TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 2. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS

Chapter 51. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Subchapter A. THE BOARD

22 TAC §51.3

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners proposes an amendment to §51.3, concerning Administrative Fines, to change the penalty for first offense for failure to have a booth rental permit from "warning" to $100.

The action was proposed to increase compliance by licensees and permit holders with the statues and rules under which they are regulated and help ensure that all individuals engaged in barbering in a barber shop or specialty shop have the appropriate current license and permits issued by the Board.

Glenn Parker, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal impact for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended section. In addition, Mr. Parker has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect, revenue to the state will increase by approximately $10,000 per year as a result of the increase in fines and penalties for the violations of the amended section.

Mr. Parker has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect, the public benefit will be a decrease in the number of individuals practicing barbering without a license or permit or with an expired license or permit, an increase in compliance by barbers and other licensees with the statutes and rules under which they are regulated, and an increase in funds available within the State's General Fund due to the collection of fines and penalties for violations of the section. There will be no cost to small businesses, micro-businesses or the general public.

Comments on the proposed amendment to the section may be submitted in writing within 30 days after the publication of the proposal in the Texas Register to Glenn Parker, Executive Director, State Board of Barber Examiners, 5717 Balcones Drive, Suite 217, Austin, Texas 78731-4203.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, §1601.151 which provides the Texas State Board of Barber Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce all rules necessary for the performance of it's duties, §1601.155 which provides the Board with the authority to set fees, and §1601.701 which provides the Board with the authority to impose administrative penalties.

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

§51.3.Administrative Fines.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Fine Schedule:

Figure: 22 TAC §51.3(b)

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 April 11, 2005.

TRD-200501488

Glenn D. Parker

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 936-6333


Part 25. TEXAS STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BOARD

Chapter 593. LICENSES

22 TAC §593.1

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.1, concerning Persons Required to Secure License. The proposal will codify statute language and clarify the requirements for each license category.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the applicants and licensees will understand the requirements of each license category and be provided with the correct statutory language. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.1.Persons Required to Secure License.

(a) Business License -- [ . ]Any person engaged in structural pest control must secure a business license from the Board for each business location, including branch offices, in accordance with the Texas Structural Pest Control Act and the regulations of the Board. Each business license holder must [ shall ] designate a responsible certified commercial applicator for each business location who is not also serving as a responsible certified commercial applicator for any other business licensee or any other business location. No person shall engage in, offer to engage in, advertise for, solicit, or perform any of the services identified in Section 1951.002 of the Texas Structural Pest Control Act, for compensation, without first obtaining a business license and having a [ an ] certified commercial applicator certified in each license category in which business is conducted.

(b) Responsible Certified Commercial Applicator--The person licensed as a certified commercial applicator, who has been designated to be the responsible certified commercial applicator for a business license location, shall be responsible to provide training and direct supervision for pest inspections, identifications, and control measures of a licensed business. The person may be employed by other business license location(s) and licensed by each location as a certified commercial applicator, but must only be the responsible certified applicator for one business license location.

(c) Certified Commercial Applicator--The person licensed as a certified commercial applicator who can perform pest control services, identifications and control measures without direct supervision. A certified commercial applicator must be licensed for every business location for which the certified commercial applicator is employed.

(d) Certified Noncommercial Applicator--The person, who as an employee, is responsible for providing pest control services to a governmental entity, apartment building, day-care center, hospital, nursing home, hotel, motel, lodge, warehouse, food-processing establishment, school or educational institution and other noncommercial entities. The person licensed as a noncommercial certified applicator shall be responsible to ensure training and direct supervision for pest inspections, identifications, and control measures of a noncommercial entity. A certified noncommercial applicator must be licensed for every business entity for which the certified noncommercial applicator is employed.

(e) Technician--The person who performs pest control services under the direct supervision of a certified applicator must obtain a technician license by meeting the standards prescribed by the Board in §593.21 of this title (relating to Technician License Standards). A technician must be licensed for every business or noncommercial entity for which the technician is employed.

(f) Apprentice--The person, who has made their initial application for a technician license, has not passed the technician examination and performs pest control services under the supervision of a licensed technician or a certified applicator.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501411

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.3

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.3, concerning Insurance Requirement. The proposal corrects a minor grammatical error in the regulation.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the all interested parties will know the legal way to perform service on a licensee of the Board. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.3.Insurance Requirement.

(a) Each business license applicant and certified noncommercial applicator license applicant must submit a certificate of insurance with proof of coverage on the form provided by the Board in the amount of not less than $200,000 for bodily injury and property damage coverage with a minimum total annual aggregate of $300,000 for all occurrences. The insurance policy must insure applicant for damage to persons or property occurring as a result of operations performed in the course of the business of structural pest control to premises or any other property under applicant's care, custody, or control. No new business license or certified noncommercial applicator license will be issued until insurance requirements are met. Policies must contain a cancellation provision for notification to the Board not less than thirty (30) days prior to cancellation. Certified noncommercial applicators employed by governmental entities are exempt from this provision. Inactive certified applicators and technicians that do not perform structural pest control work for compensation or as a part of the duties of their employment are exempt from this provision.

