TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 1. TEXAS BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 1. ARCHITECTS

Subchapter L. HEARINGS--CONTESTED CASES

22 TAC §1.231

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of the following rule for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter L: §1.231, pertaining to the case hearings conducted by State Office of Administrative Hearings without changes to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10701) and will not be republished. TRD-200108016

Simultaneously, the agency is adopting a new rule with section number 1.231 to replace the rule being repealed. Due to the extensive modifications in the new rule, amending the existing rule is less practical than repealing the existing rule and adopting a new rule.

The repealed rule has been replaced with an updated rule that will more clearly define the Board's procedures and is more consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the repeal of this rule.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §§3(b), 3(d), and 5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203723

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §1.231

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §1.231 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter L, concerning procedures for formal hearings without changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10701) and will not be republished. TRD-200108017.

This new rule states that the Administrative Procedure Act applies to all contested cases involving matters under the jurisdiction of the Board and states the Rules of Procedure of the State Office of Administrative Hearings apply to formal hearings of contested cases conducted for the Board.

The new rule ensures that the agency's procedures will be clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the adoption of this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §§3(b), 3(d) and 5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203724

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §1.232

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to rule §1.232 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter L, concerning the board's responsibilities as they pertain to hearings for contested cases with changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10702). TRD-200108019.

The amendment to this rule generally describes the Board's procedures for addressing contested cases and ensures that the procedures are consistent with governing law. The changes to the amendment, as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register , include the addition of language regarding a party's right to file exceptions, briefs, and replies to exceptions after a proposal for decision is submitted to the agency and setting forth the procedure for filing such documents; the addition of language regarding a party's right to request an oral hearing before the Board and setting forth both the procedure for requesting an oral argument and the amount of time to be allotted for an oral argument if one is allowed by the Board; the addition of language regarding the time when the Board may first act to render a final decision in a contested case; the addition of language stating that the Board's final order in a contested case may adopt by reference the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the administrative law judge; the addition of language stating that the party who appeals a final decision in a contested case must pay for the preparation of the record for review; and the addition of a penalty matrix setting forth recommended penalties for various violations by registrants.

The amendment to this rule will result in the agency's procedures being clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment to this rule is adopted pursuant to §§3(b), 3(d), and 5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

§1.232.Board Responsibilities.

(a) The Board shall investigate Contested Case matters and attempt to resolve Contested Cases informally as provided in Subchapter I of the Rules and Regulations of the Board. However, if a Contested Case is not settled informally pursuant to Subchapter I, it shall be referred to SOAH for a formal hearing to determine whether there has been a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board.

(b) A formal hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of SOAH.

(c) After a formal hearing of a Contested Case, the SOAH administrative law judge who conducted the formal hearing shall prepare a proposal for decision and submit it to the Board so that the Board may render a final decision with regard to the Contested Case. The proposal for decision shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(d) Any party of record in a Contested Case who is adversely affected by the proposal for decision may file exceptions and briefs within twenty (20) days after the date of service of the proposal for decision. Replies to exceptions and briefs may be filed within fifteen (15) days after the date for the filing of exceptions and briefs. Exceptions, briefs, and replies shall be filed with the Board and copies shall be served on the administrative law judge and on all other parties in the same manner as for serving other documents in a Contested Case.

(e) Any party of record in a Contested Case may request an oral hearing before the Board. A request for an oral hearing shall be filed with the Board and copies shall be served on the administrative law judge and on all other parties in the same manner as for serving other documents in a Contested Case. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether to grant or deny a request for an oral hearing. If a request for an oral hearing is granted, each party of record shall be allotted thirty (30) minutes to make an oral presentation to the Board.

(f) Upon the expiration of the time provided for the filing of exceptions and briefs or, if exceptions and briefs are filed, upon the tenth (10th) day following the time provided for the filing of replies to exceptions and briefs, the Board may render a decision to finally resolve a Contested Case. The Board may change a finding of fact or conclusion of law made by an administrative law judge or may vacate or modify an order issued by an administrative law judge only if the Board determines:

(1) that the administrative law judge did not properly apply or interpret applicable law, agency rules, written policies, or prior administrative decisions;

(2) that a prior administrative decision on which the administrative law judge relied is incorrect or should be changed; or

(3) that a technical error in a finding of fact should be changed.

