TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 17. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING EXAMINERS

Chapter 361. ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter B. PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF RULES

22 TAC §361.22

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §361.22 which set forth the general procedures that the Board must follow when denying an examination, license, or endorsement without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12033).

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §361.22 are to clarify that an individual who has been denied an examination, license, or endorsement by the Board, may re-apply for an examination, license, or endorsement after waiting one year from the date that the denial became final. This is the current practice of the Board and is consistent with §9(a) of the Plumbing License Law which allows an individual to re-apply after the same waiting period, for a license that has been revoked.

The amendments to §361.22 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101 ("Act"), §5(a), §9(a), §9(c), (Vernon Supp. 2000) and the rule it amends. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 9(a) states that an individual may re-apply after a waiting period of one year for a license that has been revoked. §9(c) states that an individual is entitled to a hearing if the Board proposes to revoke or suspend the individual's license.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100181

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


Chapter 363. EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §363.1

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.1 which state the requirements and qualifications necessary for an individual to obtain a license or endorsement issued by the Board without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12034). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998- 1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §363.1 clarify the current requirements that an applicant for examination must be a citizen or national of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for licensure by the State of Texas. This amendment does not add a new qualification for examinations. Similar language contained in §363.2 is proposed to be clarified and moved to be included in §363.1 Other amendments to §363.1 are grammatical for the purposes of clarification, or for the purpose of deleting superfluous language.

The amendments to §363.1 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100167

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


22 TAC §363.2

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.2 which generally state the requirements necessary for an individual to meet when applying for examination by the Board without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 1, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 11835). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to Section 363.2 delete superfluous language in §363.2 that is also contained elsewhere in the Board Rules and add language for simplicity and clarification purposes.

The amendments to §363.2 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act and to determine the fitness and qualifications of those applying to the Board for examination. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, Section 167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100168

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 1, 2000

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


22 TAC §363.4

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.4 which state the requirements for reporting for scheduled examinations without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 1, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 11836). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §363.4 clarify the current requirements that examination applicants must meet in order to reschedule an examination and avoid forfeiture of fees paid. The amendments to §363.4 delete superfluous language and condense and clarify the information contained in §363.4.

The amendments to §363.4 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act and to determine the fitness and qualifications of those applying to the Board for examination. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100169

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 1, 2000

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


22 TAC §363.5

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.5 which generally state the description of examinations and how applicants for examination are given detailed descriptions of each examination by the Board without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 1, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 11837). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of Section 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §363.5 are grammatical in content and also delete obsolete language that states that the Board may sell study guides to applicants for examination. Board examinations are no longer based on the referenced study guide.

The amendments to §363.5 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act and to determine the fitness and qualifications of those applying to the Board for examination. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100170

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 1, 2000

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


22 TAC §363.8

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.8 which states that the Board shall notify examination applicants of examination results and, upon request, shall provide an analysis of examinations without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 1, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 11837). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments. The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §363.8 are grammatical in content and also delete unnecessary language. The amendments to §363.8 do not change the requirements of the rule.

The amendments to §363.8 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), Section 5(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act and to determine the fitness and qualifications of those applying to the Board for examination. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100171

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 1, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 458-2145 ext.222


22 TAC §363.9

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.9 which generally state the requirements for re-taking a failed examination without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 1, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 11838). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments. The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §363.9 are grammatical in content and also delete unnecessary language. The rule amendments do not change the requirements of the reexamination rule, which allow any applicant who fails only one part of an examination to retake only the one failed part.

The amendments to §363.9 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act and to determine the fitness and qualifications of those applying to the Board for examination. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100172

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 1, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 458-2145 ext.222


22 TAC §363.11

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §363.11 which state the requirements for license endorsement training programs and explain the process of the programs without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 1, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 11839). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments. The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §363.11 are grammatical in content and also delete unnecessary language. The proposed amendments also delete any reference to the Central Education Agency, since its removal is consistent with prior rule changes regarding Board approved instructors. The rule amendments do not change the manner in which the programs currently function.

