TITLE examining-boards

Part XI. Board of Nurse Examiners

Chapter 211. Bylaws

22 TAC §§211.1-211.11

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Board of Nurse Examiners or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Board of Nurse Examiners proposes the repeal of §§211.1-211.11 concerning Introduction; Purpose and Functions; Organization and Structure; Officers; Meetings; Committees of the Board; Executive Director; Advisory Committees; Conflict of Interest; General Considerations; and Amendments to the Sections.

The repeal would allow for the adoption of new sections.

Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Ms. Thomas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed repeal is in effect the public is not affected. There will be no effect on local government nor businesses to comply with the repeal.

Written comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted to Katherine Thomas, Board of Nurse Examiners, P.O. Box 430, Austin, Texas, 78767-0430.

The repeal is proposed under the Nursing Practice Act, (Texas Civil Statutes), Article 4514, §1, which provides the Board of Nurse Examiners with the authority and power to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and conducting of proceedings before it.

There are no other rules, codes, or statutes that will be affected by this proposal.

§211.1.Introduction.

§211.2.Purpose and Functions.

§211.3.Organization and Structure.

§211.4.Officers.

§211.5.Meetings.

§211.6.Committees of the Board.

§211.7.Executive Director.

§211.8.Advisory Committees.

§211.9.Conflict of Interest.

§211.10.General Considerations.

§211.11.Amendments to the Sections.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 9, 1999.

TRD-9904945

Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN

Executive Directors

Board of Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6816


Chapter 211. General Provisions

22 TAC §§211.1-211.09

The Board of Nurse Examiners proposes new §§211.1-211.09 concerning Introduction; Purpose and Functions; Organization and Structure; Officers; Meetings; Committees of the Board; Executive Director; Advisory Committees; Conflict of Interest; General Considerations.

The Board of Nurse Examiners staff reviewed the bylaws. Staff determined that the title of the chapter would be better served as "General Provisions". In addition, The Board of Nurse Examiners is required to have rules in place for the Historically Underutilized Businesses pursuant to Article IX of the 75th Legislative Session and rules for advisory committees as defined by the Texas Administrative Code. Since the Competency Advisory Committee and Laws and Regulations Committee were established by statute Article 4518, §8, these two committees require rules.

Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Ms. Thomas also has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed rules will be in effect the public is not affected. There will be no effect on local government nor businesses to comply with the rules.

Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Katherine Thomas, Board of Nurse Examiners, P.O. Box 430, Austin, Texas, 78767-0430.

The new rules are proposed under the Nursing Practice Act, (Texas Civil Statutes), Article 4514, §1 and 4518, §7(d), which provides the Board of Nurse Examiners with the authority and power to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and conducting of proceedings before it. These general provisions will have general applicability to Board functions and to some degree will affect all the formal proceedings required by the Board under the Nursing Practice Act, Texas Revised Civil Statutes, Article 4513, et seq.

There are no other rules, codes, or statutes that will be affected by this proposal.

§211.1.Introduction.

(a)

Name. The entity is the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, hereafter referred to as the board. It is a decision-making board appointed by the Governor of the State of Texas in compliance with Texas Civil Statutes.

(b)

Location. The administrative offices shall be located in Austin, Texas.

(c)

Legal authority. The board is established pursuant to V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapters 301 and 303, and Vernon's Civil Statutes, Articles 4514, §8(c); 4518; §4; 4519a, §1; 4525.01; 4527a, §3; 4527e; and 4528b.

(d)

Composition. The board shall be composed of those persons appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(e)

Fiscal year. For all fiscal and administrative purposes, the reporting year of the board shall be identical to that of the State of Texas.

§211.2.Purpose and Functions.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of the board is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Texas. This purpose supersedes the interest of any individual, the nursing profession, or any special interest group. The board fulfills its mission through two principle areas of responsibility:

(1)

regulation of the practice of professional nursing, and

(2)

accreditation of schools of nursing.

(b)

Functions. The board shall perform the following functions as outlined in V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapters 301 and 303, and Vernon's Civil Statutes, Articles 4514, §8(c); 4518, §4; 4519a, §1; 4525.01; 4527a, §3; 4527e; and 4528b.

(1)

Establish standards of nursing practice and regulate the practice of professional nursing.

(2)

Interpret the Nursing Practice Act and the Rules and Regulations Relating to Professional Nurse Education, Licensure and Practice to nurses, employers, and the public to ensure informed professionals, allied health professionals, and consumers.

(3)

Receive complaints and investigate possible violations of the Nursing Practice Act and rules and regulations.

(4)

Discipline violators through appropriate legal action to enforce the Nursing Practice Act and rules and regulations.

(5)

Provide a mechanism for public comment with regard to the rules and regulations and the Nursing Practice Act and review and modify the rules and regulations when necessary and appropriate.

(6)

Examine and license qualified applicants to practice professional nursing in the state of Texas in a manner that ensures that applicable standards are maintained and that practitioners are minimally competent.

(7)

Grant licensure by endorsement to registered nurses from other states to ensure standards are maintained and applicable practices are consistent.

(8)

Recommend to legislature appropriate changes in the Nursing Practice Act to ensure that the act is current and applicable to changing needs and practices.

(9)

Establish standards for nursing education and accredit or deny accreditation to schools of nursing and educational programs which fail to meet or maintain the prescribed course of study or other applicable standards to ensure that high levels of education are achieved.

