Votes at a glance: Public Safety Commission approves budget, salary increase, rule proposals, appointments and other items

At its August meeting the Public Safety Commission took multiple formal actions, including budget approval, salary adjustment for the colonel, rule‑making steps, and numerous personnel appointments.

Budget and personnel actions

- Fiscal year 2026 internal operating budget: The commission adopted the FY 2026 internal operating budget as presented. Suzy Whittington, chief financial officer, summarized the Appropriations Act totals and adjustments for collected revenue, federal funds estimates and additional appropriations from recent bills (including funding for rapid DNA analysis and the newly created Homeland Security Division). Motion to adopt was made by Commissioner Blair and seconded by Commissioner Long; the motion passed.

- Colonel's salary: General Counsel Phil Atkins explained the General Appropriations Act sets a salary range for the executive director/colonel. The commission voted to increase the colonel's salary to the legislative maximum of $390,908 annually effective Sept. 1, 2025. Motion by Commissioner Blair, second by Commissioner Long; motion passed.

- Retiree rehire program: The commission voted to reinstate a retiree‑rehire program that allows retirees to return to commission positions under conditions set by statute and departmental policy. The legislature removed Chapter 411 employment protections for such rehired retirees (Senate Bill 2383 referenced by the director), allowing at‑will employment terms; the commission approved reinstatement (motion by Commissioner Blair; second by Commissioner Hord).

Rule proposals and contested case

- Administrative contested case: The commission adopted the Administrative Law Judge's proposal for decision to deny Gregory R. T. Souza's application for a commissioned security officer license on the ground he is federally disqualified from possessing a firearm. Motion to adopt recommendation was made by Commissioner Blair and seconded by Commissioner Stodjell; motion passed.

- Rule proposals published for public comment: The commission voted to publish multiple rule proposals in the Texas Register for public comment: amendments to commercial motor vehicle enforcement and training rules and amendments to school bus safety rules (items e1 and e5), and a set of rule changes tied to the Compassionate Use Program (items e2–e4). Motions to publish were made and seconded as reflected in the minutes and approved.

Appointments and promotions (selected)

The commission approved a set of organizational appointments and promotions effective Sept. 1, 2025, including the creation of the Homeland Security Division (see separate article): Gerald Brown, appointed chief, Homeland Security Division; Mike George, appointed assistant chief, Homeland Security Operations; Derek Prestridge, appointed chief, Training Operations Division; Jason Griffin, assistant chief, Training Operations Division; Kyle Matheson, regional chief, Southeast Texas region; Corey Lane, regional chief, Northwest Texas region; Jason Bobo, assistant chief, Texas Rangers; Devin Gonzalez, assistant chief, Criminal Investigations Division; and Benjamin (Eddie) Wilson, assistant chief, Infrastructure Operations Division. Motions and seconds for these appointments were recorded and each passed by voice vote.

Consent items and other business

The commission approved consent items listed on the agenda and set future meeting dates. The commission also heard the director's report and recognized employee awards and retirements during the meeting's presentations.

Provenance: First related transcript excerpt: "Next item on the agenda is approval of the minutes of the Public Safety Commission meeting held on 06/12/2025." Last related transcript excerpt: "Motion carries. We're adjourned."