any complaints made against licensed military members and publish this information on its website every 3 months.

·        New Forms: Two new application forms are being created specifically for these new licensing options:

  • Form 16V for the alternative license.

  • Form 16M for the out-of-state license recognition.

·        Process applications faster — cutting wait times from 30 business days down to 10 business days.

The rule is designed to help military families get licensed faster and cheaper if they are working in the propane industry in Texas.

Governor Orders DPS to Enforce English Proficiency for CDL Holders

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strictly enforce Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) English language proficiency requirements for all commercial drivers—both interstate and intrastate.

·        Abbott emphasized: "Truckers play an instrumental role in Texas' robust economy and in keeping our highways safe. Every CDL operator must be able to communicate clearly in English to follow traffic laws, safety directions, and prevent accidents. I am directing DPS to enact zero-tolerance enforcement of these regulations across the board—whether drivers are operating across state lines or only within Texas."

·        Until last week, DPS enforcement focused only on interstate drivers. Under the Governor’s latest directive, intrastate CDL holders are now included, ensuring every commercial driver on Texas roadways must meet English proficiency standards.

·        DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers and inspectors will conduct English Language Proficiency reviews for all CDL holders operating in Texas.

The purpose is to ensure drivers have the communication skills needed for roadway safety and compliance with federal law.

·        New DPS Directive: The agency will stop issuing intrastate CDL licenses to drivers who cannot speak English sufficiently to communicate with DPS personnel.

What Inspectors Will Check During Roadside Reviews

·        Two-Step Assessment Process: Inspectors will initiate all roadside inspections in English. If a driver appears to have difficulty understanding, the inspector will conduct a two-part assessment:

  1. Driver Interview: Evaluates the driver’s ability to converse in English without assistance.

  2. Traffic Sign Recognition: Assesses the driver’s understanding of U.S. highway signs.

·        Prohibition of Aids: During assessments, interpreters, translation apps, or cue cards are prohibited to ensure an accurate evaluation of the driver’s English proficiency.

·        Immediate Enforcement: Drivers failing to meet ELP standards will be cited for violations under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2).

Last Chance to Register for Propane Emergencies Training CEU Class!

Photographs by Oregon DOT, FEMA & ProCOT.

Rollovers and fires are not the only topics we will discuss at the upcoming Propane Incident Management Training, also known as Propane Emergencies.

We will also discuss lessons learned from natural disasters like the recent flood in the Texas Hill Country.

This is a time to learn propane incident management basics and engage with emergency responders from all over Texas.

Be ready for the next rollover, accident, or natural disaster.

Register now for the September 29-30, 2025, training.

All propane industry registrants will receive RRC Continuing Education Credit.

Registration & Hotel Deadline: Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Please note: There will be a prize for the propane company that registers the most fire departments.

Full Schedule

Monday, October 13, 2025

• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Cargo Tank (CT) Inspection Training
• Lunch Provided – RSVP Required – Training is open to members & non-members

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

• 9:00 – 10:00 AM: Executive Committee Meeting (Exec Session)
• 10:00 – 11:00 AM: Finance Committee Meeting
• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Meetings & Convention Planning Meeting
• 12:00 – 1:15 PM: Hosted Lunch & Presentation by Rinnai – Heat-Pump Helper
• 1:30 – 2:30 PM: Scholarship Meeting
• 2:30 – 3:30 PM: T&S Committee Meeting
• 4:00 – 5:45 PM: Happy Hour – SpringHill Suites Bar
• 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Dinner at Culpepper’s Steak House

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

• 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Annual Business Meeting & Board of Directors Meeting

• Agenda: Annual Business Meeting, Financials, Meetings/Convention Update, Executive Director’s Report, Old & New Business, Supplier Board Member Swear-In

Want to Sponsor? Only (2)sponsorships left. Sponsor our popular member dinner. Email cshook@txpropane.com to sponsor.

Post jobs or search CDL, service tech, and other candidates now at our Texas Job Board

Find all the compliance items you are looking for at your one-stop shop, Propane Service Corporation.

TEXAS PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION

8408 North Interstate 35​

Austin, TX 78753

Email: info@txpropane.com

Tel: 800-325-7427

Fax: 1-512-834-0758

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