(g) If the Board makes a change to a finding of fact or conclusion of law or vacates or modifies an order pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, the Board must state in writing the specific reason and the legal basis for the change.

(h) The Board shall issue a written order regarding the Board's decision to finally resolve a Contested Case that is not settled informally. The written order shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law that are based on the official record of the Contested Case. The written order may adopt by reference the findings of fact and conclusions of law made by an administrative law judge and included in the proposal for decision submitted to the Board.

(i) Motions for rehearing and appeals may be filed and judicial review of final decisions of the Board may be sought pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The party who appeals a final decision in a Contested Case shall be responsible for the cost of the preparation of the original or a certified copy of the record of the agency proceeding that is required to be sent to the reviewing court.

(j) The Board and the administrative law judge who presides over the formal hearing in a Contested Case shall refer to the following guidelines to determine the appropriate penalty for a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board:

Figure: 22 TAC §1.232(j)

(k) The penalty for a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board may vary from the penalty recommended in subsection (j) of this section if justified by the circumstances of the matter or the disciplinary history of the respondent.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203726

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §§1.233 - 1.276

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of the following rules for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter L: §1.233, pertaining to jurisdiction and requests for hearings or for An administrative law judge; §1.234, pertaining to filing notices, pleadings, motions, answers, affidavits and all other filings in a contested case; §1.235, pertaining to stipulations and agreements as they concern procedural matters; §1.236, pertaining to the service of documents concerning notices of hearing, default orders, prehearing orders, proposals for decisions, and decisions and orders of the board; §1.237, pertaining to conduct and decorum during proceedings; §1.238, pertaining to the classifications of parties; §1.239, pertaining to appearances in person or by a representative and to waivers and defaults; §1.240, pertaining to classification of pleadings; §1.241, pertaining to form and content of pleadings; §1.242, pertaining to discovery rights; §1.243, pertaining to motions and amendments; §1.244, pertaining to prehearing conferences and orders; §1.245, pertaining to notice of hearings; §1.246, pertaining to certificates of registration; §1.247, pertaining to conduct of hearings; §1.248, pertaining to formal exceptions; §1.249, pertaining to motions for postponement, continuance, withdrawal, or dismissal of matters before the board; §1.250, pertaining to the place and nature of hearings; §1.251, pertaining to powers and authority of the administrative law judge; §1.252, pertaining to the order of proceedings; §1.253, pertaining to reporters and transcript; §1.254, pertaining to telephone hearings; §1.255, pertaining to dismissal or settlement without a hearing; §1.256, pertaining to rules of evidence; §1.257, pertaining to documentary evidence; §1.258, pertaining to official notice of facts; §1.259, pertaining to prepared or prefiled testimony; §1.260, pertaining to limitations on the number of witnesses; §1.261, pertaining to exhibits; §1.262, pertaining to offers of proof; §1.263, pertaining to depositions; §1.264, pertaining to subpoenas; §1.265, pertaining to proposals for decision; §1.266, pertaining to filing exceptions, briefs, and replies; §1.267, pertaining to the form and content of briefs, exceptions, and replies; §1.268, pertaining to oral arguments; §1.269, pertaining to final decisions and orders; §1.270, pertaining to administrative finality; §1.271, pertaining to motions for rehearing; §1.272, pertaining to the rendering of a final decision or order; §1.273, pertaining to the payment of an administrative penalty; §1.274, pertaining to judicial review; §1.275, pertaining to what the record in a contested case shall include; and §1.276 pertaining to complaints. The repeals are being adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10703) and will not be republished. TRD-200108018.

Simultaneously, the agency is adopting a new rule with section number 1.233 to replace the rules being repealed.

Due to the extensive modifications in the new rule, amending the existing rules is less practical than repealing the existing rules and adopting a new rule.

Repealing these rules makes it possible to adopt new and updated rules which more clearly define the Board's procedures and are more consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the repeal of these rules.

