TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 1. TEXAS BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 1. ARCHITECTS

Subchapter A. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §1.5

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.5 of Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to defined terms. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8570). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment revises the definition of the term "practice of architecture" to incorporate changes made to the statutory definition of the term by the 79th Legislature. The amendment also defines the term "regulatory approval" for purposes of the rules. The amendment also deletes the definition of the term "architect of record" to conform the rule to revisions the board proposes to the only rule that includes the term. The amendment corrects statutory cross-references and revises the defined terms "chairman" and "vice-chairman" to "chair" and "vice-chair." The amendment generally updates the rule to reflect statutory changes and changes to other rules.

The revised definition of "practice of architecture" will reflect the definition of the term as adopted by the 79th Legislature. It will also specify which of the listed activities may be performed by one who is not an architect which also reflects a legislative change. By defining the term "regulatory approval" the amended rule will provide greater direction regarding the use of the architectural seal to architects and governmental entities that review and approve architectural plans. Architects must affix a seal to plans that are issued for regulatory approval in addition to other purposes. In the past, the board received notice from registrants who indicated that it was unclear whether plans were subject to regulatory approval under certain circumstances. Repealing the definition for "architect of record" would eliminate confusion. Pursuant to another proposed rule change, the term will no longer appear in the rules. Thus, the definition would be superfluous. The revisions of the terms "chairman" and "vice-chairman" reflect a trend toward using titles that do not imply gender. The public would benefit by correcting the statutory cross-references to reflect changes made in the codification process. Without these changes, the public may be confused or misinformed by referring to obsolete statutes. The amendment will have no impact on small business.

The agency received one comment from an individual who was concerned about expert witnesses who are not architects but who testify on architectural matters. After reviewing the law, the commenter agreed with the agency that the definition of the term "practice of architecture" could not list testifying as an expert as an aspect of the practice that may be performed only by registered architects.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code Annotated, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to the practice of architecture and the administration of Subtitle B of Title 6 of the Texas Occupations Code.

The amendment, in part, implements §1051.001(7), Texas Occupations Code.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601552

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Subchapter B. ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION

22 TAC §1.21

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.21 of Chapter 1, Subchapter B, pertaining to registration by examination. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8572). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment allows for the architectural registration of graduates from an architectural program that becomes accredited within two years after they graduate. The amendment allows for registration of candidates who were enrolled in a program while it was under evaluation for accreditation and subsequently was found to be worthy of accreditation. Those who receive an architectural education from a program that is ultimately determined to be worthy of accreditation would receive the benefit of that accreditation in seeking registration. The amendment would make the rule more equitable in that students who are enrolled in a program while it is under review would receive the benefit of accreditation based upon that review. Under the current rule, only subsequent students would receive the benefit of accreditation, notwithstanding the fact that the program would likely be no better than it was when it was under review for accreditation. The amendment will have no impact on small business.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202 and §1051.705, Texas Occupations Code Annotated which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with general authority to promulgate rules and discretion to approve the colleges or universities of architecture that provide acceptable education for registration as an architect.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601553

Cathy L. Henricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Subchapter G. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

22 TAC §1.121

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.121 of Chapter 1, Subchapter G, pertaining to compliance and enforcement. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8573). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment restates the term "practice of architecture" as used in the section in upper case and thereby designates it as a term defined by rule.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code Annotated, which grants authority to the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer or enforce the Architects' Registration Law.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601554

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Chapter 3. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Subchapter A. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §3.5

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.5 of Chapter 3, Subchapter A, pertaining to defined terms. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8576). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment deletes the definition of the term "landscape architect of record" to conform to a proposed rule change which would eliminate the term from the rules. Because the term will no longer be used, it will be unnecessary for the rules to include a definition of it. The amendment also defines the term "regulatory approval" for purposes of the rules. "Regulatory approval" will mean the approval by a governmental entity of landscape architectural plans and specification for construction or occupancy. The sealing rules and other requirements are triggered by the issuance of plans and specifications for permit, regulatory approval, or construction. The purpose of the definition is to clarify the circumstances that constitute regulatory approval for purposes of those requirements. Also the rule amendment changed the defined terms "chairman" and "vice-chairman" to "chair" and "vice-chair" in order to make the title for those offices gender neutral.