(10)

Monitor the examination results of licensure applicants to determine variances in the level of educational effectiveness.

(11)

Provide consultation and guidance to nurse education institutions to facilitate self-study, evaluation, and the development of effective nurse education programs.

(12)

Provide advice and counsel to the faculty of educational programs, to staff of health agencies utilizing nursing services, and to practitioners of nursing to continually improve professional service delivery.

§211.3.Organization and Structure.

(a)

General. The board shall consist of members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b)

Terms of office. In accordance with V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapters 301.052(a), the terms of board members shall be six years in length and shall be staggered so that the terms of not more than one-third of the members shall expire in a single calendar year. Upon completion of a term, a member may continue to serve until a successor has been appointed. A member may be reappointed to successive terms at the discretion of the Governor.

(c)

Eligibility. Refer to V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapter 301.052(b).

(d)

Compensation. Each member of the board shall receive per diem as provided by law for each day that the member engages in the business of the board and will be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in accordance with the state of Texas and Board of Nurse Examiners' travel policies.

§211.4.Officers.

(a)

Selections and appointments. In accordance with V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapter 301.057, the Governor shall designate one of the members of the board as presiding officer. During the last meeting of the fiscal year, the board shall elect from among its membership a vice president. All elections and any other issues requiring a vote of the board shall be decided by a simple majority of the members present and voting.

(b)

Duties of the officers.

(1)

The president shall

(A)

preside at all meetings of the board,

(B)

represent the board in legislative matters and in meetings with related groups,

(C)

appoint standing, ad hoc, and advisory committees,

(D)

perform such other duties as pertain to the office of the president and,

(E)

designate a member of the board to coordinate the annual performance reviews of the executive director and evaluation of the board.

(2)

The vice president shall function in the absence of the president and shall perform such other duties that are from time to time assigned by the board. If the office of president becomes vacant, the vice president will serve as president until another member is elected by the board or named by the Governor.

§211.5.Meetings.

The board shall meet at least four times a year. It shall consider such matters as may be necessary. Special meetings shall be called by the president of the board or upon written request signed by three members of the board in accordance with V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapter 301.058.

(1)

Agenda. An agenda shall be posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act and copies shall be sent to the board members.

(2)

Meetings of the board and of its committees are open to the public unless such meetings are conducted in executive session pursuant to state law.

(3)

Quorum. A majority of the members of the board, at least three of whom shall be registered nurses, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business at any regular or special meeting.

(4)

Voting. The board may act only by majority vote of its members present and voting, with each member entitled to one vote, unless a conflict of interest exists as described in §211.8 of this title (relating to Conflict of Interest). No proxy vote shall be allowed.

(5)

Presiding officer. In the absence of the president and the vice president, a presiding officer shall be chosen by a majority of the board members present.

§211.6.Committees of the Board.

(a)

The following are standing and permanent committees of the board, as established by the board in accordance with the Nursing Practice Act. The responsibilities and authority of these committees include those duties and powers as set forth including other responsibilities and charges which the board may from time to time delegate to these committees.

(b)

Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee.

(1)

Members of the committee shall be appointed by the president and shall consist of one consumer member and two nurse members.

(2)

The chair shall be named by the president.

(3)

Duties and powers. The disciplinary committee shall have the authority to determine matters of eligibility for licensure and discipline of licenses, including temporary suspension of a license, and administrative and civil penalties.

(c)

Education Liaison. The three board members representing nursing educational programs shall serve as advisory to the staff on matters pertaining to faculty waivers, proposed curriculum revisions and other issues that may arise between regular board meetings. The recommendations of the liaison members are presented to the board at the next regular meeting for ratification.

(d)

Advanced Practice Liaison. Three members shall be designated by the president to serve as advisory to the staff on matters pertaining to advanced practitioner waivers and other issues that may arise between regular board meetings. The recommendation of the liaison members are presented to the board at the next regular meeting for ratification.

(e)

Other standing or ad hoc committees. The board may designate other standing or ad hoc committees as deemed necessary. Such committees shall have and exercise such authority as may be granted by the board.

(f)

Statutory Committees.

(1)

Pursuant to the Health and Safety Code, §142.016, the Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE) and the Texas Department of Health (TDH) shall review their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to nursing services annually and renew or modify the MOU as necessary.

(2)

The BNE and the TDH shall consult with an advisory committee with minimum composition requirements stated in §142.016(b) in any modification or renewal of the MOU.

(3)

Nothing in the MOU shall be construed to alter the jurisdiction of the BNE or TDH regarding the definition or regulation of the practice of professional nursing.

(4)

The Laws and Regulations and Competency Advisory Committees advise and make recommendations to the Board regarding mechanisms to assure that RNs understand the laws and regulations affecting the practice of professional nursing and on matters relating to ensuring the maintenance of continued competency of registered nurses respectively.

(A)

Composition. The composition of the committees shall include representatives of those organizations identified in V.T.C.A., Occupations Code, Chapter 301.160 (g) and (h).

(B)

Presiding Officer; Committee Structure.

(i)

A board member appointed by the President will serve as Chairperson to the Committee.

(ii)

Agency staff assigned by the Executive Director will provide agency support to the Committee and Chair.

(iii)

Consultants may be invited as needed.

(iv)

Contracts/grants may be awarded to meet statutory requirements.