(b) A licensee who operates as a wood treater who treats wood on commercial property owned by the licensee must submit with their application a general liability insurance policy or certificate of coverage in the amount of not less than $200,000 for bodily injury and property damage coverage with a minimum total annual aggregate of $300,000 for all occurrences. No license will be issued until this insurance requirement is met. Policies must contain a cancellation provision for notification to the Board not less than thirty (30) days prior to cancellation.

(c) If payment of claims results in reducing the total aggregate of coverage below $300,000, the insurance carrier must notify the Board and the licensee within thirty (30) days. The licensee must obtain additional coverage to meet the minimum requirements.

(d) The Board will consider as sufficient only those policies issued by insurers authorized by or registered with the Texas Department of Insurance.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501412

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.4

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.4, concerning Resident Agent. The proposal includes all license categories and makes clear that if a resident agent is not designated, then the Texas Secretary of State will automatically be designated.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the all interested parties will know the legal way to perform service on a licensee of the Board. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.4.Resident Agent.

(a) Licensees and applicants' residing [ reside ] outside of Texas must designate in writing a resident agent for service of process in actions taken in the administration and enforcement of the Texas Structural Pest Control Act.

(b) Each resident agent must be a citizen of the state and maintain a permanent address within the state.

(c) Instead of designating a resident agent, the applicant may designate the Texas Secretary of State as the recipient of service of process for the applicant. The Texas Secretary of State is automatically designated as the recipient of service of process for the applicant absent a designation by the applicant.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501413

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.5

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.5, concerning Examinations. The proposal does several updates to this regulation. First, out-of-state experience is clarified. The proposal also now incorporates computer based testing. The regulation received additional clarification on what is a pest and the changes also clarify some treatment methods. Also, the educational requirements were clarified when an applicant possesses a degree. Finally, the order was changed on some rules to provide clarity to a reader of the regulations.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the applicants and licensees will have the benefit of knowing what the requirements of getting a license. Furthermore, the Board's licensing categories are more defined, thus providing guidance to licensees on what type of pest control work can be done in each category. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.5.Examinations.

(a) An individual who has previously qualified by written examination in a category shall receive a certified applicators license for the qualified category without reexamination upon renewal of a certified applicator license and meeting all requirements of the regulations. Each individual not previously qualified by written examination in the category or categories for which the license is requested must secure a certified applicator license by passing an appropriate examination administered by the Board.

(b) To qualify to take the Board [ appropriate ] examination for obtaining a certified commercial applicator license, the applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

(1) Have verifiable employment in the pest control industry under the supervision of a licensed certified [ commercial ] applicator for at least twelve (12) months out of the past twenty-four (24) months and must have possessed a technician license for at least six (6) months.

(2) Furnish proof of previous verifiable employment, experience in the pest control industry, including out-of-state experience in pest control of at least twelve (12) months out of the past twenty-four (24) months from a previous occupation. The proof of experience must be provided by the applicant in the form of a notarized statement or a letter from the appropriate licensing entity.

(3) Have a degree or certificate in an area of the biological sciences , related to pest control , from an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college or university;

(4) An applicant with equivalent technical pest or pesticide field experience from a previous occupation; and

(5) Qualifies under the hardship clause outlined in §593.8 of this title (relating to Loss of Certified Applicator or Business License Holder).

(6) Each applicant testing for a certified applicator license must pass the general standards examination administered by the Board to be eligible to be licensed in any of the categories in subsection (d)(12) of this section, Categories of Examinations

(c) In order to qualify to take the Board examination for obtaining a certified noncommercial applicators license, the applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

(1) Have a degree or certificate in an area of the biological sciences related to pest control from an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college or university;

(2) Have verifiable employment experience in the pest control industry, including out-of-state experience in pest control of at least twelve (12) months out of the past twenty-four (24) months from a previous occupation. The proof of experience must be provided by the applicant in the form of a notarized statement or a letter from the appropriate licensing entity.

(3) Complete a Board approved minimum six (6) hour certified noncommercial technician training course;

(4) Have verifiable employment in the pest control industry under the supervision of a licensed certified applicator for at least twelve (12) months out of the past twenty-four (24) months and must have possessed a technician license for at least six (6) months.

[ (c) The examination procedure will be as follows:]

[ (1) Examinations will be given at the discretion of the Board at least once each quarter based on the calendar year.]

[ (2) A fee shall be charged for each examination administered by the Board.]

[ (3) All examination fees are to be paid by the method determined by the Board and payment should be submitted with the completed application.]

[ (4) Applicants must present a photo identification from the Texas Department of Public Safety or its equivalent from another state prior to taking an examination.]

[ (5) All examinations shall be maintained and administered by the Board or at a Board approved site.]

