TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 17. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING EXAMINERS

Chapter 361. ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

22 TAC §361.1

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners proposes amendments to §361.1. This section specifies the meanings of words and terms used in the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules. The proposed amendments to §361.1 are for the purpose of clarity and in no way will effect change in the method that the Board currently conducts business, carries out or enforces the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules.

None of the proposed amendments to §361.1 will change the current requirements of the Board Rules.

Section 361.1(26), proposes a definition of "Plumbing Inspection" as described in and required by §15(a) of the Act.

Section 361.1(27) adds language to the existing definition of "Plumbing Inspector" that clarifies that only a Licensed Plumbing Inspector is authorized to perform a plumbing inspection as defined in §361.1(26).

Section 361.1(28) adds language to the existing definition of "Pocket Card" that clarifies that it is a card issued by the Board which certifies that the holder has a Master Plumber License, Journeyman Plumber License, or Plumbing Inspector License.

Doretta A. Conrad, Administrator of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no effect on local government as a result of enforcing the rule amendments as proposed.

Ms. Conrad has determined that each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit will be greater protection of public health and safety through better clarity and understanding of the meanings of words and terms used in the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules. There will be no economic cost to the persons that will be required to comply with the rule.

Comments on the proposed rule change may be submitted within 30 days of publication of this proposed rule in the Texas Register , to Doretta A. Conrad, Administrator, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, 929 East 41st Street, P.O. Box 4200, Austin, Texas, 78765-4200.

The amendments to §361.1 are proposed under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101 ("Act"), §2(5), §5(a), §14(a), §15(a) (Vernon Supp. 2000) and the rule it amends. Section 2(5) of the Act defines "Plumbing Inspector". Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 14(a) prohibits any individual from serving as a Plumbing Inspector unless the individual is a holder of a valid Plumbing Inspector License, unless the person is otherwise exempted by the Act. Section 15(a) requires that all cities in this state shall provide for plumbing inspections.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§361.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this part, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)-(25)

(No change.)

(26)

Plumbing Inspection--Any of the inspections required in §15(a) of the Act, including any check of pipes, faucets, tanks, plumbing fixtures and appliances by and through which a supply of water, gas or sewage is used or carried that is performed on behalf of any city or municipality of more than five thousand (5,000) inhabitants to ensure compliance with the municipality's adopted plumbing and gas codes and ordinances regulating plumbing.

(27)

[ (26) ] Plumbing Inspector--An individual with no financial or advisory interests in any plumbing company who: is authorized by the Act and Board Rules to conduct plumbing inspections and is employed by or is an agent of a political subdivision to check plumbing work for compliance with health and safety laws and ordinances; and has successfully completed the examinations and met the Board's requirements for Plumbing Inspector status.

(28)

[ (27) ] Pocket Card--A card issued by the Board which certifies that the holder has a Master Plumber License, Journeyman Plumber License, or Plumbing Inspector License [ plumbing license ].

(29)

[ (28) ] Registered Plumbing Apprentice--An individual other than a master plumber or journeyman plumber whose principal occupation is learning about and assisting in the installation of plumbing. The work that may be performed by a Registered Plumbing Apprentice is limited by the Act and these rules (See §365.2 and §367.3 of this title relating to Apprentice Registration and Requirements for Plumbing Companies).

(30)

[ (29) ] Regularly Employed--Steadily, uniformly, or habitually working in an employer-employee relationship with a view of earning a livelihood, as opposed to working casually or occasionally.

(31)

[ (30) ] Respondent--A person charged in a complaint filed with the Board.

(32)

[ (31) ] Responsible Master Plumber--A responsible master plumber is the master that allows his Master Plumber License to be used by a company for the purpose of performing plumbing work and obtaining the required plumbing permits. The master plumber by allowing his license to be used in this manner, assumes responsibility for all plumbing work performed. A Responsible Master Plumber may allow his master plumber license to be used by only one plumbing company.

(33)

[ (32) ] Rule--An agency statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of the agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule but does not include statements concerning only the internal management or organization of the agency and not affecting private rights or procedures.

(34)

[ (33) ] System--An interconnection between one or more public or private end users of water, gas, sewer, or disposal systems that could endanger public health if improperly installed.

(35)

[ (34) ] Water Supply Protection Specialist--A Master or Journeyman Plumber who holds the Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement issued by the Board.