(v)

The committee shall meet as often as needed to complete its purpose.

(C)

Reimbursement of Member Expenses.

(i)

Reimbursement of expenses incurred for official committee business must be authorized by the General Appropriations Act as set forth in the Government Code, Chapter 2110.

(ii)

No compensatory per diem shall be paid to committee members unless required by law.

(iii)

A committee member who is an employee of the state other than the Board may not receive expenses from the Board.

(D)

Reporting Requirements.

(i)

The committee shall issue an annual report beginning November 1, 1998 of any pilot programs developed and approved and the status of such, including any findings regarding their effectiveness.

(ii)

Reports shall be mailed to statewide nursing associations, RN educators, and RN employers who request a copy.

(iii)

A report shall be filed biennially with the Legislative Budget Board and a final report shall be filed no later than September 1, 2000 providing an evaluation of the committee's work, usefulness, costs related to the committee's existence, including cost of staff time.

(E)

The committee(s) shall be in existence until the final report has been prepared for the Legislative session of January 2001, unless the Board abolished the committee sooner upon completion of its purpose.

(g)

Advisory Committees. The president may appoint, with the authorization of the board, advisory committees for the performance of such activities as may be appropriate.

§211.7.Executive Director.

(a)

The board shall determine qualifications for and retain an executive director who shall be the chief executive officer of the agency.

(b)

The executive director shall have the authority and responsibility for the operations and administration of the agency and such additional powers and duties as prescribed by the board. As chief executive of the board the executive director shall manage all aspects of the agency, including personnel, financial and other resources, in support of the NPA, rules and policies, the board's mission and strategic plan. The executive director shall attend all meetings of the board and may offer recommendations to the board, but shall not vote on matters brought before the board.

§211.8.Conflict of Interest.

When matters to be discussed by or before the board concern a school and/or agency with which the board member is affiliated, the board member shall not enter into the discussion unless questioned by a member of the board and shall not vote on the matter.

§211.9.General Considerations.

(a)

Parliamentary procedure. Board and committee meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.

(b)

Minutes. Minutes of all board meetings will be prepared and transmitted to board members for their review prior to subsequent board meetings and shall be filed with the Legislative Reference Library and the Texas State Library. Proceedings of standing and ad hoc committee meetings and advisory committee meetings shall be recorded, distributed and filed in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

(c)

Video Tape. All or any part of the proceedings of a public board meeting may be recorded by any person in attendance by means of a tape recorder, video camera, or any other means of sonic or visual reproduction.

(1)

The executive director shall direct any individual wishing to record or videotape as to equipment location, placement, and the manner in which the recording is conducted.

(2)

The decision will be made so as not to disrupt the normal order and business of the board.

(d)

Executive Session.

(1)

The Board of Nurse Examiners may meet in executive session to consider only the following items as provided by law:

(A)

involving the appointment, employment evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee, unless such officer or employee requests a public hearing;

(B)

with respect to the purchase, exchange, lease, value of real property and negotiated contracts for prospective gift or donations to the state or the governmental body, when such discussion would have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the board as between the board and a third person, firm, or corporation;

(C)

regarding the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation of security personnel or devices; or

(D)

in private consultation between a governmental body and its attorney, in instances in which the board seeks the attorney's advice with respect to pending or contemplated litigation, settlement offer, and matters where the duty of board's counsel to his client, pursuant to the Code of Professional Responsibility of the State Bar of Texas, clearly conflicts with applicable statutory provisions.

(2)

An executive session of the board shall not be held unless a quorum of the board has first been convened in open meeting. If during such open meeting, a motion is passed by the board to hold an executive session, the presiding officer shall publicly announce that an executive session will be held by stating: "Under the authority of Government Code §551.101, et seq., this meeting is in executive session."

(3)

The presiding officer of the board shall announce the date and time at the beginning and end of the executive session.

(4)

The presiding officer of the board shall make a tape recording of the executive session which shall include the announcement made by the presiding officer at the beginning and end of the executive session.

(5)

In lieu of a tape recording, the presiding officer shall prepare an agenda of the executive session which shall be certified by the presiding officer as being a true and correct record of the proceedings. The certified agenda shall:

(A)

include an announcement of the date and time by the presiding officer at the beginning and end of the executive session; and

(B)

state the subject matter of each deliberation and include a record of any further action taken.

(6)

At the conclusion of the executive session, the presiding officer shall place the certified agenda or tape in an envelope, seal and date the envelope and deliver the envelope to the executive director.

(7)

The executive director or his or her designee will place the envelope containing the tape or agenda in the agency's safe.

(8)

The certified agenda or tape shall be maintained at the board office for at least two years from the date of the executive session. If an action involving the executive session commences during such two year period, the certified agenda shall be maintained until the final disposition of such action.

(9)

The certified agenda or tape shall be available for inspection by the judge of a district court as specified in Government Code, §555.104, if litigation has been initiated involving a violation of this section.

(e)

Contracts with Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBS).

(1)

A Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) is a business that meets the definition of HUBs as defined in the rules of the General Services Commission.

(2)

The Board shall make a good faith effort to utilize HUBs in contracts for construction, services, including professional and consulting services, and commodities purchases.

(3)

The board shall make a good faith effort to assist HUBs in receiving a portion of the total contract value of all contracts awarded by the board in accordance with the percentage goals established by the General Services Commission.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 9, 1999.