[ (6) The applicant must take an examination, which must be in written or electronic form and in general, cover the subject of the categories designated on the application.]

[ (7) A grade of 70% will be the minimum grade required for passing.]

[ (8) The applicant for the certified applicator examination must be able to read and write the English language.]

[ (9) An applicant who gives or receives unauthorized assistance during an examination shall be dismissed from the examination and results of that applicant's examination shall be voided. The applicant will not be allowed to take an examination again for the next twelve (12) months.]

[ (10) Applicants who do not take a scheduled examination may not receive a refund of their examination fee unless they notify the Board in writing at least ten (10) business days in advance of the examination date. Exceptions may be granted if there is an emergency such as a death or serious illness in the family.]

[ (11) Persons who make a passing grade and qualify and qualify for a certified applicator license must obtain a license within twelve months of the grade notification date or be retested.]

[ (12) Categories in which examinations are to be given for which licenses will be issued are as follows.]

[ (A) Pest Control--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of pests in and around structures or pest animals which may invade homes, restaurants, stores, and other buildings, attacking their contents or furnishings or being a general nuisance, but do not normally attack the building itself. Examples of such pests are cockroaches, silverfish, ants, fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, rats, mice, skunks, raccoons, opossums, etc.]

[ (B) Termite and Wood Destroying Insect Control--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of termites, beetles, or other wood destroying insects and wood preservation by means other than fumigation in buildings, including homes, warehouses, stores, docks, or any other structures. This category includes the treatment of termites in trees in and around structures.]

[ (C) Lawn and ornamental--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of pests or diseases of trees, shrubs, or other plantings in a park or in and around structures, business establishments, industrial parks, institutional buildings or streets.]

[ (D) Weed Control--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of weeds around homes and industrial environs.]

[ (E) Structural Fumigation--This category includes persons engaged in pest inspection or control through fumigation of structures not primarily intended to contain food, feed or grains]

[ (F) Commodity Fumigation--This category includes persons engaged in pest inspection or control through fumigation of commodities and/or structures normally used to contain commodities.]

[ (G) Wood Preservation--This category includes persons engaged in that phase of pest control that involves the addition of preservatives to wood products to extend the life of the wood products by protecting them from damage caused by insects, fungi, and marine borers. Examples of wood products may include, crossties, poles, and posts. This includes the retreatment of power-line poles with wood preservative pesticide including fumigants.]

[ (13) Each applicant testing for a certified applicator license must pass the general standards examination administered by the Board to be eligible to be licensed in any of the categories in this section.]

(d) The examination procedure will be as follows:

(1) Examinations will be given at the discretion of the Board at least once each quarter based on the calendar year.

(2) A fee shall be charged for each examination administered by the Board.

(3) All examination fees are to be paid by the method determined by the Board and payment should be submitted with the completed application.

(4) Applicants must present a photo identification from the Texas Department of Public Safety or its equivalent from another state prior to taking an examination.

(5) All examinations shall be maintained and administered by the Board or at a Board approved site.

(6) The applicant must take an examination, which must be in written or electronic form and in general, cover the subject of the categories designated on the application.

(7) A grade of 70% will be the minimum grade required for passing.

(8) The applicant for the certified applicator examination must be able to read and write the English language.

(9) An applicant who gives or receives unauthorized assistance during an examination shall be dismissed from the examination and results of that applicant's examination shall be voided. The applicant will not be allowed to take an examination again for the next twelve (12) months.

(10) Applicants who do not take a scheduled examination may not receive a refund of their examination fee unless they notify the Board in writing at least ten (10) business days in advance of the examination date. Exceptions may be granted if there is an emergency such as a death or serious illness in the family.

(11) Persons who make a passing grade and qualify for a certified applicator license must obtain a license within (12) twelve months of the grade notification date or be retested.

(12) Examinations in the following categories will be offered by the Board.

(A) Pest Control--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of pests in and around structures or pest animals which may invade homes, restaurants, stores, and other buildings, attacking their contents or furnishings or being a general nuisance, but do not normally attack the building itself. Examples of such pests are cockroaches, silverfish, ants, fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, rats, mice, skunks, raccoons, opossums, etc.

(B) Termite and Wood Destroying Insect Control--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of termites, beetles, or other wood destroying insects and wood preservation by means other than fumigation in buildings, including homes, warehouses, stores, docks, or any other structures. This category includes the treatment of termites in trees in and around structures.

(C) Lawn and ornamental--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of pests or diseases of trees, shrubs, or other plantings in a park or in and around structures, business establishments, industrial parks, institutional buildings or streets.

(D) Weed Control--This category includes persons engaged in the inspection or control of weeds around homes and industrial environs.

(E) Structural Fumigation--This category includes persons engaged in pest inspection or control through fumigation of structures not primarily intended to contain food, feed or grains.