The repeals are adopted pursuant to §§3(b), 3(d), and 5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203725

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §1.233

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new rule §1.233 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter L, concerning the application and construction of procedures for hearings on contested cases with changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10704). TRD-200108020.

This rule states that the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) will conduct formal hearings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and Chapter 155 of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH. It states that the statute will control any conflict between the Board's rules or a prior decision of the Board and any statutory provisions applicable to a contested case. It requires the presiding administrative law judge to consider applicable policy of the Board if an issue is not susceptible to resolution by reference to the APA and other applicable statutes. The change to the new rule as proposed involved changing the first sentence of the rule by replacing "in accordance with the APA and with Chapter 155 of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH" with "in accordance with the APA, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Architects' Registration Law, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law...".

The new rule ensures that the agency's procedures will be clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the adoption of this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §§3(b), 3(d), and 5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

§1.233.Application and Construction of Procedures.

(a) SOAH shall conduct formal hearings in accordance with the APA, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Architects' Registration Law, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law, provided that:

(1) An administrative law judge may, by order, modify the requirements of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH and supplement other procedural requirements of law to promote the fair and efficient handling of a Contested Case; and

(2) An administrative law judge may modify the procedural requirements of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH in appropriate cases to facilitate resolution of issues if doing so does not prejudice any of a party's rights or contravene applicable statutes.

(b) If there is any conflict between the Rules and Regulations of the Board or a prior decision of the Board and any of the statutory provisions applicable to a Contested Case, the statute controls.

(c) Not all contested procedural issues may be susceptible to resolution by reference to the APA and other applicable statutes, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law. When they are not, the presiding administrative law judge shall consider the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) as interpreted and construed by Texas case law, and shall consider persuasive authority established in other forums, in order to issue orders and rulings that are just in the circumstances of the Contested Case.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203727

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Chapter 3. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Subchapter K. HEARINGS--CONTESTED CASES

22 TAC §3.231

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of the following rule for Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter K: §3.231, pertaining to the case hearings conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings without changes to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10707). TRD-200108025.

Simultaneously, the agency is adopting new §3.231 to replace the rule being repealed. Due to the extensive modifications in the new rule, amending the existing rule is less practical than repealing the existing rule and adopting a new rule.

The repealed rule has been replaced with an updated rule that will more clearly define the Board's procedures and is more consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the repeal of this rule.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203728

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §3.231

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §3.231 for Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter K, concerning procedures for formal hearings without changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10708). TRD-200108026.

This rule states that the Administrative Procedure Act applies to all contested cases involving matters under the jurisdiction of the Board and states the Rules of Procedure of the State Office of Administrative Hearings apply to formal hearings of contested cases conducted for the Board.

The new rule ensures that the agency's procedures will be clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the adoption of this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203729

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §3.232

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.232 for Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter K, concerning the board's responsibilities as they pertain to hearings for contested cases with changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10709). TRD-200108028.

The amendment to this rule generally describes the Board's procedures for addressing contested cases and ensures that the procedures are consistent with governing law. The changes to the amendment, as published in the December 28, 2001 issue of the Texas Register , include the addition of language regarding a party's right to file exceptions, briefs, and replies to exceptions after a proposal for decision is submitted to the agency and setting forth the procedure for filing such documents; the addition of language regarding a party's right to request an oral hearing before the Board and setting forth both the procedure for requesting an oral argument and the amount of time to be allotted for an oral argument if one is allowed by the Board; the addition of language regarding the time when the Board may first act to render a final decision in a contested case; the addition of language stating that the Board's final order in a contested case may adopt by reference the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the administrative law judge; the addition of language stating that the party who appeals a final decision in a contested case must pay for the preparation of the record for review; and the addition of a penalty matrix setting forth recommended penalties for various violations by registrants.

The amendment to this rule will result in the agency's procedures being clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment to this rule is adopted pursuant to §4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

§3.232. Board Responsibilities.

(a) The Board shall investigate Contested Case matters and attempt to resolve Contested Cases informally as provided in Subchapter I of the Rules and Regulations of the Board. However, if a Contested Case is not settled informally pursuant to Subchapter I, it shall be referred to SOAH for a formal hearing to determine whether there has been a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board.