TRD-9904946

Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN

Executive Director

Board of Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6816


Part XXIII. Texas Real Estate Commission

Chapter 535. Provisions of the Real Estate License Act

Subchapter A. General Provisions Relating to the Requirement of Licensure

22 TAC §535.1

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes an amendment to §535.1, concerning when a real estate license is required. The amendment would narrow the scope of the section with regard to nonresidents who may be conducting real estate brokerage from another state via the Internet, mail, telephone, or other medium. Since the adoption of the current section, TREC has received a number of questions from nonresident brokers who are concerned that they may be in violation of Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, (the Act) by responding to a Texas resident's inquiry about property in another state being offered for sale or lease by the brokers. The amendment would clarify that a nonresident would have to be dealing with a Texas resident, that all the prospective buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants would have to be legal residents of Texas and that the proposed transaction would have to involve real property located at least partly in Texas before the nonresident would be subject to the Act. By clarifying that these significant connections to the State of Texas must exist before a nonresident would be subject to the Act, the amendment would eliminate uncertainty as to the scope of the current section. The amendment also would clarify that, as permitted by the Act, nonresident real estate brokers may cooperate in real estate transactions with Texas real estate licensees without being licensed in Texas.

Mark A. Moseley, general counsel , has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. The amendment may slightly reduce the number of non-residents applying for a Texas real estate broker license, since the amendment narrows the scope of activity for which a Texas license would be required. There is no anticipated impact on local or state employment as a result of implementing the section. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section, since nonresident brokers may continue to conduct real estate transactions in cooperation with Texas real estate licensees.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be clarification of the licensing requirements for residents of other states.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, §5(h), which authorize the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties.

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.1.License Required.

(a)

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a (the Act) applies to persons acting as real estate brokers or salespersons while physically within this state, regardless of the location of the real estate involved or the residence of the person's customers or clients. For the purposes of the Act, a person conducting brokerage business from another state by mail, telephone, the Internet, e-mail or other [ electronic ] medium is also considered acting within this state if all the prospective buyers, sellers, landlords, or tenants are legal residents of this state, and the real property concerned is located wholly or in part within this state.

(b)

This section does not prohibit cooperative arrangements between non-resident brokers and Texas brokers pursuant to the Act, §14(a) and §535.131 of this title (relating to Unlawful Conduct: Splitting Fees).

(c)

[ (b) ] Unless otherwise exempted by the Act, a person must be licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson to show a broker's listings, solicit listings of real property perform any act defined as that of a real estate broker by the Act. An unlicensed person may be hired by a broker to act as a host or hostess at a property being offered for sale by the broker, provided the unlicensed person engages in no activity for which a license is required.

(d)

[ (c) ] The employees, agents or associates of a licensed broker, including a corporation or limited liability company licensed as a broker, must be licensed as real estate brokers or salespersons if they direct or supervise other persons in the performance of acts for which a license is required. A license is not required for the performance of secretarial, clerical, or administrative tasks, such as training personnel, performing duties generally associated with office administration and personnel matters. Unlicensed employees, agents, or associates may not solicit business for the broker or hold themselves out as authorized to act as real estate brokers or salespersons.

(e)

[ (d) ] As used in this chapter, the terms "property" and "real property" have the same meaning as "real estate" as that term is defined in the Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 4, 1999.

TRD-9904811

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3900


Subchapter J. Fees

22 TAC §535.101

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes an amendment to §535.101, concerning fees. The amendment would increase the filing fees for renewing a real estate broker or real estate salesperson license and the fee for filing a request to take a license examination.

Adoption of the amendment is necessary for TREC to generate sufficient revenue to fund appropriations by the 76th Legislature (1999). Unless these and other fees are increased, there will be an estimated shortfall of $600,000 over the 2000-2001 biennium between TREC's current revenues and the amount necessary for the agency to administer its licensing and regulatory programs for that period. Adoption of the amendment would permit TREC to continue its programs, hire additional enforcement personnel authorized by the legislature, and purchase a new computer system the agency has been authorized to acquire in FY 2001.

Alan Waters, director of staff services, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be fiscal implications for the state as a result of enforcing or administering the section. Annual revenues would increase by approximately $209,420 for FY 2000 and $282,285 for each year thereafter for the first five years after the section as amended is in effect. No fiscal implications are anticipated for local government There is no anticipated impact on local or state employment as a result of implementing the section.

Mr. Waters also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be ensuring that the commission collects sufficient fees to fund appropriations by the legislature. The anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section will be an increase of $2 per year for license renewals and an increase of $10 in the fee for filing a request to take an examination.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, §5(h), which authorize the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties.

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.101.Fees.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The commission shall charge and collect the following fees:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

a fee of $30 [ $28 ] for annual renewal of a real estate broker license;

(3)

(No change.)

(4)

a fee of $30 [ $28 ] for annual renewal of a real estate salesperson license;

(5)

a fee of $35 [ $25 ] for an application for a license examination;

(6)-(13)

(No change.)

(d)-(e)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 4, 1999.

TRD-9904812

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3900


Subchapter R. Licensed Real Estate Inspectors

22 TAC §535.210

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes an amendment to §535.210, concerning fees. The amendment would increase the filing fees for applying for or renewing apprentice licenses, real estate inspector licenses, and professional inspector licenses and the fee for filing a request to take a license examination.