(36)

[ (35) ] Water Treatment--A business conducted under contract to analyze, then alter or purify influent or effluent water by adding or removing a mineral, chemical, or bacterial content or substance. The term includes the installation, exchange, servicing, or repair of fixed or portable water treatment equipment or connections necessary to the installation of such equipment in public or private water treatment systems.

(37)

[ (36) ] Water Treatment Certificate--A document issued by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission certifying that the named person complies with department rules for engaging in water treatment.

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 May 2, 2000.

TRD-200003092

Robert L. Maxwell

Chief Investigator/Field Services

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 458-2145


Chapter 367. ENFORCEMENT

22 TAC §367.7

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners proposes amendments to §367.7. This section identifies certain violations of the Act and Board Rules and sets forth certain penalties for the violations. The proposed amendments to §367.7 deletes language that does not reflect the requirements of the Act and clarifies that acting, serving, or representing oneself as a Plumbing Inspector, or conducting plumbing inspections as defined in the Act and Board Rules without holding a valid Plumbing Inspector License and without being employed by, or an agent of a political subdivision is a violation of the Act and Board Rules.

Doretta A. Conrad, Administrator of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no effect on local government as a result of the rule amendments as proposed.

Ms. Conrad has determined that each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit will be increased health and safety by clarifying that only a qualified Licensed Plumbing Inspector may represent himself or herself as such and perform the plumbing inspections required to ensure that plumbing systems are installed in accordance with the required health and safety laws and ordinances. There will be no economic cost to the persons that will be required to comply with the rule.

Comments on the proposed rule change may be submitted within 30 days of publication of this proposed rule amendment in the Texas Register , to Doretta A. Conrad, Administrator, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, 929 East 41st Street, P.O. Box 4200, Austin, Texas, 78765-4200.

The amendments to §367.7 are proposed under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101 ("Act"), §2 (5), §5(a), §9(e), §14(a), §15(a) (Vernon Supp. 2000) and the rule it amends. Section 2(5) of the Act defines "Plumbing Inspector". Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 9(e) provides for penalties for persons that violate the license requirements of the Act. Section 14(a) prohibits any individual from serving as a Plumbing Inspector unless the individual is a holder of a valid Plumbing Inspector License, unless the person is otherwise exempted by the Act. Section 15(a) requires that all cities in this state shall provide for plumbing inspections.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposed rule change.

§367.7.Violations of Standards and Practices.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

A person commits a Class C misdemeanor by [ knowingly and willfully ]:

(1)-(4)

(No change.)

(5)

Acting, serving, or representing oneself as a Plumbing Inspector, or conducting plumbing inspections as defined in the Act and Board Rules without holding a valid Plumbing Inspector License and without being employed by, or an agent of a political subdivision.

(c)

(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 May 2, 2000.

TRD-200003093

Robert L. Maxwell

Chief Investigator/Field Services

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 458-2145


Part 23. TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 535. PROVISIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT

Subchapter E. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

22 TAC §535.51

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes an amendment to §535.51, concerning general requirements for licensure. The amendment would require a person to obtain an evaluation from TREC of the education completed by the person prior to filing an application for a real estate broker or real estate salesperson license. The amendment also would adopt by reference two application forms which would be revised to reflect the change in filing procedures.

Under the current section, an applicant may submit course completion documents or a transcript along with an application for a license. An evaluation of the education is performed to determine if the application may be accepted. Applicants for an original license pay a statutory fee of $15 for the evaluation as part of the filing fees for the application. If the person has not completed the courses required for a license, the application and filing fees are returned to the applicant. The amendment would require the person to obtain an evaluation from the commission prior to filing the license application. This action would reduce the number of applications which cannot be accepted for processing and thereby streamline the overall processing of applications. Because it is necessary for TREC to examine the course completion documents or transcripts to determine if the required courses have been taken, the amendment also would require a person filing an application electronically on the TREC Internet web site to first obtain an education evaluation before filing the application.

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 the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the section.

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 a streamlined application filing process. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section.

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.

§535.51.General Requirements.

(a)

A person who wishes to be licensed by the commission must file an application for the license on the form adopted by the commission for that purpose. Prior to filing the application, the applicant must pay the required fee for evaluation of the education completed by the person and must obtain a written response from the commission showing the applicant meets current education requirements for the license.

(b)

If the commission develops a system whereby a person may electronically file an application for a license, a person who has previously satisfied applicable education requirements and obtained an evaluation from the commission also may apply for a license by accessing the commission's Internet web site, entering the required information on the application form and paying the appropriate fee in accordance with the instructions provided at the site by the commission.

