TITLE 7.BANKING AND SECURITIES

Part 7. STATE SECURITIES BOARD

Chapter 101. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

7 TAC §§101.1, 101.5, 101.6

The State Securities Board proposes amendments to §§101.1, 101.5, and 101.6 concerning general administrative matters. Specifically, grammatical errors in §101.1 would be corrected and §101.5 and §101.6 would be amended to correctly identify a successor agency and its rules. An additional change to §101.5(b) would increase the certification fee charged for copies from five to ten dollars. This brings the certification fee charged by the agency in line with the equivalent fee charged by the Secretary of State.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division and Don Raschke, Chief Financial Officer, have determined that for the first five-year period that §101.1 and §101.6 are in effect there will be no foreseeable implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering these rules. Mr. Northcutt and Mr. Raschke have determined that there will be fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering 101.5.

The effect on state government for the first five year period that amendment to subsection (b) is in effect will be an increase in revenue for each of those years at $180.

Mr. Northcutt and Mr. Raschke also have determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be that persons requesting copies will be apprised of the corresponding charges and that cross-references contained in the Board's rules will be accurate. There will be no fiscal implications for micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with rules as proposed except for the minimal increase, described above, to be paid by persons requesting copies be certified. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed sections in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-28-1. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes.

Statutes and codes affected: Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-35.F.

§101.1.Authority.

(a)-(e) (No change.)

(f) Severability. If any provision of these sections be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions that [ which ] can be given effect without the invalid provision, and to this end the provisions of these sections are declared to be severable.

§101.5.Charges for Copies of Public Records.

(a) The cost to any person requesting copies of any public record of the State Securities Board pursuant to the open records provisions of the Texas Government Code, Title 5, Chapter 552, will be the applicable charge established by the Texas Building and Procurement [ General Services ] Commission in Title 1, Part 5, Chapter 111, Subchapter C, of the Texas Administrative Code, which is [ as ] reflected in Form 133.2.

(b) For certified copies the charge shall be $1.00 per page plus a $10.00 [ $5.00 ] certification fee.

§101.6.Historically Underutilized Business Program. The

State Securities Board adopts by reference the rules established by the Texas Building and Procurement [ General Services ] Commission relating to the Historically Underutilized Business Program, contained in Title 1, Part 5, Chapter 111, Subchapter B, of the Texas Administrative Code.

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 March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301830

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300


Chapter 104. PROCEDURE FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS

7 TAC §§104.1, 104.2, 104.4 - 104.6

The State Securities Board proposes nonsubstantive amendments to §§104.1, 104.2, 104.4, 104.5, and 104.6, concerning the procedure for review of applications. Specifically, an outdated qualifier would be eliminated from §104.1; a statutory reference would be updated in §104.2; changes in §104.6 would recognize the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD); and changes would be made in §104.4 and §104.5 to recognize an internal reorganization creating a single Registration Division within the Agency.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no foreseeable fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Mr. Northcutt also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be that the language will reflect current terminology and practice and conform to other Board rules and the Texas Securities Act. There will be no effect on micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed sections in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-28-1. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes.

The proposed amendments affect Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 581-7, 581-10, 581-13, and 581-15, and Texas Government Code, §2005.003.

§104.1.Scope.

These rules of procedure are generally applicable to the review of applications and the agency's decision whether to grant, deny, or allow withdrawal of applications. [ The sections apply only to applications covered by such rules that are first received by the agency on or after January 1, 1988. ]

§104.2.Purpose.

These sections are intended to implement the provisions of Texas Government Code, Chapter 2005 [ House Bill 5, 70th Legislature, 1987 ]. They are not intended to supersede any substantive requirement of the Texas Securities Act or Board rules. If a provision under one of these sections would cause such a conflict, the provision will not be given effect under the particular circumstances giving rise to the conflict.

§104.4.[ Securities ] Registration of Securities --Review of Applications.

(a) Within seven days of receipt by the Agency of an application to register securities, if the application does not contain all required information, the [ Securities ] Registration Division will send by United States mail at the Agency's expense a deficiency letter to the applicant setting forth a list of items or exhibits that [ which ] have not been filed and that [ which ], pursuant to requirements of the Texas Securities Act or Board rules, must be filed with the Agency.