Adoption of the amendment is necessary for TREC to generate sufficient revenue to fund appropriations by the 76th Legislature (1999). Unless these and other fees are increased, there will be an estimated shortfall of $600,000 over the 2000-2001 biennium between TREC's current revenues and the amount necessary for the agency to administer its licensing and regulatory programs for that period. Adoption of the amendment would permit TREC to continue its programs, hire additional enforcement personnel authorized by the legislature, and purchase a new computer system the agency has been authorized to acquire in FY 2001.

Alan Waters, director of staff services, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be fiscal implications for the state as a result of enforcing or administering the section. Annual revenues would increase by approximately $15,750 for FY 2000 and $23,625 for each year thereafter for the first five years after the section as amended is in effect. No fiscal implications are anticipated for local government There is no anticipated impact on local or state employment as a result of implementing the section.

Mr. Waters also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be ensuring that the commission collects sufficient fees to fund appropriations by the legislature. The anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section will be an increase of $10 per year for license renewals and original applications and an increase of $10 in the fee for filing a request to take an examination.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, §5(h), which authorize the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties.

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.210.Fees.

(a)

The commission shall charge and collect the following fees:

(1)

a fee of $35 [ $25 ] for filing an original application for a license as an apprentice inspector;

(2)

a fee of $45 [ $35 ] for filing an original application for a license as a real estate inspector;

(3)

a fee of $60 [ $50 ] for filing an original application for a license as a professional inspector;

(4)

a fee of $20 [ $10 ] for the annual renewal of the license of an apprentice inspector;

(5)

a fee of $25 [ $15 ] for the annual renewal of the license of a real estate inspector;

(6)

a fee of $25 [ $15 ] for the annual renewal of the license of a professional inspector;

(7)

a fee of $35 [ $25 ] for taking a license examination;

(8)-(9)

(No change.)

(b)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on August 4, 1999.

TRD-9904813

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3900


Chapter 537. Professional Agreements and Standard Contracts

22 TAC §§537.11, 537.21, 537.36, 537.43, 537.44, 537.46

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §§537.11, 537.21, 537.36, 537.43, 537.44, and 537.46, concerning standard contract forms. These actions would adopt by reference five revised forms to be used by Texas real estate licensees. The forms have been revised to make them easier to read and use and to conform with changes in the law governing owners' associations enacted by the 76th Legislature (1999).

Texas real estate licensees are generally required to use forms promulgated by TREC when negotiating contacts for the sale of real property. These forms are drafted by the Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee, an advisory body consisting of six attorneys appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas and six brokers appointed by TREC. The amendment to §537.11 renumbers the revised forms and also clarifies that licensees may reproduce forms from printed copies or electronically from files available from TREC on the agency's site on the World Wide Web and that a computer program for using the forms may permit the user to strike through language at the direction of the parties to the contract. Nonsubstantive language changes also are proposed to make the section consistent in style with other TREC rules.

The amendment to §537.21 would adopt a revised Addendum for Sale of Other Property By Buyer, a form used when the buyer and seller wish to make the contract contingent upon the sale of other property owned by the buyer. The form has been revised to eliminate a provision relating to the seller's continued showing of the property, because that subject is addressed in the TREC contract forms. Nonsubstantive changes are also proposed to make the form consistent in style with other TREC forms.

The amendment to §537.36 would adopt by reference a revised Addendum for Abstract of Title, a form used when the buyer is to receive an abstract of title in lieu of an owner policy of title insurance. The form has been revised to clarify when a supplemental abstract is to be delivered to the buyer and when the buyer may object to matters shown in the supplemental abstract. The form also has been rewritten to be consistent with the language used in other TREC forms and make the form easier to read.

The amendment to §537.43 would adopt by reference a revised Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in an Owners' Association. The form is used when the parties to the contract wish to address whether a resale certificate or other information about the owners' association is to be provided to the buyer. The form has been revised to make it consistent with new Chapter 207, Texas Property Code, enacted by the 76th Legislature (1999), effective September 1, 1999 ("the new law"). Under the new law, an owners' association is required to provide subdivision information to an owner upon the owner's written request. This information consists of restrictions applying to the subdivision, the bylaws and rules of the owners' association, and a resale certificate with specific information about the association. The TREC addendum has been modified to remove requirements that the seller provide the buyer with a copy of the association's articles of incorporation and income and expense statement, because the new law does not require the association to provide that information to the seller. Other information, including the operating budget and certificate of insurance, have been deleted as optional selections in the addendum, because the new law requires that information to be provided by the association in the new statutory resale certificate.

The amendment to §537.44 would adopt by reference a revised resale certificate, now captioned "Subdivision Information, Including Resale Certificate for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in an Owners' Association." The form has been modified to be consistent with the content required by the new law, specifically, to eliminate an explanation of any suits pending against the association and disclosure of any material physical defect known to the governing board of the association. The form also has been revised to add information which had not been included in the prior TREC form, specifically, a statement whether the restrictions allow foreclosure of a property owners' association's lien on the owner's property for failure to pay assessments.

The amendment to §537.46 would adopt by reference a revised Amendment. The form is used when the parties to the contract wish to amend their agreement. The form has been revised to include a general provisions paragraph for modifying information inserted in the boxes and blanks on the original contract. A note to the broker has been added to caution the broker to use the space for this limited purpose so as to avoid the unauthorized practice of law.