(b) A formal hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of SOAH.

(c) After a formal hearing of a Contested Case, the SOAH administrative law judge who conducted the formal hearing shall prepare a proposal for decision and submit it to the Board so that the Board may render a final decision with regard to the Contested Case. The proposal for decision shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(d) Any party of record in a Contested Case who is adversely affected by the proposal for decision may file exceptions and briefs within twenty (20) days after the date of service of the proposal for decision. Replies to exceptions and briefs may be filed within fifteen (15) days after the date for the filing of exceptions and briefs. Exceptions, briefs, and replies shall be filed with the Board and copies shall be served on the administrative law judge and on all other parties in the same manner as for serving other documents in a Contested Case.

(e) Any party of record in a Contested Case may request an oral hearing before the Board. A request for an oral hearing shall be filed with the Board and copies shall be served on the administrative law judge and on all other parties in the same manner as for serving other documents in a Contested Case. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether to grant or deny a request for an oral hearing. If a request for an oral hearing is granted, each party of record shall be allotted thirty (30) minutes to make an oral presentation to the Board.

(f) Upon the expiration of the time provided for the filing of exceptions and briefs or, if exceptions and briefs are filed, upon the tenth (10th) day following the time provided for the filing of replies to exceptions and briefs, the Board may render a decision to finally resolve a Contested Case. The Board may change a finding of fact or conclusion of law made by an administrative law judge or may vacate or modify an order issued by an administrative law judge only if the Board determines:

(1) that the administrative law judge did not properly apply or interpret applicable law, agency rules, written policies, or prior administrative decisions;

(2) that a prior administrative decision on which the administrative law judge relied is incorrect or should be changed; or

(3) that a technical error in a finding of fact should be changed.

(g) If the Board makes a change to a finding of fact or conclusion of law or vacates or modifies an order pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, the Board must state in writing the specific reason and the legal basis for the change.

(h) The Board shall issue a written order regarding the Board's decision to finally resolve a Contested Case that is not settled informally. The written order shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law that are based on the official record of the Contested Case. The written order may adopt by reference the findings of fact and conclusions of law made by an administrative law judge and included in the proposal for decision submitted to the Board.

(i) Motions for rehearing and appeals may be filed and judicial review of final decisions of the Board may be sought pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The party who appeals a final decision in a Contested Case shall be responsible for the cost of the preparation of the original or a certified copy of the record of the agency proceeding that is required to be sent to the reviewing court.

(j) The Board and the administrative law judge who presides over the formal hearing in a Contested Case shall refer to the following guidelines to determine the appropriate penalty for a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board:

Figure: 22 TAC §3.232(j)

(k) The penalty for a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board may vary from the penalty recommended in subsection (j) of this section if justified by the circumstances of the matter or the disciplinary history of the respondent.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203731

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §§3.233 - 3.275

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of the following rules for Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter K: §3.233, pertaining to jurisdiction and requests for hearings or for an administrative law judge; §3.234, pertaining to filing notices, pleadings, motions, answers, affidavits and all other filings in a contested case; §3.235, pertaining to stipulations and agreements as they concern procedural matters; §3.236, pertaining to the service of documents concerning notices of hearing, default orders, prehearing orders, proposals for decisions, and decisions and orders of the board; §3.237, pertaining to conduct and decorum during proceedings; §3.238, pertaining to the classifications of parties; §3.239, pertaining to appearances in person or by a representative and to waivers and defaults; §3.240, pertaining to classification of pleadings; §3.241, pertaining to form and content of pleadings; §3.242, pertaining to discovery rights; §3.243, pertaining to motions and amendments; §3.244, pertaining to prehearing conferences and orders; §3.245, pertaining to notices of hearings; §3.246, pertaining to certificates of registration; §3.247, pertaining to conduct of hearings; §3.248, pertaining to formal exceptions; §3.249, pertaining to motions for postponement, continuance, withdrawal, or dismissal of matters before the board; §3.250, pertaining to the place and nature of hearings; §3.251, pertaining to powers and authority of the administrative law judge; §3.252, pertaining to the order of proceedings; §3.253, pertaining to reporters and transcripts; §3.254, pertaining to telephone hearing; §3.255, pertaining to dismissal or settlement without a hearings; §3.256, pertaining to rules of evidence; §3.257, pertaining to documentary evidence; §3.258, pertaining to official notice of facts; §3.259, pertaining to prepared or prefiled testimony; §3.260, pertaining to limitations on the number of witnesses; §3.261, pertaining to exhibits; §3.262, pertaining to offers of proof; §3.263, pertaining to depositions; §3.264, pertaining to subpoenas; §3.265, pertaining to proposals for decision; §3.266, pertaining to filing exceptions, briefs, and replies; §3.267, pertaining to the form and content of briefs, exceptions, and replies; §3.268, pertaining to oral arguments; §3.269, pertaining to final decisions and orders; §3.270, pertaining to administrative finality; §3.271, pertaining to motions for rehearing; §3.272, pertaining to the rendering of a final decision or order; §3.273, pertaining to judicial review; §3.274, pertaining to what the record in a contested case shall include; and §3.275, pertaining to complaints. The repeals are adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10709). TRD-200108027.