(b) Within 45 days of receipt by the Agency of all requested items and exhibits necessary in order to analyze the offering, the [ Securities ] Registration Division shall review the application and shall send by United States mail at the Agency's expense an initial comment letter setting forth deviations from the substantive requirements of the Act or Board rules relating to the registration of securities. This process may be repeated if the applicant suggests that alternatives be considered, or the applicant's response does not resolve substantive issues.

(c) Upon request of the applicant, comments may be transmitted at the applicant's expense by telephone, facsimile [ graphic scanning ], or other more timely means of communication.

(d)-(e) (No change.)

(f) Within 14 days of the division staff's recommendation the application shall be reviewed by the Director (or Assistant Director) of the [ Securities ] Registration Division and the Deputy Commissioner and/or Securities Commissioner. Additional comments, if any, raised at these stages of review must be communicated to the applicant immediately.

(g) The final decision to grant, deny, or allow withdrawal of the application must be made and communicated to the applicant within 14 days of the latter of:

(1) the division staff's recommendation , [ ; ] or

(2) the receipt by the Agency of complete responses to any additional comments raised pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.

§104.5.[ Dealer ] Registration of Dealers and Investment Advisers --Review of Applications.

(a) Within 14 days of receipt by the Agency of an application and a fee that is sufficient for registration as a dealer or investment adviser , the [ Dealer ] Registration Division shall send by United States mail at the Agency's expense, a deficiency letter to the applicant setting forth a list of items or exhibits that [ which ] either have not been filed or that contain errors or omissions. If the applicant is filing through the Central Registration Depository (CRD) or the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) , deficiency corrections of a procedural, non-disciplinary nature will be handled by the CRD or IARD [ central registration depository ].

(1)-(2) (No change.)

(b) Within 14 days of receipt by the Agency of all requested items and exhibits, the division staff shall review the file and, if necessary, shall send by United States mail at the Agency's expense a comment letter setting forth any deviations from the substantive requirements of the Texas Securities Act or Board rules relating to the registration of dealers or investment advisers . This process may be repeated to raise subsequent comments.

(c)-(d) (No change.)

(e) Within 14 days of the division staff's recommendation, any remaining issues shall be addressed by the director of the [ Dealer ] Registration Division. Additional comments, if any, raised at this stage of review must be communicated to the applicant immediately.

(f) The final decision to grant, deny, or allow withdrawal of the application must be made and communicated to the applicant within 14 days of the latter of:

(1) the division's recommendation , [ ; ] or

(2) receipt by the Agency of complete responses to any remaining comments.

§104.6.Exceeding the Time Periods.

(a) The Agency may exceed the time periods set forth in these sections if:

(1) (No change.)

(2) the Securities and Exchange Commission , CRD, IARD, or another public or private entity, including the applicant itself, causes the delay;

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

(b)-(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 March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301831

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300


Chapter 113. REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES

7 TAC §113.4

The State Securities Board proposes an amendment to §113.4, concerning consent to service of process. The amendment would eliminate the requirement that a resolution be filed with the consent of service in connection with an application to register securities. Changes made to the Texas Securities Act, §8, in the last legislative session eliminated this requirement from the statute.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no foreseeable fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Northcutt also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to eliminate an unnecessary filing. There will be no effect on micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed section in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 581-28-1. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes.

The proposed amendment affects Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-7.

§113.4.Application for Registration.

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

(c) Consents to service of process.

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, all applications to register securities issued by an issuer which is organized under the laws of any other state, territory, or government, or domiciled in any state other than Texas, must include with the application a written consent to service of process duly executed by an authorized agent of the issuer [ , under proper resolution or authority of the appropriate governing body, ] appointing the Securities Commissioner irrevocably its true and lawful attorney upon whom process in any action or proceeding against such issuer arising out of any transaction subject to the Texas Securities Act may be served with the same effect as if such issuer were organized or created under the laws of Texas and had been lawfully served with process herein.

(2)-(3) (No change.)

(d)-(e) (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 March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301832

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300


Chapter 114. FEDERAL COVERED SECURITIES

7 TAC §114.3

The State Securities Board proposes an amendment to §114.3, concerning consents to service of process. The amendment would eliminate the requirement that a resolution be filed with the consent of service in connection with a notice filing for federal covered securities. Changes made to the Texas Securities Act, §8, in the last legislative session eliminated this requirement from the statute.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no foreseeable fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Northcutt also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to eliminate an unnecessary filing. There will be no effect on micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed section in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 581-28-1 and 581-5.T. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes. Section 5.T provides that the Board may prescribe new exemptions by rule.