To ensure that conflicts between the existing TREC forms and the new law do not result in harm to prospective purchasers or associations using the forms, TREC is adopting on an emergency basis amendments §§537.11, 537.43 and 537.44, which by reference TREC Form 36-1, Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in an Owners' Association, and TREC Form 37-1, Subdivision Information, Including Resale Certificate for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in an Owners' Association, to be effective September 1, 1999.

Mark A. Moseley, general counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There is no anticipated impact on local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be the availability of current standard contract forms. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections, other than the costs of obtaining copies of the forms, which would be available at no charge through the TREC web site, and available from private printers at an estimated cost of $7.50 per set of 50 copies.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, §5(h), which authorize the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties.

The statute that is affected by these sections is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§§537.11. Use of Standard Contract Forms.

(a)

Standard Contract Form TREC No. 9-3 is promulgated for use in the sale of unimproved property where intended use is for one to four family residences. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 10-3 [ 10-2 ] is promulgated for use as an addendum concerning sale of other property by a buyer to be attached to promulgated forms of contracts. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 11-3 is promulgated for use as an addendum to be attached to promulgated forms of contracts which are second or "back-up" contracts. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 12-1 is promulgated for use as an addendum to be attached to promulgated forms of contracts where there is a Veterans Administration release of liability or restoration entitlement. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 13-1 is promulgated for use as an addendum concerning new home insulation to be attached to promulgated forms of contracts. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 15-2 is promulgated for use as a residential lease when a seller temporarily occupies property after closing. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 16-2 is promulgated for use as a residential lease when a buyer temporarily occupies property prior to closing. Standard Contract Form 20-3 is promulgated for use in the resale of residential real estate where there is all cash or owner financing, an assumption of an existing loan, or a conventional loan. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 21-3 is promulgated for use in the resale of residential real estate where there is a Veterans Administration guaranteed loan or a Federal Housing Administration insured loan. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 23-2 is promulgated for use in the sale of a new home where construction is incomplete. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 24-2 is promulgated for use in the sale of a new home where construction is completed. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 25-2 is promulgated for use in the sale of a farm or ranch. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 26-2 is promulgated for use as an addendum concerning seller financing. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 28-0 is promulgated for use as an addendum to be attached to promulgated forms of contracts where reports are to be obtained relating to environmental assessments, threatened or endangered species, or wetlands. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 29-1 [ 29- 0 ] is promulgated for use as an addendum to be attached to promulgated forms of contracts where an abstract of title is to be furnished. Standard Contract Form TREC No.30-1 is promulgated for use in the resale of a residential condominium unit where there is all cash or seller financing, an assumption of an existing loan, or a conventional loan. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 31-1 is promulgated for use in the resale of a residential condominium unit where there is a Veterans Administration guaranteed loan or a Federal Housing Administration insured loan. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 32-0 is promulgated for use as a condominium resale certificate. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 33-0 is promulgated for use as an addendum to be added to promulgated forms of contracts in the sale of property adjoining and sharing a common boundary with the tidally influenced submerged lands of the state. Standard Contract Form TREC Form No. 34-0 is promulgated for use as an addendum to be added to promulgated forms of contracts in the sale of property located seaward of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Standard Contract Form TREC No. 35-1 is promulgated for use as an addendum to be added to promulgated forms of contracts as an agreement for mediation. Standard Contract Form TREC Form No. 36-1 [ 36-0 ] is promulgated for use as an addendum to be added to promulgated forms in the sale of property subject to mandatory membership in an owners' association. Standard Contract Form TREC Form No. 37-1 [ 37-0 ] is promulgated for use as a resale certificate when the property is subject to mandatory membership in an owners' association. Standard Contract Form TREC Form No. 38-0 is promulgated for use as a notice of termination of contract. Standard Contract Form TREC Form No. 39-1 [ 39-0 ] is promulgated for use as an amendment to promulgated forms of contracts.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

A licensee may [ shall ] not practice law, offer, give nor attempt to give advice, directly or indirectly; the licensee may [ he shall ] not act as a public conveyancer nor give advice or opinions as to the legal effect of any contracts or other such instruments which may affect the title to real estate; the licensee may [ he shall ] not give opinions concerning the status or validity of title to real estate; and the licensee may [ he shall ] not attempt to prevent nor in any manner whatsoever discourage any principal to a real estate transaction from employing a lawyer. However, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the licensee's fiduciary obligation to disclose to the licensee's [ his ] principals all pertinent facts which are within the knowledge of the licensee, including such facts which might affect the status of or title to real estate.

(d)

A licensee may [ shall ] not undertake to draw or prepare documents fixing and defining the legal rights of the principals to a transaction. In negotiating real estate transactions, the licensee may fill in forms for such transactions, using exclusively forms which have been approved and promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission or such forms as are otherwise permitted by these rules. When filling in such a form, the licensee may only fill in the blanks provided and may not add to or strike matter from such form, except that licensees shall add factual statements and business details desired by the principals and shall strike only such matter as is desired by the principals and as is necessary to conform the instrument to the intent of the parties. A licensee may [ shall ] not add to a promulgated earnest money contract form factual statements or business details for which a contract addendum, lease or other form has been promulgated by the commission for mandatory use. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the licensee from explaining to the principals the meaning of the factual statements and business details contained in the said instrument so long as the licensee does not offer or give legal advice. It is not the practice of law as defined in this Act for a real estate licensee to complete a contract form which is either promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission or prepared by the Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee and made available for trial use by licensees with the consent of the Texas Real Estate Commission. Contract forms prepared by the Texas Real Estate Broker-Lawyer Committee for trial use may be used on a voluntary basis after being approved by the commission.