Simultaneously, the agency is adopting a new rule with section number §3.233 to replace the rules being repealed.

Due to the extensive modifications in the new rule, amending the existing rules is less practical than repealing the existing rules and adopting a new rule.

Repealing these rules makes it possible to adopt new and updated rules which more clearly define the Board's procedures and are more consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the repeal of these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203730

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §3.233

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §3.233 for Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter K, concerning the application and construction of procedures for hearings on contested cases with changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10710). TRD-200108029.

This rule states that the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) will conduct formal hearings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and Chapter 155 of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH. It states that the statute will control any conflict between the Board's rules or a prior decision of the Board and any statutory provisions applicable to a contested case. It requires the presiding administrative law judge to consider applicable policy of the Board if an issue is not susceptible to resolution by reference to the APA and other applicable statutes. The change to the new rule as proposed involved changing the first sentence of the rule by replacing "in accordance with the APA and with Chapter 155 of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH" with "in accordance with the APA, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Landscape Architects' Registration Law, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law...".

The new rule ensures that the agency's procedures will be clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the adoption of this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§3.233. Application and Construction of Procedures.

(a) SOAH shall conduct formal hearings in accordance with the APA, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Landscape Architects' Registration Law, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law, provided that:

(1) an administrative law judge may, by order, modify the requirements of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH and supplement other procedural requirements of law to promote the fair and efficient handling of a Contested Case; and

(2) an administrative law judge may modify the procedural requirements of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH in appropriate cases to facilitate resolution of issues if doing so does not prejudice any of a party's rights or contravene applicable statutes.

(b) If there is any conflict between the Rules and Regulations of the Board or a prior decision of the Board and any of the statutory provisions applicable to a Contested Case, the statute controls.

(c) Not all contested procedural issues may be susceptible to resolution by reference to the APA and other applicable statutes, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law. When they are not, the presiding administrative law judge shall consider the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) as interpreted and construed by Texas case law, and shall consider persuasive authority established in other forums in order to issue orders and rulings that are just in the circumstances of the Contested Case.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203732

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Chapter 5. INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Subchapter K. HEARINGS--CONTESTED CASES

22 TAC §5.241

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of the following rule for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter K: §5.241, pertaining to the case hearings conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings without change to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10714). TRD-200108034.

Simultaneously, the agency is adopting a new §5.241 to replace the rule being repealed. Due to the extensive modifications proposed in the new rule, amending the existing rule is less practical than repealing the existing rule and adopting a new rule.

The repealed rule has been replaced with an updated rule that will more clearly define the Board's procedures and is more consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the repeal of this rule.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §5(a) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203733

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §5.241

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §5.241 for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter K, concerning procedures for formal hearings without changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10714). TRD-200108035.

This rule states that the Administrative Procedure Act applies to all contested cases involving matters under the jurisdiction of the Board and states the Rules of Procedure of the State Office of Administrative Hearings apply to formal hearings of contested cases conducted for the Board.

