(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to authorize reimbursement of training and education expenses consistent with Subchapters C and D, Chapter 656, Texas Government Code.     
      (b) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) shall adopt policies related to training and education for agency administrators and employees consistent with this rule and Subchapters C and D, Chapter 656, Texas Government Code.     
      (c) The policies may establish additional eligibility criteria for administrator and employee participation in training and education supported by the TDCJ as well as an explanation of the administrators’ and employees’ responsibilities and potential liabilities as participants.     
      (d) A TDCJ administrator or employee must be employed on a full-time basis and approved by their respective division director to be eligible for training and education supported by the TDCJ.     
      (e) A TDCJ administrator or employee must follow all applicable TDCJ policies adopted pursuant to this rule.     
      (f) Only the TDCJ executive director may authorize the tuition reimbursement payment of a TDCJ administrator or employee for a training or education program offered by an institution of higher education or private or independent institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code. The TDCJ may only reimburse the tuition expenses for a program course successfully completed by the administrator or employee at an institution of higher education accredited by a recognized accrediting agency as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §151.54 adopted to be effective November 5, 2023, 48 TexReg 6384