(e)

Where it appears that, prior to the execution of any such instrument, there are unusual matters involved in the transaction which should be resolved by legal counsel before the instrument is executed or that the instrument is to be acknowledged and filed for record, the licensee shall advise the principals that each should consult a lawyer of the principal's [ his ] choice before executing same.

(f)

A licensee may [ shall ] not employ, directly or indirectly, a lawyer nor pay for the services of a lawyer to represent any principal to a real estate transaction in which [ he, ] the licensee[ , ] is acting as an agent. The licensee may [ also ] employ and pay for the services of a lawyer to represent only the licensee in a real estate transaction, including preparation of the contract, agreement, or other legal instruments to be executed by the principals to the transactions.

(g)

A licensee [ broker ] shall advise the principals that the instrument they are about to execute is binding on them.

(h)

Forms approved or promulgated by the commission may [ shall ] be reproduced only from the following sources:

(1)

numbered copies [ proofs ] obtained from the commission , whether in a printed format or electronically reproduced from the files available on the commission's Internet site ;

(2)

printed copies made from copies [ proofs ] obtained from the commission;

(3)

legible photocopies made from such [ proofs or printed ] copies; or

(4)

computer-driven printers following these guidelines.

(A)

The computer file or program containing the form text must not allow the end-user direct access to the text of the form and may only permit the user to insert language in blanks in the forms or to strike through language at the direction of the parties to the contract .

(B)

Typefaces or fonts must appear to be identical to those used by the commission in printed copies [ proofs ] of the particular form.

(C)

The text and number of pages must be identical to that used by the commission in printed copies [ proofs ] of the particular form.

(D)

The spacing, length of blanks, borders and placement by of text on the page must appear to be identical to that used by the commission in printed copies [ proofs ] of the form.

(E)

(No change.)

(F)

The text of the form must be obtained from a copy [ proof ] of the form bearing a control number assigned by the commission.

(i)

The control number of each copy [ proof ] must appear on all forms reproduced from the copy [ proof ], including forms reproduced by computer-driven printers.

(j)

(No change.)

§537.21.Standard Contract Form TREC No. 10-3 [ 10-2 ].

The Texas Real Estate Commission adopts by reference standard contract form TREC No. 10-3 [ 10-2 ] approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission in 1999 [ 1994 ]. This document is published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

§537.36.Standard Contract Form TREC No. 29-1 [ 29-0 ].

The Texas Real Estate Commission adopts by reference standard contract form [ Form ] TREC No. [ Number ] 29-1 [ 29-0 ] approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission in 1999 [ 1993 ]. This document is published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

§537.43.Standard Contract Form TREC No. 36-1 [ 36-0 ].

The Texas Real Estate Commission adopts by reference standard contract form TREC No. [ Number ] 36-1 [ 36-0 ] approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission in 1999 [ 1995 ]. This document is published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

§537.44.Standard Contract Form TREC No. 37-1 [ 37-0 ].

The Texas Real Estate Commission adopts by reference standard contract form TREC No. [ Number ] 37-1 [ 37-0 ] approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission in 1999 [ 1995 ]. This document is published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

§537.46.Standard Contract Form TREC No. 39-1 [ 39-0 ].

The Texas Real Estate Commission adopts by reference standard contract form TREC No. 39-1 [ 39-0 ] approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission in 1999 [ 1998 ]. This document is published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 6, 1999.

TRD-9904841

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3900


Part XXV. Structural Pest Control Board

Chapter 591. General Provisions

22 TAC §591.11

The Structural Pest Control Board proposes amendments of 22 TAC §591.11, concerning Determination of Administrative. The amendments specify three Base Penalty categories in lieu of the four Base Penalty categories, and the types of violations within each base penalty category and rearranges and clarifies the other provisions of the sections.

Benny M. Mathis, Executive Director has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the rule as proposed.

There will be no effect on state government for the first five-year period the rule as proposed will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated loss or increase in revenue. There will be no effect on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated loss or increase in revenue. There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses or large businesses based on cost per employee, cost per hour of labor or cost per $100 of sales for large or small businesses.

Benny M. Mathis, Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first-five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be the better understanding of the rule by the customer/consumer, the licensee/service provider and the public at large, and the better application and enforcement of the rule for the benefit of the customer/consumer and the public at large. There is no anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to William F. Greve, Jr., General Counsel, Structural Pest Control Board, 1106 Clayton Lane #100LW, Austin, Texas 78723.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 135b-6, which provides the Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

The following is the (statutes, articles or code) that are affected by this rule: Article 135b-6.

§591.11. Determination of Administrative Penalties.

(a)

Base penalty (BP) amounts will be established that consider the seriousness of the violation. Examples of possible violations of the Structural Pest Control Act and a possible base penalty for each violation and each day a violation exists are as follows : [ . ] The violations are not limited to the list and the base penalty may vary depending upon the circumstances.