The new rules ensures that the agency's procedures will be clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the proposal of the new rule

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §5(d) and §5(b) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203734

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §5.242

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §5.242 for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter K, concerning the board's responsibilities as they pertain to hearings for contested cases with changes to the text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10715). TRD-200108037.

The amendment to this rule generally describes the Board's procedures for addressing contested cases and ensures that the procedures are consistent with governing law. The changes to the amendment, as published in the December 28, 2001 issue of the Texas Register, include the addition of language regarding a party's right to file exceptions, briefs, and replies to exceptions after a proposal for decision is submitted to the agency and setting forth the procedure for filing such documents; the addition of language regarding a party's right to request an oral hearing before the Board and setting forth both the procedure for requesting an oral argument and the amount of time to be allotted for an oral argument if one is allowed by the Board; the addition of language regarding the time when the Board may first act to render a final decision in a contested case; the addition of language stating that the Board's final order in a contested case may adopt by reference the findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted by the administrative law judge; the addition of language stating that the party who appeals a final decision in a contested case must pay for the preparation of the record for review; and the addition of a penalty matrix setting forth recommended penalties for various violations by registrants.

The amendment to this rule will result in the agency's procedures being clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment to this rule is adopted pursuant to §5(b) and §5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

§5.242.Board Responsibilities.

(a) The Board shall investigate Contested Case matters and attempt to resolve Contested Cases informally as provided in Subchapter I of the Rules and Regulations of the Board. However, if a Contested Case is not settled informally pursuant to Subchapter I, it shall be referred to SOAH for a formal hearing to determine whether there has been a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board.

(b) A formal hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of SOAH.

(c) After a formal hearing of a Contested Case, the SOAH administrative law judge who conducted the formal hearing shall prepare a proposal for decision and submit it to the Board so that the Board may render a final decision with regard to the Contested Case. The proposal for decision shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(d) Any party of record in a Contested Case who is adversely affected by the proposal for decision may file exceptions and briefs within twenty (20) days after the date of service of the proposal for decision. Replies to exceptions and briefs may be filed within fifteen (15) days after the date for the filing of exceptions and briefs. Exceptions, briefs, and replies shall be filed with the Board and copies shall be served on the administrative law judge and on all other parties in the same manner as for serving other documents in a Contested Case.

(e) Any party of record in a Contested Case may request an oral hearing before the Board. A request for an oral hearing shall be filed with the Board and copies shall be served on the administrative law judge and on all other parties in the same manner as for serving other documents in a Contested Case. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether to grant or deny a request for an oral hearing. If a request for an oral hearing is granted, each party of record shall be allotted thirty (30) minutes to make an oral presentation to the Board.

(f) Upon the expiration of the time provided for the filing of exceptions and briefs or, if exceptions and briefs are filed, upon the tenth (10th) day following the time provided for the filing of replies to exceptions and briefs, the Board may render a decision to finally resolve a Contested Case. The Board may change a finding of fact or conclusion of law made by an administrative law judge or may vacate or modify an order issued by an administrative law judge only if the Board determines:

(1) that the administrative law judge did not properly apply or interpret applicable law, agency rules, written policies, or prior administrative decisions;

(2) that a prior administrative decision on which the administrative law judge relied is incorrect or should be changed; or

(3) that a technical error in a finding of fact should be changed.

(g) If the Board makes a change to a finding of fact or conclusion of law or vacates or modifies an order pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, the Board must state in writing the specific reason and the legal basis for the change.

(h) The Board shall issue a written order regarding the Board's decision to finally resolve a Contested Case that is not settled informally. The written order shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law that are based on the official record of the Contested Case. The written order may adopt by reference the findings of fact and conclusions of law made by an administrative law judge and included in the proposal for decision submitted to the Board.

(i) Motions for rehearing and appeals may be filed and judicial review of final decisions of the Board may be sought pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. The party who appeals a final decision in a Contested Case shall be responsible for the cost of the preparation of the original or a certified copy of the record of the agency proceeding that is required to be sent to the reviewing court.