(F) Commodity Fumigation--This category includes persons engaged in pest inspection or control through fumigation of commodities or structures normally used to contain commodities. This category does not include raw agricultural commodities.

(G) Wood Preservation--This category includes persons engaged in that phase of pest control that involves the addition of preservatives to wood products to extend the life of the wood products by protecting them from damage caused by insects, fungi, and marine borers. Examples of wood products may include, crossties, poles, and posts. This includes the retreatment of power-line poles with wood preservative pesticide including fumigants.

(13) Each applicant testing for a certified applicator license must pass the general standards examination administered by the Board to be eligible to be licensed in any of the categories in this section.

[ (d) In order to qualify to take the Board examination for obtaining a Certified Noncommercial Applicators license, the applicant must meet one of the following requirements:]

[ (1) Have a degree or certificate in an area of the biological sciences related to pest control from an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college or university;]

[ (2) Have verifiable employment experience in the pest control industry, including out-of-state experience in pest control of at least twelve (12) months out of the past twenty-four (24) months from a previous occupation. The proof of experience must be provided by the applicant in the form of a notarized statement or a letter from the appropriate licensing entity.]

[ (3) Complete a Board approved minimum six (6) hour certified noncommercial technician training course;]

[ (4) Have verifiable employment in the pest control industry under the supervision of a licensed certified applicator for at least twelve (12) months out of the last twenty-four (24) months and must have possessed a technician license for at least six (6) months.]

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501414

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.6

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.6 concerning License Expiration. The proposal will provide clarification. The requirement will also incorporate the statutory requirements of Occ. Code §1951.302. Lastly, the two year requirement on certified non-commercial applicators is changed to one year. This change will bring the Board's licensing requirements closer to the Board's actual requirements for licensing commercial applicators.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that non-commercial applicator licensing requirements will be more consistent with commercial applicator requirements. There will be less ambiguity in the rules with these changes. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.6.License Expiration and Renewal .

(a) Each license(s) may expire in twelve (12) months from the date issued or immediately upon the date that the business liability insurance expires, whichever comes first. The insurance expiration date will be determined by the date on the certificate provided to the Board by the business licensee, and any policy amendments or cancellation notices issued after the effective date.

(b) Businesses and certified noncommercial applicators that change insurance coverage during a licensed period may have the license expiration extended to the new policy date, if there has not been a lapse in coverage, by paying additional license fees for each license to the new expiration date. Certified applicators and technicians who change employers may also pay additional license fees to the new expiration date of the business or other entity under which they are operating. Refer to §593.7 (Fees) for additional license fees.

(c) Businesses and certified noncommercial applicators that allow insurance coverage to lapse or who fail to provide continuous proof of coverage to the Board as a result of insurance changes will no longer have a valid license(s). Reinstatement of licenses will be made upon payment of a new business license fee and any other additional fees that may be required without receiving credit for any license period between the date of the lapse in coverage and the original license expiration date.

(d) Licenses must be renewed by submitting an application to the Board, paying the required fee, and meeting any additional requirements of the Board under Section 593.3 of this title (relating to Insurance Requirements) and subsection (h) of this section, 30 days prior to the license expiration date. Renewal applications received after the license expiration date are subject to the late fees prescribed in the Texas Structural Pest Control Act, Section 1951.310. An application is not considered to be submitted unless it is in substantially correct form with the correct fees. Incomplete renewal applications received on or before the license expiration date may also be subject to late fees.

(e) Licenses issued by the Board must not be transferred, borrowed, rented, leased or loaned

(f) Whenever a licensee changes the mailing address, business location address or telephone number, the licensee must notify the Board in a written or electronic manner within ten (10) business days of the effective date of the change. License may be reprinted upon payment of fee.

(g) The Board, in determining whether additional testing or training must [ shall ] be required of current licensees before renewal of their license, may consider changes in technology, pesticide related problems, the performance of individual licensees or competency of individual licensees. If general retraining or retesting is required for all applicators in a category or subcategory, the Board will publish notice at least six months in advance of the license renewal date. If individual retraining or testing is required as a result of the applicator's performance or inability to perform, the Board may give notification and set a time and place of retraining.

(h) All certified applicators are required to certify to the Board the number of category(ies) of continuing education credits they have accumulated during the previous year pursuant to §593.23 of this title (relating to Continuing Education Requirements for Certified Applicators).

(i) Certified noncommercial applicators who have been licensed for a minimum of one year may become certified commercial applicators by requesting an additional license or change of license and paying the required license fee. Certified commercial applicators may become certified noncommercial applicators by requesting an additional license or change of license and paying the required license fee[ , listing the name and address of the entity employing them and providing proof of liability insurance coverage as required by §593.3 of this title (relating to Insurance Requirement) ].

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501415

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.7

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.7 concerning Fees. The proposal will provide clarification as to the length of time a license will run.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that licensees will know exactly the length of time of their license. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.7.Fees.

