Message - June 15, 2007

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTIETH TEXAS LEGISLATURE, REGULAR SESSION:

Pursuant to Article IV, Sections 14 and 15 of the Texas Constitution, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove and veto House Bill No. 738 of the 80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, due to the following objections:

House Bill No. 738 would permit a person employed by a Class IV airport, which has an Airport Operating Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, to be appointed to a paid position with aircraft firefighter responsibilities.

However, this bill would unnecessarily impact the standardization of airport firefighting and the regulatory authority of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). I am confident the TCFP can use its existing statutory authority when necessary to address unique situations of an airport in a manner that balances the needs of the airport with its regulatory framework.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this the 15th day of June, 2007.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

ATTESTED BY:
ROGER WILLIAMS
Secretary of State