How many special rangers may the director of the Department of Public Safety appoint who are employed by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association?

The director of the Department of Public Safety may appoint up to 50 special rangers who are employed by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. This is aligned with the provisions set forth in the Texas Occupations Code, which stipulates this specific number to ensure effective law enforcement in rural areas where cattle theft and related crimes may occur. The number of appointments is capped at 50 to maintain a balance in resource allocation, ensuring that these special rangers can operate efficiently without overwhelming local law enforcement or confusing jurisdictional boundaries.

The other options, which suggest a higher number of appointments, do not reflect the statutory limit established for this particular role, ensuring clarity in understanding the scope of authority given to the director. Hence, the correct answer reflects a precise limit that is set by law, which is essential for the management of law enforcement resources within Texas.