(j) The Board and the administrative law judge who presides over the formal hearing in a Contested Case shall refer to the following guidelines to determine the appropriate penalty for a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board:

Figure: 22 TAC §5.242(j)

(k) The penalty for a violation of any of the statutory provisions or rules enforced by the Board may vary from the penalty recommended in subsection (j) of this section if justified by the circumstances of the matter or the disciplinary history of the respondent.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203736

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §§5.243 - 5.285

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of the following rules for Title 22, Chapter 5 Subchapter K: §5.243, pertaining to jurisdiction and requests for hearings or for an administrative law judge; §5.244, pertaining to filing notices, pleadings, motions, answers, affidavits and all other filings in a contested case; §5.245, pertaining to stipulations and agreements as they concern procedural matters; §5.246, pertaining to the service of documents concerning notices of hearing, default orders, prehearing orders, proposal for decisions, and decisions and orders of the board; §5.247, pertaining to conduct and decorum during proceedings; §5.248, pertaining to the classifications of parties; §5.249, pertaining to appearances in person or by a representative and to waivers and defaults; §5.250, pertaining to classification of pleadings; §5.251, pertaining to form and content of pleadings; §5.252, pertaining to discovery rights; §5.253, pertaining to motions and amendments; §5.254, pertaining to prehearing conferences and orders; §5.255, pertaining to notice of hearing; §5.256, pertaining to certificates of registration; §5.257, pertaining to conduct of hearings; §5.258, pertaining to formal exceptions; §5.259, pertaining to motions for postponement, continuance, withdrawal, or dismissal of matters before the board; §5.260, pertaining to the place and nature of hearings; §5.261, pertaining to powers and authority of the administrative law judge; §5.262, pertaining to the order of proceedings; §5.263, pertaining to reporters and transcript; §5.264, pertaining to telephone hearings; §5.265, pertaining to dismissal or settlement without a hearings; §5.266, pertaining to rules of evidence; §5.267, pertaining to documentary evidence; §5.268, pertaining to official notice of facts; §5.269, pertaining to prepared or prefiled testimony; §5.270, pertaining to limitations on the number of witnesses; §5.271, pertaining to exhibits; §5.272, pertaining to offers of proof; §5.273, pertaining to depositions; §5.274, pertaining to subpoenas; §2.275, pertaining to proposals for decision; §5.276, pertaining to filing exceptions, briefs, and replies; §5.277, pertaining to the form and content of briefs, exceptions, and replies; §5.278, pertaining to oral arguments; §5.279, pertaining to final decisions and orders; §5.280, pertaining to administrative finality; §5.281, pertaining to motions for a rehearing; §5.282, pertaining to the rendering of a final decision or order; §5.283, pertaining to judicial review; §5.284, pertaining to what the record in a contested case shall include; and §5.285 pertaining to complaints. The repeals are adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10716). TRD-200108036.

Simultaneously, the agency is adopting a new rule with section number 5.243 to replace the rules being repealed.

Due to the extensive modifications in the new rule, amending the existing rules is less practical than repealing the existing rules and adopting a new rule.

Repealing these rules makes it possible to adopt new and updated rules which more clearly define the Board's procedures and are more consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the repeal of these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §5(a) of Article 249e Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203735

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


22 TAC §5.243

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §5.243 for Title 22, Chapter 5 Subchapter K, concerning the application and construction of procedures for hearings on contested cases with changes to the proposal as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10717). TRD-200108038.

This rule states that the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) will conduct formal hearings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act and Chapter 155 of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH. It states that the statute will control any conflict between the Board's rules or a prior decision of the Board and any statutory provisions applicable to a contested case. It requires the presiding administrative law judge to consider applicable policy of the Board if an issue is not susceptible to resolution by reference to the APA and other applicable statutes. The change to the new rule as proposed involved changing the first sentence of the rule by replacing "in accordance with the APA and with Chapter 155 of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH" with "in accordance with the APA, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Interior Designers' Registration Law, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law...".

The new rule ensures that the agency's procedures will be clearly stated and consistent with governing law.

The agency received no comments pertaining to the adoption of this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §5(b) and §5(d) of Article 249e Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

§5.243.Application and Construction of Procedures.