(a) Applicants, licensees and continuing education providers will be charged the following fees:

(1) $180 for an original business license;

(2) $175 for renewal of a business license;

(3) $85 for an original certified applicators license;

(4) $80 for renewal of a certified applicators license;

(5) $65 for an original technician license;

(6) $60 for an renewal of a technician license;

(7) $30 for duplicate business license, certified applicator license or technician license when the original has been lost or destroyed;

(8) $30 for reissuing a business license, certified applicators license or technician license due to a name change in the license;

(9) $40 for administering exams in each category;

(10) $37.50 for late renewal fee for applications received 1 day to 30 days after expiration date;

(11) $75 for late renewal fee for applications received 31 to 60 days after expiration date; and

(12) $40 for continuing education course.

(b) The following fees are based on increments of six (6) months.

(1) Business License Fees

(A) Issued for 1 day-6 months $92.50

(B) Renewed for 1 day -6 months 87.50

(C) Issued for 7-12 months $180.00

(D) Renewal for 7-12 months $175.00

(E) Issued for 13-18 months $262.50

(F) Renewal for 13-18 months $262.50

(2) Certified Applicator License Fees

(A) Issued for 1 day-6 months $45.00

(B) Renewed for 1 day -6 months $40.00

(C) Issued for 7-12 months $85.00

(D) Renewal for 7-12 months $80.00

(E) Issued for 13-18 months $120.00

(F) Renewal for 13-18 months $125.00

(3) Technician License Fees

(A) Issued for 1 day-6 months $35.00

(B) Renewed for 1 day -6 months $30.00

(C) Issued for 7-12 months $65.00

(D) Renewal for 7-12 months $60.00

(E) Issued for 13-18 months $95.00

(F) Renewal for 13-18 months $90.00

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501416

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.11

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.11 concerning Certified Noncommercial Applicator Restrictions. The proposal will provide grammatical changes.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the rule's language will be clarified. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.11.Certified Noncommercial Applicator Restrictions.

A certified noncommercial applicator may not perform commercial pest control services or perform any structural pest control services for a person other than the employer for whom the applicator is certified as a certified noncommercial applicator. A certified noncommercial applicator must not be [ who has not been ] associated with a licensed structural pest control business unless the applicator is also a certified commercial applicator or technician.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501417

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.21

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.21 concerning Technician License Requirements. The proposal will do many things. The first change will make clear some of calendar time lines for getting a technician's license. The changes will also add some additional requirements for submitting a correct application. Other changes are grammatical in nature or the changes were made to reflect the change in the statutory name. Another change was made on the renewal date. This change clearly spells out that the birthdate is the demarcation line for making a determination on renewals.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the rule will let all concerned parties know what information the Board is reviewing when considering applications. For license applicants, the benefit will be that all time lines are now clearly defined including the time line on when the renewal period will begin. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.21.[ Commercial and NonCommercial ] Technician License Requirements.

(a) Definition. An apprentice in any of the categories administered by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board is a beginning employee, who works under the supervision of trained and licensed personnel.

(b) Must be at least 16 years of age.

(c) Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in reading U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved pesticide labels and warnings.

(d) Must submit an application for technician license within ten (10) days of beginning employment.

(e) The application must include the following information:

(1) legal name;

(2) physical home address;

(3) date employment began in licensed activity;

(4) social security number;

(5) driver's license number;

(6) date of birth; and

(7) disclosure of criminal background.

(f) A fee shall be charged for each application.

(g) An apprentice card will be issued by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board for one (1) year from the date employment began when all of the above requirements are met and processed.

(h) Apprentices must not perform any pest control work without the physical presence of a licensed technician or a certified applicator. Documentation of training given must be entered on the verifiable training form within five (5) days. Upon completion of the following study and on-the-job training, the apprentice may work alone so long as a certified applicator is physically present for personal instruction three (3) days a week. The studies and job training required are as follows:

(1) complete at least two hours of classroom training in each of the following subjects:

(A) federal and state laws that regulate the industry;

(B) recognition of pests and pest damage;

(C) pesticide labels and label comprehension;

(D) pesticide safety;

(E) environmental protection;

(F) application equipment and techniques;

(G) pesticide formulations and actions;

(H) emergency procedures, pesticide cleanup and procedures for immediate reporting of spills and misapplication;

(I) basic principles of mathematics, chemistry, toxicology and entomology; and

(J) non-chemical pest control techniques, including biological, mechanical and prevention techniques.

(2) complete forty (40) hours of verifiable on-the-job training and eight (8) hours of classroom training in each category in which the apprentice is to provide pest control services. The business license holder, certified commercial applicator or the certified noncommercial applicator must certify in the training records of each employee that the apprentice has completed the required training and has demonstrated competency in each category in which the apprentice is to provide service . [ ; ]

(3) a student currently enrolled in or who has attended or graduated within the past twelve months from an accredited school or university studying relevant materials may be credited with those courses for classroom training hours for apprenticeship, if those hours have been provided by the school or university.