The amendments to §363.11 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), §8C and §11A, (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act and to determine the fitness and qualifications of those applying to the Board for examination. Section 8C authorizes the Board to issue a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement. Section 11A authorizes the Board to issue a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 363 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100173

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 1, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 458-2145 ext. 222


Chapter 367. ENFORCEMENT

22 TAC §367.1

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §367.1 which generally state the enforcement responsibilities of the Board and local authorities, regarding the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules, plumbing codes and the protection of potable water supplies without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12035). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §367.1 are grammatical in content and do not change the requirements of the rule.

The amendments to §367.1 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), §5B and §14(f), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 5B states the plumbing codes that the Board shall adopt and the parameters for municipalities adopting plumbing codes. Section 14(f) prohibits the sale or installation of equipment that will allow the backflow of non-potable substances into the potable water supply. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100175

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


22 TAC §367.2

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §367.2 which generally set forth the standards of conduct for all licensees of the Board without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12036). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §367.2 are grammatical in content and do not change the requirements of the rule, with the exception of the deletion of certain language in §367.2(b)(1). In particular, the existing language suggests that a licensee may have a conflict of interest that would interfere with a faithful discharge of services or impair independent judgement when performing services for a client or employer, as long as the client or employer approves of the existence of such conflict of interest. The Board proposes to delete the referenced language, since a licensee of the Board should never allow any conflict to exist that would interfere with a faithful discharge of services or impair independent judgement when performing services for a client or employer. There should be no possibility for a conflict that may interfere with a licensee's responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public. The Board also proposes the deletion of all references to the "plumbing" licensee and replace that language with "licensee", in order to make it clear that the standards of conduct apply to Licensed Plumbers and Licensed Plumbing Inspectors, alike. The Board has historically interpreted and enforced this rule to include both Licensed Plumbers and Licensed Plumbing Inspectors.

The amendments to §367.2 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a) and §5B, (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 5B states the plumbing codes that the Board shall adopt and the parameters for municipalities adopting plumbing codes. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100176

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


22 TAC §367.3

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §367.3 which generally set forth requirements for companies or persons offering to perform plumbing work without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12038). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §367.3 are grammatical in content and do not change the requirements of the rule. The rule requires companies or persons offering to perform plumbing work to secure the services of a Responsible Master Plumber and companies or individuals offering to perform medical gas work to secure the services of a Responsible Master Plumber with a Medical Gas Installation Endorsement on his or her Master Plumber License. The rule also defines responsibilities of Responsible Master Plumbers.

The amendments to §367.3 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), Section 5(a), Section 14(a) and Section 14(b), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998- 1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 14(a) prohibits a person that is not exempted from the requirements of the Act, from conducting the business of plumbing in this state without holding a valid license as provided for by the Act. Section 14(b) prohibits a person from installing medical gas piping without holding a license with a Medical Gas Installation Endorsement. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100177

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


22 TAC §367.4

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §367.4 which generally set forth requirements for the display of plumbing license numbers and company names without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12038). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §367.4 are grammatical in content and do not change the requirements of the rule which generally set forth requirements for the display of plumbing license numbers and company names.

The amendments to §367.4 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a),(Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100178

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


22 TAC §367.6

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §367.6 which state that the Board may consider complaints of nonperformance of plumbing contracts as grounds for disciplinary action without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12039). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998- 1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §367.6 are grammatical in content and do not change the requirements of the rule which states that the Board may consider complaints of nonperformance of plumbing contracts and agreements to render services as grounds for disciplinary action. The rule also provides for any person, agency or local authority to file such a complaint with the Board.

The amendments to §367.6 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a) and 9(a), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 9(a) states that a violation of the Act includes misrepresentation of services to be provided or which have been provided and making any false promise with the intent to influence, persuade or induce an individual to contract for services. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100179

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


22 TAC §367.7

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §367.7 which identify certain violations of the Act and Board Rules and set forth certain penalties for the violations without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 8, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 12040). The rule amendment is part of the Board's intent to comply with House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167, and the Board's rule review plan, which requires the Board to complete a review of §367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

No comments were received regarding the proposed amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The amendments to §367.7 are grammatical in content and do not change the requirements of the rule which identify certain violations of the Act and Board Rules and set forth certain penalties for the violations.

