TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 4. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Chapter 62. CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES

16 TAC §§62.1, 62.10, 62.20, 62.21, 62.40, 62.60, 62.70, 62.71, 62.80, 62.90

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published.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 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ("Department") proposes the repeal of 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 62, §§62.1, 62.10, 62.20, 62.21, 62.40, 62.60, 62.70, 62.71, 62.80 and 62.90, concerning the Career Counseling Services program.

Acts of the 79th Texas Legislature, House Bill 2856 repealed statutory requirements regarding the regulation of career counseling services, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2502 effective June 18, 2005. Therefore, the Department proposes to repeal existing administrative rules regarding the regulation of career counseling services since there is no longer a statutory requirement to regulate career counseling services under the provisions of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2502 as set forth in House Bill 2856.

William H. Kuntz, Jr., Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed repeal is in effect there will be no cost to state or local government as a result of the repeal.

Mr. Kuntz also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the repeal is in effect, the public benefit will be reduced confusion because the rules lack statutory authority and cannot be enforced.

There will be no effect on small or micro-businesses as a result of the proposed repeal. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the proposed repeal.

Comments on the repeal may be submitted to William H. Kuntz, Jr., Executive Director, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, or facsimile (512) 475-2872, or electronically: whkuntz@license.state.tx.us. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register .

The repeal is proposed under House Bill 2856 Acts of the 79th Texas Legislature and Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51 which authorizes the Department to adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter and any other law establishing a program regulated by the Department.

The statutory provisions affected by the repeal are those set forth in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 51 and Chapter 2502. No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the repeal.

§62.1.Authority.

§62.10.Definitions.

§62.20.Certificate of Authority Requirements.

§62.21.Certificate of Authority Application Process.

§62.40.Security Requirements.

§62.60.Responsibilities of the Department.

§62.70.Responsibilities of the Certificate Holder.

§62.71.Responsibilities of the Certificate Holder--Consumer Complaints.

§62.80.Fees--Original Certificate of Authority.

§62.90.Administrative Penalties and Sanctions.

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 July 15, 2005.

TRD-200502896

William H. Kuntz, Jr.

Executive Director

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 463-7348


Part 8. TEXAS RACING COMMISSION

Chapter 309. RACETRACK LICENSES AND OPERATIONS

Subchapter A. RACETRACK LICENSES

16 TAC §309.8

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to §309.8, relating to the license fees charged to pari-mutuel racetracks. The amendment raises the daily licensing fee for simulcasting for all pari-mutuel racetracks and raises the annual fee for licensed but inactive Class 2 racetrack licenses.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of enforcing the amendment. The amendment will have fiscal implications for state government, in that it will generate additional revenue for the Commission's dedicated account in the state treasury, which is used to fund all agency operations. Although the exact amount of the additional revenue will depend on the number of simulcast days offered by the state's various pari-mutuel racetracks, Ms. Flowerday estimates that $600,000 - $700,000 in additional revenue will be generated each year by the fee increase.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission will fully comply with applicable law by raising sufficient revenue to fund regulatory operations. The exact cost of compliance to a pari-mutuel racetrack will vary, depending on the type and class of racetrack. Because the fee increase is directly related to the conduct of simulcasting, the cost of compliance will also depend on the number of days a racetrack elects to conduct wagering on simulcast races. Under the amendment, the annual license fee for a Class 2 inactive, non-operating racetrack now will be $20,000, an increase of $10,000. Under the amendment, a Class 1, 2, or greyhound racetrack now will pay $410 per simulcast day, an increase of $100 per simulcast day, and a Class 3 or 4 racetrack now will pay $300 per simulcast day, an increase of $65 per simulcast day. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendment as proposed. The amendment will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 29, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §5.01, which authorizes the Commission to prescribe reasonable license fees for each category of license; §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; and §6.18, which authorizes the Commission to prescribe a reasonable annual fee to be paid by each racetrack licensee.

The amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§309.8.Racetrack License Fees.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Inactive License Fee. An association that is licensed but is not conducting live racing or simulcasting shall pay an inactive license fee. The fee is due to the Commission on September 1 of each year. The inactive license fee for a greyhound racing association is $25,000. The inactive license fee for a horse racing association is:

(1) (No change.)

(2) for a Class 2 racetrack, $20,000 [ $10,000 ];

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(d) Simulcast Fee. An association shall pay a simulcast fee for each day on which the association offers a simulcast race for wagering. The fee is due to the Commission no later than 5:00 p.m. of the day following the day on which the simulcast is offered. The simulcast fee is:

(1) for a Class 1, Class 2, or greyhound racetrack, $410 [ $310 ] per day; and

(2) for a Class 3 or Class 4 racetrack, $300 [ $245 ] per day.

(e) - (f) (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 July 14, 2005.

TRD-200502870

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Subchapter B. OPERATIONS OF RACETRACKS

2. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

16 TAC §309.120

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to §309.120, relating to parking areas at pari-mutuel racetracks. The amendment clarifies the requirements for parking for occupational licensees at the racetracks. The amendment is proposed to ensure the Commission's rules are consistent with state law relating to the possession of weapons in public places.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendment.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will be consistent with applicable state law. Because the existing operating racetracks already provide parking areas for occupational licensees, there are no additional costs to small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendment as proposed. The amendment will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 29, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks.

The amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§309.120.Parking for Licensees.

An association shall provide a parking area for licensees [ facility ] outside the stable or kennel area [ enclosure for licensees working on association grounds ].

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 July 14, 2005.

TRD-200502871

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


3. OPERATIONS

16 TAC §309.164

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to §309.164, relating to accounting practices at pari-mutuel racetracks. The amendment eliminates specific requirements for the accounting systems at pari-mutuel racetracks that are inconsistent with the types of systems commonly used by the racetracks.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendment.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will be consistent with technology currently available and will be appropriately limited in scope and purpose. There are no costs to small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendment as proposed. The amendment will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 29, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks.

The amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§309.164.Accounting Practices.

(a) An association shall maintain an accounting system under the supervision of a certified public accountant. [ The system must include detailed information regarding the purchase of goods for sale, inventory of goods held for sale, and goods sold. The system must indicate the unit of measure, the unit cost of items purchased and sold and in inventory and must provide adequate control and traceability without reconstruction of detailed records. The accounting system must be approved by the executive secretary. ]

(b) (No change.)

[(c) An association shall maintain a system of internal accounting controls approved by the executive secretary.]

(c) [ (d) ] The Commission may review and conduct audits of all systems maintained under this section.

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 July 14, 2005.

TRD-200502872

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Chapter 311. OTHER LICENSES

Subchapter C. RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUALS

16 TAC §311.211

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to §311.211, relating to possession of weapons at pari-mutuel racetracks. The amendment clarifies where on racetrack grounds the possession of a weapon is prohibited. The amendment is proposed to ensure the Commission's rules are consistent with state law relating to the possession of weapons in public places.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendment.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each of the first five years the amendment is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission's rules will be consistent with applicable state law and that the patrons and occupational licensees will have notice of criminal laws that may affect their presence on racetrack grounds. There are no costs to small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendment as proposed. The amendment will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 29, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the planning, construction, and operation of racetracks; and Texas Penal Code, §46.03.

The amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§311.211.Weapons Prohibited.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a person may not possess [ on association grounds ] a weapon prohibited by [ listed under ] Penal Code, §46.03(a) if the person is in an area on association grounds to which admission ordinarily can be obtained only on payment of an admission fee or presentation of official credentials .

(b) This section does not apply to a person who is:

(1) a peace officer; or

(2) a commissioned security officer licensed by the Texas Commission on Private Security Agencies and approved by the executive secretary.

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 July 14, 2005.

TRD-200502873

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Chapter 313. OFFICIALS AND RULES OF HORSE RACING

Subchapter E. TRAINING FACILITIES

16 TAC §313.501

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to §313.501, relating to licenses for training facilities. The amendment raises the annual licensing fee for training facilities that are authorized to provide official workouts for horses desiring to compete at pari-mutuel racetracks.