The proposed amendment Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 581-5, 581-6, and 581-7.

§114.3.Consents to Service of Process.

(a) Unless otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a consent to service of process is required from an issuer of federal covered securities that is organized under the laws of any other state, territory, or government, or domiciled in any state other than Texas. The written consent to service of process must be duly executed by an authorized agent of the issuer [ , under proper resolution or authority of the appropriate governing body, ] and irrevocably appoint the Securities Commissioner as the issuer's true and lawful attorney upon whom all process may be served in any action or proceeding against such issuer arising out of any transaction subject to the Texas Securities Act with the same effect as if such issuer were organized or created under the laws of Texas and had been lawfully served with process therein.

(b)-(c) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301833

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300


Chapter 133. FORMS

7 TAC §133.8

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the State Securities Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The State Securities Board proposes the repeal of §133.8, a form concerning power of attorney. The repeal of this form will allow for the simultaneous adoption of a new §133.8 Power of Attorney form, which is being concurrently proposed.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no foreseeable fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal.

Mr. Northcutt also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the repeal will be the elimination of an outdated form. There will be no effect on micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed section in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The repeal is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-28-1. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes.

Statutes and codes affected: none applicable.

§133.8.Power of Attorney.

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 March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301834

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300


7 TAC §133.8

The State Securities Board proposes new §133.8, a form concerning Power of attorney. The new form will replace an existing form, which is concurrently proposed for repeal. The new form eliminates a resolution that is no longer required by statute.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no foreseeable fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Northcutt also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be a shorter form that does not contain unnecessary material. There will be no effect on micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the new rule as proposed. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed section in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-28-1. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes.

Statutes and codes affected: none applicable.

§133.8.Power of Attorney.

The State Securities Board proposes to adopt by reference the power of attorney form. This form is available from the State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711.

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 March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301835

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300


7 TAC §133.33

The State Securities Board proposes an amendment to §133.33, concerning uniform forms accepted. This amendment would remove a reference to Form U-2A, uniform corporate resolution, and renumbers the remaining paragraphs. Changes made to the Texas Securities Act, §8, in the last legislative session eliminated the requirement that a resolution be filed from the statute.

Micheal Northcutt, Director, Registration Division, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no foreseeable fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Northcutt also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to eliminate a reference to an obsolete form. There will be no effect on micro- or small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal to be considered by the Board should be submitted in writing within 30/45 days after publication of the proposed section in the Texas Register . Comments should be sent to David Weaver, State Securities Board, P.O. Box 13167, Austin, Texas 78711-3167, or sent by facsimile to (512) 305-8310.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 581-28-1. Section 28-1 provides the Board with the authority to adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out and implement the provisions of the Texas Securities Act, including rules and regulations governing registration statements and applications; defining terms; classifying securities, persons, and matters within its jurisdiction; and prescribing different requirements for different classes.

Statutes and codes affected: none applicable.

§133.33.Uniform Forms Accepted, Required, or Recommended.

(a) Assuming the appropriate exhibits and supplements are filed, the State Securities Board will accept for filing the following "Uniform Forms" in lieu of the requisite Texas form, if any.

(1)-(2) (No change.)

[ (3) U-2A. Uniform Corporate Resolution.]

(3) [ (4) ] U-4. Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer.

(4) [ (5) ] U-5. Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration.

(5) [ (6) ] ADV. Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration.

(6) [ (7) ] BD. Uniform Application for Broker-Dealer Registration.

(7) [ (8) ] USR-1. Investment Company Report of Sales.

(8) [ (9) ] U-7. Small Company Offerings Registration Form may be used as a disclosure guide when making a small company offering of securities pursuant to an exemption under the Act or when making small public offerings pursuant to the Act, §7.A.

(9) [ (10) ] NF. Uniform Investment Company Notice Filing.

(10) [ (11) ] Model Accredited Investor Exemption Uniform Notice of Transaction.

(b)-(c) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 19, 2003.

TRD-200301836

Denise Voigt Crawford

Securities Commissioner

State Securities Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 4, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8300