The amendments to §367.7 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §5(a), §9(b), §9(e), §14(a) and §14(c), (Vernon Supp. 2000), the rule it amends and House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 together with the Board's rule review plan. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 9(b) states that a person who violates any provision of the Act or any rule, regulation, permit, or other order of the Board is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $50 or more than $1,000 for each act of violation and for each day of violation after notification. Section 9(e) and Section14(a) state that engaged in or employing a person to engage in plumbing or plumbing inspection activities without the required license is a violation of the Act. Section 9(e) and Section14(c) state that such a violation is a Class C misdemeanor. House Bill No. 1, 75th Legislature, Regular Session, 1998-1999, Article IX, §167 and the Board's rule review plan require the Board to complete a review of Chapter 367 of the Board Rules by August 31, 2001.

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

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 January 10, 2001.

TRD-200100180

Robert L. Maxwell

Administrator

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Effective date: January 30, 2001

Proposal publication date: December 8, 2000

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


Part 23. TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 535. PROVISIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT

Subchapter G. MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION

22 TAC §535.72

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) adopts an amendment to §535.72, concerning presentation of courses, advertising and records in mandatory continuing education (MCE) courses, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 13, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 10262) . The amendment to §535.72 limits the MCE daily classroom course presentation to 10 hours, consistent with the current limit on core real estate courses . This amendment is necessary to ensure that students are not kept in class when they are no longer receptive to instruction because of fatigue and thus provide them a greater opportunity to master the course material.

No comments were received regarding the proposal.

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

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 January 9, 2001.

TRD-200100113

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Effective date: January 29, 2001

Proposal publication date: October 13, 2000

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


Chapter 537. PROFESSIONAL AGREEMENTS AND STANDARD CONTRACTS

22 TAC §§537.11, 537.33, 537.42, 537.46

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) adopts amendments to §§537.11, 537.33, 537.42 and 537.46, concerning standard contract forms, without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 13, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 10263). These amendments adopt by reference three revised contract forms to be used by Texas real estate licensees.

The amendment to §537.11 renumbers the revised forms in a list of forms promulgated by the commission. The amendment to §535.33 adopts by reference revised form TREC No. 26-3, Seller Financing Addendum, a form used to create an agreement between the buyer and the seller in a seller-financed transaction to establish the provisions of the promissory note and deed of trust. The form has been rewritten to make it easier to read.

The amendment to §537.42 adopts by reference revised form TREC No. 35-2, Mediation Addendum, a form used to create an agreement for the parties to the contract, and any broker who signs the addendum, to submit disputes to mediation prior to resorting to litigation. The addendum was rewritten to clarify that a broker who signs the addendum is bound by its terms and that a broker is not a party to the main contract between the buyer and the seller. Minor language changes also were made to make the form easier to read.

The amendment to §537.46 adopt by reference revised form TREC No. 39-2, Amendment, a form used to amend an existing contract between the buyer and seller. The form has been modified to remove a caption restricting use of the form to residential resales, to revise a reference to a paragraph in the contract to make it general enough to apply to all of the TREC contract forms and to clarify that the waiver of the right to terminate the contract under an option clause does not affect other rights of termination in the contract.

Adoption of the revised forms was necessary to make them easier to use and thus reduce controversies in real estate transactions involving Texas real estate licensees.

Two comments were received regarding the content of the seller financing addendum adopted by reference in §537.33. One comment suggested that a blank be provided in the addendum to specify the interest rate of the note. The commission determined that since the main contract between the parties specifies the interest of a seller-financed note, it would not be appropriate to specify the rate in the addendum. Another comment suggested that a provision be added to allow for a penalty to be collected for late note payments. The commission determined that the addendum should not be modified as suggested; the language relating to a late penalty should be determined by legal counsel drawing the instruments for the transaction so as to avoid the possibility of the penalty causing the interest to be usurious.

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

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 January 11, 2001.

TRD-200100214

Mark A. Mosley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Effective date: April 1, 2001

Proposal publication date: October 13, 2000

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