Paula C. Flowerday, Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of enforcing the amendment. Based on the typical number of training facilities licensed by the Commission each year, the amendment is anticipated to raise an additional $900 - $1200 per year in revenue.

Ms. Flowerday has also determined that for each of the first five years the amendment is in effect the anticipated public benefit will be that the Commission will fully comply with applicable law by raising sufficient revenue to fund regulatory operations. A small business wishing to hold a training facility license will be required to pay an annual license fee of $1,800, an increase of $300 per year. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the amendment as proposed. The amendment will have no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, greyhound training, and greyhound breeding industries. The amendment may have an effect on the horse training industry, in that the training facility may pass along the additional cost of the license to the trainers using the facility. This may affect a trainer's ability to prepare a horse for competition in a cost-effective manner.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before August 29, 2005, to Gloria Giberson, Assistant to the Executive Secretary for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse and greyhound racing; §3.021, which authorizes the Commission to charge an annual fee for licensing and regulating a training facility; §5.01, which authorizes the Commission to prescribe reasonable license fees for each category of license; and §7.05, which authorizes the Commission to adopt a fee schedule for licenses other than racetrack licenses that are issued by the Commission.

The amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§313.501.Training Facility License.

(a) A training facility must be licensed by the Commission in accordance with this section to provide official workouts. Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, an official workout obtained at a training facility licensed under this section satisfies the workout requirements of §313.103 of this title (relating to Eligibility Requirements).

(b) A training facility license expires on December 31 of the year in which the license was issued. The annual fee for a training facility license is $1,800 [ $1,500 ], which is due and payable to the Commission on receipt of the license certificate.

(c) A training facility license is personal to the licensee and may not be transferred.

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 July 14, 2005.

TRD-200502874

Paula C. Flowerday

Executive Secretary

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Part 9. TEXAS LOTTERY COMMISSION

Chapter 402. CHARITABLE BINGO ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Subchapter A. ADMINISTRATION

16 TAC §402.102

The Texas Lottery Commission proposes amendments to 16 TAC §402.102, relating to the Bingo Advisory Committee. The proposed amendments change the date the Bingo Advisory Committee will automatically abolish and cease to exist unless the Commission affirmatively votes to continue the Bingo Advisory Committee from August 31, 2005 to August 31, 2006. At the July 11, 2005 Commission meeting, the Commission voted to continue the Bingo Advisory Commission and to propose an abolishment date of August 31, 2006.

Benito Navarro, Acting Financial Administration Manager, has determined for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect there will no fiscal implications to state or local government. There will be no impact on small or micro businesses, individuals, or local or state employment as a result of implementing the section.

William L. Atkins, Charitable Bingo Operations Director, Charitable Bingo Operations Division, has determined that for each of the first five years the amendments as proposed are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of the proposed amendments is to continue the Bingo Advisory Committee so that the Committee can continue to advise the Commission as provided for in this rule and statute.

Written comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Kimberly L. Kiplin, General Counsel, Texas Lottery Commission, P.O. Box 16630, Austin, Texas 78761-6630, by facsimile, or via the agency’s website online public comment form. Comments must be received within 30 days after the proposed amendments are published in the Texas Register to be considered.

The amendments are proposed under Occupations Code, §2001.054 which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to enforce and administer the Bingo Enabling Act, and under Government Code, §467.102 which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for the enforcement and administration of the laws under the Commission’s jurisdiction and under Occupations Code, §2001.057 which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules governing the operation of the Bingo Advisory Committee.

The amendments implement Occupations Code, Chapter 2001.

§402.102.Bingo Advisory Committee.

(a) - (i) (No change.)

(j) Duration. The BAC will automatically be abolished and cease to exist on August 31, 2006 [ 2005 ]. The BAC shall only remain in existence beyond August 31, 2006 [ 2005 ], if the Commission affirmatively votes to continue the Bingo Advisory Committee in existence.

(k) - (l) (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 July 13, 2005.

TRD-200502860

Kimberly L. Kiplin

General Counsel

Texas Lottery Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 28, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 344-5113