(4) an apprentice must maintain an apprentice card for a maximum of twelve (12) months. If apprentice has not passed the requirements to become a licensed technician, the individual may re-apply as an apprentice and complete all training requirements for an apprentice.

(i) Apprentice Records.

(1) The business licensee or certified noncommercial applicator must maintain the verifiable training records and certification for each apprentice in the business files. These are to be kept at least two (2) years after termination of employment.

(2) The above records are to be kept on a form prescribed by the Board and must include, but not limited to the following:

(A) date training records received;

(B) number of hours of training;

(C) subject of training;

(D) name of trainer and license number;

(E) designation of on-the-job training or classroom training; and

(F) competency evaluation by the certified applicator.

(j) When an apprentice changes employers, the employer who provided the verifiable training must make the verifiable training records available to the apprentice or the new employer within twenty (20) days of written request.

(k) It is a violation of this section for a business licensee or certified noncommercial applicator to allow an apprentice to perform work in a category in which the apprentice has not been properly trained. The certified applicator must be physically present to give personal instructions to an apprentice at least three (3) days a week.

(l) An apprentice becomes a licensed technician by;

(1) completing a Board approved technician training course in [ the ] general training at least one time prior to taking the examination.

(2) making a passing grade on the technician examination.

(A) The examination may be taken as many times as necessary in the twelve (12) month period the employee is holding an apprentice card.

(B) There shall be a fee charged per category.

(C) The Technician Training Manual may be obtained from Texas Cooperative Extension [ Service ].

(D) An individual must pass each category of the examination in which the apprentice has trained to become licensed. Re-examination is not necessary if the license is renewed annually.

(E) Examination dates and locations are at the discretion of the Board.

(3) Persons making a passing grade and who qualify for a technician license will be issued a license upon issuance of the grades.

(m) All testing procedures shall be governed by §593.5(c)(3) - (11) of this title (relating to Examinations).

(n) The Board shall require as a condition to the renewal of each commercial or non-commercial technician's license [ prior to the birth date ] granted pursuant to the provisions of this section, the responsible certified applicator of record will certify on the verifiable training records form that the technician has completed eight (8) hours of verifiable training for the preceding (12) twelve months of the renewal date . This certification must be verified upon each annual renewal of the technician [ technician's ] license. Failure to do so will prevent the license from being issued. Licensees must obtain the appropriate number of verifiable training hours in a 12-month period. Changing employers or moving to an inactive status does not alleviate this responsibility or add time to the continuing education requirements.

(1) The eight (8) hours will be covered in the following subject areas:

(A) Federal and state laws regulating structural pest control and pesticide application

(B) Recognition of pest and pest damage

(C) Pesticide labels and label comprehension

(D) Pesticide safety

(E) Environmental protection

(F) Application equipment and techniques

(G) Pesticide formulations and actions

(H) Emergency procedures and pesticide cleanup, and procedures for the immediate reporting of spills and misapplications

(I) Basic principles of mathematics, chemistry, toxicology, and entomology

(J) Non-chemical pest control techniques including biological, mechanical and prevention techniques.

(2) Two (2) hours of the eight (8) hours of training may be on-the-job [ on the job ] training or hands-on-training [ hands on training ] verified by the responsible certified applicator.

(3) Internet training or videotape training may be used if the certified applicator certifies that the training is the appropriate training.

(4) A technician will receive an hour for hour credit if a Board approved continuing education unit course is completed.

(5) No courses may be repeated for credit within the same recertification year.

(o) Upon written request, the Executive Director may grant a hardship extension to a technician due to extenuating circumstances.

(p) All verifiable training records must be made available to the Board upon request. These verifiable training records [ form ] must [ shall ] be kept on a format provided by the Board in the business file for at least two (2) years after termination of employment.

(q) The verifiable training records forms will be made available to the licensee within twenty (20) days of written request.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501418

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.23

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.23, concerning Continuing Education Requirements for Certified Applicators. The proposal will do many things. The reference change from gender to licensee reflects the use of the correct language. The change on time is made to reflect that individuals will change employers. The other changes reflect the conditions for hardship as listed in 22 TAC §593.8. The deletion of the reference to the Board reflects the actual practice that the Executive Director decides hardship requests. Lastly, the change on records is made to be consistent with the proposed change to 22 TAC §593.21(j).

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the rule will clarify the time requirements for a certified applicator getting his continuing education units. The other changes will enable licensees to obtain their records so they can timely renew their license. The hardship change will provide clarity and consistency with 22 TAC §593.8. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.23.Continuing Education Requirements for Certified Applicators.

(a) Except as provided in subsections (e) and (f) of this section, the Board shall require as a condition to the renewal of each certified applicator license granted pursuant to the provisions of this section, that the holder thereof certify to the Board that the licensee has completed courses of continuing education approved by the Board that cover the applicator's category(ies) of certification for the preceding twelve (12) months [ from licensee's date of birth ]. This certification must be completed upon each renewal of the certified applicator's license. Failure to do so will prevent the license from being renewed. Licensees must obtain the appropriate number of continuing education units in a 12-month period. Changing employers or moving to an inactive status does not alleviate this responsibility or add time to the continuing education unit requirement.