(c)

[ (b) ] The commission shall return applications to applicants or the sponsoring broker (in the case of an application for an active salesperson license) when it has been determined that the application fails to comply with one of the following requirements.

(1)

The applicant is not 18 years of age.

(2)

The applicant does not meet any applicable residency requirement.

(3)

An incorrect filing fee or no filing fee is received.

(4)

The application is submitted in pencil.

(5)

The applicant is not a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien.

(6)

The applicant has not obtained an evaluation from the commission showing the applicant meets education requirements or [ education or ] experience requirements have not been satisfied.

(d)

[ (c) ] An application is considered void and is subject to no further evaluation or processing when one of the following events occurs:

(1)

the applicant fails to satisfy an examination requirement within six months from the date the application is filed;

(2)

the applicant, having satisfied any examination requirement, fails to submit a required fee within sixty (60) days after the commission makes written request for payment;

(3)

the applicant, having satisfied any examination requirement, fails to provide information or documentation within sixty (60) days after the commission makes written request for correct or additional information or documentation.

(e)

[ (d) ] The commission adopts by reference the following forms approved by the commission which are published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188:

(1)

Application for a Real Estate Broker License, TREC Form BL-6 [ BL-5 ] ;

(2)

Application for a Real Estate Broker License by a Corporation, TREC Form BLC-3;

(3)

Application for Late Renewal of A Real Estate Broker License, TREC Form BLR-5;

(4)

Application for Late Renewal of Real Estate Broker License Privileges by a Corporation, TREC Form BLRC-3

(5)

Application for Real Estate Salesperson License, TREC Form SL-6 [ SL-5 ];

(6)

Application for Late Renewal of Real Estate Salesperson License, TREC Form SLR-5;

(7)

Application for Moral Character Determination, TREC Form MCD-2;

(8)

Application for Real Estate Broker License by a Limited Liability Company, TREC Form BLLLC-2;

(9)

Application of Currently Licensed Real Estate Broker for Salesperson License, TREC Form BSL-2; and

(10)

Application for Late Renewal of a Real Estate Broker License by a Limited Liability Company, TREC Form BLRLLC-1.

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 May 8, 2000.

TRD-200003208

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

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


Part 28. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EXAMINERS

Chapter 651. FEES

22 TAC §651.2

The Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners proposes an amendment to §651.2, Physical Therapy Board Fees.

The amendment will add late/restoration fees for licensees and facilities as already set out in the PT Board rules, and establish that the licensee must pay the existing inactive/active fee to go inactive rather than to return to active status.

John P. Maline, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Maline also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be better access to the fee information. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Jennifer Jones, Executive Assistant, Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, Texas, 78701; email: jennifer.jones@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under Title 3, Subtitle H, Chapter 452, Occupations Code, which provides the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subtitle H, Chapter 452, Occupations Code is affected by this amended section.

§651.2.Physical Therapy Board Fees.

(a)-(b)

(No change.)

(c)

License.

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

Active to Inactive [ Inactive to Active Status ].

(A)-(B)

(No change.)

(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Late Renewal/Restoration Fees

(1)

Late 90 days or less--a fee equal to one-half of the renewal fee.

(2)

Late more than 90 days but less than one year--a fee equal to the renewal fee.

(3)

Expired more than one year, but currently licensed in another state--a fee equal to the renewal fee plus the renewal fee for the current renewal period.

(f)

[ (e) ] Registration of Facilities.

(1)

First facility--$300.

(2)

Additional site--$100.

(g)

[ (f) ] Renewal of Facility Registration.

(1)

First facility--$300.

(2)

Additional site--$100.

(h)

Facility Late Renewal/Restoration Fees

(1)

First Facility

(A)

Late 90 days or less--renewal fee plus a restoration fee equal to one-half of the renewal fee.

(B)

Late more than 90 days but less than one year--renewal fee plus a restoration fee equal to the renewal fee.

(C)

Late one year or more--renewal fee plus a restoration fee equal to the renewal fee.

(2)

Additional Site

(A)

Late 90 days or less--renewal fee plus a restoration fee equal to one-half of the renewal fee.

(B)

Late more than 90 days but less than one year--renewal fee plus a restoration fee equal to the renewal fee.

(C)

Late one year or more--renewal fee plus a restoration fee equal to the renewal fee.

[(g)

Approval of Continuing Education Program for CEU Credit--$40 per program.]

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 May 5, 2000.

TRD-200003169

John P. Maline

Executive Director

Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6969