(1)

For violations with possible minimum impact to the public or the environment, including, but not limited to the following: [ Minor violations such as incomplete records or no TPCL numbers on vehicles may be assessed a penalty of $50 to $500 per violation. ]

(A)

failure to properly produce and maintain pesticide, training and other required records;

(B)

failure to put identifying letters and numbers on vehicles;

(C)

failure to place required jurisdictional information on documents;

(D)

failure to notify the Board of a business location address change;

(E)

failure to provide the Board addresses where licensees can be located;

(F)

failure to notify the Board of the employment and termination of technicians and certified applicators;

(G)

failure to properly produce, distribute, and/or post signs, information sheets and stickers;

(H)

failure to use correct report form;

(I)

failure to comply with sections of the Act or regulations an Administrative Penalty of $50 to $500 per violation will be assessed.

(2)

For violations with possible moderate impact to the public or the environment, including, but not limited to the following: [ Violations which do not present a hazard to the public health, safety, welfare, or to the environment such as failure to honor contract or failure to notify the board of an address where a licensee may be reached may be assessed a penalty of $250 to $2,000 per violation. ]

(A)

failure to register employees and pay fees;

(B)

failure to notify the Board when a certified applicator leaves employment;

(C)

failure to produce and provide proper and complete termite disclosures;

(D)

failure to provide the Board with required and requested information;

(E)

failure to comply with contract specifications ;

(F)

failure to maintain required liability insurance;

(G)

failure to produce and provide complete and correct inspection reports;

(H)

making fraudulent or misleading advertising;

(I)

failure to comply with sections of the Act or regulations an Administrative Penalty of $250 to $3000 per violation may be assessed.

(3)

For violations with possible serious impact to the public health and safety or to the environment, including, but not limited to the following: [ Violations which present a minor hazard to the public health, safety, welfare, or to the environment that may result from actions such as failure to supervise employees or failure to maintain proper insurance coverage may be assessed a penalty of $300 to $3,000 per violation. ]

(A)

making a misrepresentation or false statement to defraud or induce others to act to their damage;

(B)

making intentional misrepresentations on any application;

(C)

failure to adequately supervise employees;

(D)

engaging in practices injurious to the public health and safety or to the environment;

(E)

performing work in an unlicensed category;

(F)

making a pesticide application inconsistent with the labeling;

(G)

failure to perform a proper pretreatment or give the Board required notification thereof;

(H)

performing an improper structural fumigation

(I)

engaging in the pest control business without the required licenses;

(J)

failure to comply with the terms of a consent agreement;

(K)

failure to comply with the terms of a Board Order;

(L)

failure to obtain prior approval of IPM Coordinator before using Red List Products;

(M)

failure to comply with sections of the Act or regulations an Administrative Penalty of $500 to $5000 per violation may be assessed.

(4)

The cost of the hearing will be added to and made a part of the administrative penalty when the respondent has affirmatively requested a hearing and fails to appear at the specified time and date of the hearing. This provision does not apply if a continuance is granted or the hearing is rescheduled and respondent subsequently appears at the hearing, for any other reason. [ Violations which present a major hazard to the public health, safety, welfare, or to the environment that may result from actions such as use inconsistent with the label or intentional misrepresentation may be assessed a penalty of $500 to $5,000 per violation ]

(b)

Adjustment will be determined in the reduction or addition to the base penalty as appropriate in four categories.

(1)

History of previous violations. Consideration will be given to such items as length of time since violation has occurred and [ inconsistency of ] compliance history.

(2)

Amount necessary to deter future violations. Consideration will be given to such items as documents provided, licenses surrendered, and cooperative nature of persons charged.

(3)

Efforts to correct the violation. Consideration will be given to such items as completeness of corrective effort and cooperation to accomplish correction.

(4)

Other matters that justice may require. Consideration will be given to such items as ability to pay, and events beyond the control of the violator which caused the violation or affected the effort to correct the violation.

[ (5)

The cost of the hearing will be added to the administrative penalty when the respondent has affirmatively requested a hearing and fails to appear at the specified time and date of the hearing. This provision does not apply if a continuance is granted or the hearing is rescheduled for any other reason.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 2, 1999.

TRD-9904736

Benny M. Mathis, Jr.

Executive Director

Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 451-7200


Chapter 593. Licenses

22 TAC §593.5

The Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.5, concerning Examinations. The proposed amendment removes the reference to a specified fee of $30 and restates the fee provisions for examinations administered by the Board.

Benny M. Mathis, Executive Director has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated loss or increase in revenue to state or local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no cost of compliance to small businesses, nor cost per employee, cost per hour of labor or cost per $100 of sales.

Benny M. Mathis, Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be the better understanding of the rule by the customer/consumer, the licensee/service provider and the public at large. There is no anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to William F. Greve, Jr., General Counsel, Structural Pest Control Board, 1106 Clayton Lane #100LW, Austin, Texas 78723.

The amendment is proposed under TEXAS CIVIL STATUTES ANNOTATED, Article 135b-6, which provides the Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

The following is the (statutes, articles or code) that are affected by this rule: 22 TAC §593.5., Article 135b-6, 22 TAC §593.7.

§593.5. Examinations.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The testing procedure will be as follows:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

A fee shall be charged for each examination administered by the Board. [ A fee of $30 shall be charged for each examination administered by the Board. ]

(3)-(14)

(No change.)

(d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 2, 1999.

TRD-9904735

Benny M. Mathis, Jr.

Executive Director

Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 19, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 451-7200