(b) Each certified applicator is required to obtain two (2) units in general training and one (1) unit in each category in which the applicator is certified. General training is defined to include the topics included in the Texas Structural Pest Control Act, Section 1951.351(c). Of the two (2) general training units required for recertification, at least one (1) must be in federal and state laws, pesticide safety, environmental protection, or integrated pest management. The other may be in any general topic.

(c) No approved course may be repeated for credit within the same recertification year.

(d) No more than one (1) unit each year may be obtained through a self-study or electronic course.

(e) Applicators will not be required to obtain units for the first year in which their license is issued. Applicators who become certified in additional categories during any annual renewal period will not be required to obtain units in those categories for that period.

(f) Upon written request, the Executive Director may grant a hardship extension to a certified applicator due to extenuating circumstances. The length of the hardship is at the discretion of the Executive Director.

(g) Each certified applicator must keep a certificate of completion for each course attended for a period of two years, and submit such records to the Board on request. These records are subject to inspection by Board personnel at any time. Continuing education certificates will be made available to the licensee within twenty (20) days of the written request.

(h) The penalty for falsifying continuing education records is a fine of $2500 to $5000, a revocation of a license for a minimum of one (1) year and re-testing by the certified applicator.

(i) Certified applicators found not in compliance will have twenty (20) days to produce the required certificates of completion for courses previously attended prior to the initiation of enforcement proceedings. Certified applicators who do not meet the recertification requirements will have their licenses suspended in all deficient categories for one (1) year or until all deficiencies are corrected, and they must then re-qualify by taking the certification examination.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501419

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270


22 TAC §593.24

The Texas Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §593.24, concerning Criteria and Evaluation of Continuing Education. Grammatical changes were made to the rule and other language changes were made like "unit" to be consistent with other regulations. The addition of physical address will be an aid to investigators in monitoring presentations. The last change will be for those CEU providers who are not deterred by monetary penalties.

Dale Burnett, Executive Director, has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as result of enforcing or administering the rule. There is no estimated additional cost or estimated reduction in cost for state government. There will be no estimated increase in revenue to state government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated increase in revenue on local government for the first five-year period the rule will be in effect.

There will be no cost of compliance for small businesses since the rule proposal does not affect them.

There is no cost comparison for small or large businesses since they will not be affected by the rule proposal.

Mr. Burnett has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be that the rule will be that investigators will be able to locate and monitor continuing education classes. The grammatical changes will clarify the rules language. Lastly, the loss of status from being an education provider will insure that licensees are receiving approved training, which can only benefit the public when receiving services. There are no economic costs to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Texas Structural Pest Control Board, P.O. Box 1927, Austin, TX 78767.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1951, which provides the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

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

§593.24.Criteria and Evaluation of Continuing Education.

(a) The staff shall evaluate continuing education programs, and assign the number of category units for each one. No more than one unit will be assigned for any hour of net actual instruction time. A course may be approved for a maximum of two (2) consecutive years. After a maximum of two (2) years, any previously approved course must have substantial changes in order to qualify for continuing education credit. The staff will consider the learning objectives, technical information given, the accuracy of the information, the relevance of the information to structural pest control, the qualifications of the instructor, and the amount of actual training or self-study time devoted to each program in the process of evaluation. Each continuing education program, including self-study and electronic courses submitted for approval must contain the following:

(1) a copy of handout materials, if any, which will be distributed to participants during the course;

(2) inclusive length of time of the course stated in hours, and minutes except electronic and self-study courses;

(3) date, time, physical address, and city of presentation or examination for self-study courses or electronic courses or if unknown, agreement to provide two (2) weeks notice of each date of presentation or examination;

(4) category(ies) and number of units in which continuing education units are requested;

(5) a detailed course outline which will indicate the scope of the course and learning objectives; and

(6) additional information as requested.

(b) If the speaker, self-study course provider or electronic provider has not been previously approved, the minimum requirements to qualify as a speaker, course presenter, self-study or electronic course provider are:

(1) a degree from a recognized institution of higher learning which pertains to the course being taught; or

(2) five (5) years experience as an applicator certified by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board with a current license in the category to be taught; or

(3) verifiable proof of training and teaching experience within the preceding three (3) years; or

(4) a combination of education, work related training, and teaching experience which, in the opinion of the Board, would be equivalent to two of the three requirements as previously stated.

(c) Any person seeking approval of a training course must submit the information required at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of presentation or first offering of an electronic or self-study course. The Executive Director may waive this requirement due to special circumstances. The staff must evaluate and recommend credits within thirty (30) days from the date submitted.

