CERTIFICATE RENEWAL.

(a) A fire department or other employing entity may renew an unexpired certification by, before the expiration date of the certificate:

(1) submitting evidence satisfactory to the commission of completion of any required professional education; and

(2) paying to the commission the required renewal fee.

(b) If a person's certificate has been expired for 30 days or less, the fire department or other employing entity may renew the certificate by:

(1) submitting evidence satisfactory to the commission of completion of any required professional education; and

(2) paying to the commission the required renewal fee and a fee that is one-half of the certification fee for the certificate.

(c) If a person's certificate has been expired for longer than 30 days but less than one year, the fire department or other employing entity may renew the certificate by:

(1) submitting evidence satisfactory to the commission of completion of any required professional education; and

(2) paying to the commission all unpaid renewal fees and a fee that is equal to the certification fee.

(d) If a person's certificate has been expired for one year or longer, the person may not renew the certificate. The person may obtain a new certificate by submitting to the proficiency examination or repeating the requirements and procedures for obtaining an original certificate. The commission shall charge a fee to recover the cost of administering the proficiency examination. The fire department or other employing entity shall pay the certification fee.

(e) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission by rule may establish a procedure to waive the late fees or examination required by this section if:

(1) the person's certificate expired because of the employing entity's good faith clerical error, including the failure of the employing entity to submit fees in a timely manner; or

(2) the person's certificate expired as a result of termination of the person's employment and the person has been restored to employment as a result of a disciplinary procedure or a court action.

(f) At least 30 days before the expiration of a person's certificate, the commission shall send written notice of the impending certificate expiration to the last known fire department or other employing entity employing the regulated person according to the records of the commission.