The rule as amended will give registrants and the public specific direction regarding the circumstances under which landscape architectural seals must be applied to plans and specifications. The repeal of a definition for a term that likely will soon be eliminated from the rules will make the rules less confusing. Changing the presiding officers’ titles to chair and vice-chair would acknowledge that either gender may serve as these officers. The amendment will have no impact on small business.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202 of the Texas Occupations Code Annotated, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to the practice of landscape architecture.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601557

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Subchapter B. ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION

22 TAC §3.21

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.21 of Chapter 3, Subchapter B, pertaining to registration by examination. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8577). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment allows for the registration of graduates from a landscape architecture program that becomes accredited within two years after they graduate. The amendment allows for registration of candidates who were enrolled in a program while it was under evaluation for accreditation and subsequently was found to be worthy of accreditation. Those who receive a landscape architectural education that is ultimately determined to be worthy of accreditation would receive the benefit of that accreditation in seeking registration. The amendment would make the rule more equitable.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202 and §1052.154(a)(1), Texas Occupations Code Annotated which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with general authority to promulgate rules and authority to recognize and approve landscape architectural programs which render education acceptable for registration as a landscape architect.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601558

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Subchapter G. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

22 TAC §3.121

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.121 of Chapter 3, Subchapter G, pertaining to compliance and enforcement. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8578). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment replaces the term "landscape architecture" with the term "Landscape Architecture" to create a cross-reference to the definition of the term for purposes of Chapter 3. The amendment will more clearly reference the board’s definition of the term "landscape architecture" which will help specify the intent of the rule.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202 of Texas Occupations Code Annotated which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601559

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Chapter 5. INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Subchapter A. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §5.5

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §5.5 of Chapter 5, Subchapter A, pertaining to defined terms. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8581). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished.

The amendment deletes the definition for the term "interior designer of record." Pursuant to the proposed amendment of another rule, the term "interior designer of record" would no longer appear in the rules. The amendment defines the term "regulatory approval" as that term is used in the rules. The amendment also changes the defined terms "chairman" and vice-chairman" to "chair" and "vice-chair," respectively, in order to make the two terms gender-neutral. Defining the term "regulatory approval" will clarify the board's intent in rules which specify sealing as a prerequisite to issuing plans for regulatory approval. The board has received notice from registrants who indicated that it was unclear whether plans were subject to regulatory approval under certain circumstances. By defining the term "regulatory approval" the board explicitly states that the term refers to approval for construction or occupancy of a project. By repealing the definition for the term "interior designer of record", the public benefit will be to eliminate superfluous provisions in the board's rules. Revising the terms "chairman" and "vice-chairman" to "chair" and "vice-chair" makes those terms gender neutral. The amendment will have no impact on small business.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code Annotated, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to the practice of interior design and the administration of Subtitle B of Title 6 of the Texas Occupations Code.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601563

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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


Subchapter B. ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION

22 TAC §5.31

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §5.31 of Chapter 5, Subchapter B, pertaining to interior design registration by examination. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the December 23, 2005, edition of the Texas Register (30 TexReg 8582). The amendment is being adopted without changes, and the text will not be republished. The amendment allows for the registration of graduates from an interior design program that becomes accredited within two years after they graduate.

The amendment allows for registration of candidates who were enrolled in a program while it was under evaluation for accreditation and subsequently was found to be worthy of accreditation. Those who receive an education from an interior design program that is ultimately determined to be worthy of accreditation would receive the benefit of that accreditation in seeking registration.

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

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §1051.202 and §1053.155(c)(1), Texas Occupations Code Annotated which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with general authority to promulgate rules and discretion to recognize and approve interior design educational programs acceptable to gain admission to take the registration examination.

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 March 10, 2006.

TRD-200601564

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 30, 2006

Proposal publication date: December 23, 2005

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