(a) SOAH shall conduct formal hearings in accordance with the APA, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Interior Designers' Registration Law, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law, provided that:

(1) an administrative law judge may, by order, modify the requirements of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH and supplement other procedural requirements of law to promote the fair and efficient handling of a Contested Case; and

(2) an administrative law judge may modify the procedural requirements of the Rules of Procedure of SOAH in appropriate cases to facilitate resolution of issues if doing so does not prejudice any of a party's rights or contravene applicable statutes.

(b) If there is any conflict between the Rules and Regulations of the Board or a prior decision of the Board and any of the statutory provisions applicable to a Contested Case, the statute controls.

(c) Not all contested procedural issues may be susceptible to resolution by reference to the APA and other applicable statutes, the Rules of Procedure of SOAH, the Rules and Regulations of the Board, and case law. When they are not, the presiding administrative law judge shall consider the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) as interpreted and construed by Texas case law, and shall consider persuasive authority established in other forums in order to issue orders and rulings that are just in the circumstances of the Contested Case.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203737

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Part 5. STATE BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 101. DENTAL LICENSURE

22 TAC §101.9

The State Board of Dental Examiners adopts amendments to §101.9, concerning Dental Profiles without changes to the text published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3424).

Section 101.9 provides that all applicants for renewals of dental licenses must include specified data on a form provided by the State Board of Dental Examiners and must do so by June 1, 2002. The State Board of Dental Examiners is amending the effective date of this rule to begin on January 1, 2003.

This rule was adopted pursuant to Senate Bill 187 passed during the 78th Legislative Session. Section 2054.2606 of Senate Bill 187 provided that various health care licensing entities, inclusive of the State Board of Dental Examiners, provide specified profile information of its licensees. The purpose of this legislation was to provide a uniform reporting requirement of health care licensing entities and make available to the citizens of the State of Texas specified uniform information to enable citizens accessible acquisition of information so that the citizens may become more informed in their for health care decision-making. The State Board of Dental requests amendment of §101.9 to amend the effective date of June 1, 2002, to January 1, 2003, in order to implement internal measures and systems to accomplish the implementation process.

The public benefit anticipated as a result of the amended section will be access by the public to licensees' information which will be uniform.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposal.

The amended rule is adopted under Texas Government Code §§2001.021 et seq.; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry, and Senate Bill 187, §11, 77th Legislature, 2001, which requires the Board to adopt rules to establish a profile system.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2002.

TRD-200203657

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Effective date: July 1, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 104. CONTINUING EDUCATION

22 TAC §104.1

The State Board of Dental Examiners adopts amendments to §104.1, concerning requirements without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3425).

The deleted section no longer has any function. It was added to implement a statutory change that is now fully in place. The Dental Practice Act was amended in 1999 to change the continuing education requirement from 36 hours in three years to 12 hours in each year. Since in 1999 some licensees may have already accumulated the full 36 hours for the next three years, certain "bridging" provisions between the old scheme and the new needed to be in place. That was the purpose of §104.1(2). The bridging period is now over and the rule section is no longer needed. The agency is repealing §104.1(2) in its entirety. The remainder of §104.1 remains unchanged with no proposed amendments to the current language.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the proposal.

The amended rule is adopted under Texas Government Code §§2001.021 et seq.; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code, §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry, and §257.005 which provides continuing education requirements for dentists and dental hygienists.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2002.

TRD-200203658

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Effective date: July 1, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §104.6

The State Board of Dental Examiners adopts new §104.6, concernig Audits without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3426).

Section 104.6 provides that all licensees are subject to audit by the State Board of Dental Examiners for purposes of ensuring compliance with the continuing education requirements under Chapter 104 of the State Board of Dental Examiners' Rules. The purpose of §104.6 is to enable the State Board of Dental Examiners to conduct audits to verify that licensees have satisfied the continuing education requirements set forth in statute.

No comments were received regarding adoption of this proposal.

The new rule is adopted under Texas Government Code §§2001.021 et seq.; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry, and §257.005 which provides continuing education requirements for dentists and dental hygienists.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 11, 2002.

TRD-200203659

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Effective date: July 1, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400