(d) Parts of courses, which focus on promotion of products, policies, or procedures of a company, cannot be included for units. Courses and instructors may be re-evaluated at the Board's discretion. Any changes to courses must be submitted to the Board thirty (30) days prior to the date of presentation.

(e) The Executive Director may direct the staff to re-evaluate its approval of a course or speaker under the provisions of subsection (a) and (b) of this section.

(f) The Board may enter into a memorandum of agreement with a state or professional society or association to recognize the state's pesticide applicator recertification of the society's professional applicator recertification or satisfaction of the requirements of this section for commercial and noncommercial applicator recertification only if:

(1) the standards for recertification meet or exceed the standards of the recertification period as set out in this section;

(2) the agreement reduces duplication of effort and does not increase the recordkeeping burden of the Board.

(g) A certified applicator may submit the information required in §593.24(a),(2), (4) and (5) the names of instructors and verification of attendance for any course attended by the certified applicator which was not previously approved within thirty (30) days of attendance of the course. The Board staff will notify the certified applicator of any units awarded.

(h) Each continuing education program, including self-study and electronic courses submitted for approval must be accompanied by the following information on each speaker, self-study course or electronic course:

(1) name, address, telephone number and company, organization, or institution of higher learning affiliation;

(2) a resume which includes, but is not limited to, the following information;

(A) formal education-degrees held and granting institutions;

(B) industry-related technical experience which relates to the subject matter to be taught;

(C) industry-related teaching experience which relates to the subject matter to be taught;

(D) address and telephone number of at least three references;

(E) membership in trade associations and/or professional organizations; and

(F) publications as sole or junior author.

(i) The sponsor's name, physical address and telephone number will accompany each continuing education program submitted for approval.

(j) Each sponsor must [ shall ] institute a means or system that verifies that participants attended the training program throughout its stated length or completed self-study program. These systems may include, but are not limited to, sign-in-sign-out rosters, course completion certificates, or the system may be incorporated into the means to verify the participant's comprehension of a subject matter presented. The sponsor or instructor must be alert and actively monitor the participants in the course.

(k) The sponsor must issue a certificate of completion within twenty-one (21) days of course to each applicator completing the course. This document must include at least the following information:

(1) certified applicator name and certified applicator assigned number;

(2) name of sponsor or sponsoring agency, company, or organizations;

(3) number and category of continuing education units awarded;

(4) date and location of training or verification test.

(l) The sponsor must maintain course completion records for two (2) years and a list of participants must be forwarded to the Board within twenty-one (21) days of completion of the training course. List must contain name of sponsor, course title and course number(s), number of units awarded, speaker name and number(s), name of attendee and license number, if applicable.

(m) A non-refundable annual fee is due for each course taken into consideration for approval. Courses may be considered on a two-year [ two year ] basis if the course presenter submits a fee of $40.00 for each year at the time of submission. Course will be approved for a maximum of two (2) consecutive years. Governmental agencies are exempt from this fee if the course is presented as a part of the legally mandated function of the agency or main purpose is education.

(n) For purposes of this section, a course is defined as specific instruction in a category presented by any one sponsor, company or organization.

(o) "Sponsor" means the person, company or organization that compiles, organizes, writes and/or produces category specific training courses to be given at a training seminar submitted to the Texas Structural Pest Control Board for approval as continuing education program for recertification units. The sponsor is responsible for establishing procedures for verification of completion and comprehension of its courses, and for awarding course completion certificates. The sponsor must be responsible for the qualifications, competence and performance of the authors, speakers, presenters, or instructors who produce or present its courses, and for performance of self-study course examination.

(p) Videotapes, slides or other media presentations shall not be approved by the Board unless accompanied by a qualified speaker and course outline, as required by subsection (a) and (c) of this section or unless approved as a self-study course under subsection (h) of this section.

(q) Personnel of the Texas Structural Pest Control Board are exempt from any fee charged for a continuing education program if they are monitoring the program as a part of the duties of their employment.

(r) A course may be approved as a self-study or electronic course if it meets the following additional criteria:

(1) attendees must take an examination designed to verify their knowledge of the material provided in the course. The course sponsors must grade the examination and keep records for a minimum of two (2) years.

(2) the attendee's grade on the examination must be at least 70% correct to obtain credit for the course.

(3) the examination for a self-study course must be proctored by the course provider or person responsible to the course provider. The examination location must be made available and accessible to Board staff.

(4) a self-study course examination proctor must be a certified applicator licensed by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board. Anyone serving as an examination proctor may not take a verification exam for credit while serving as a monitor. The Board must be notified to time, physical address, and city two weeks prior to each self-study course examination. The Executive Director may waive this requirement upon written request by the applicant taking the self-study course.

(s) A course may be approved as an electronic course if verified by the responsible certified applicator of the pest control company and/or noncommercial entity.

(t) A self-study course or electronic course is limited to one continuing education unit in the general training or a specific category.

(u) The Executive Director may re-evaluate or cancel a currently approved continuing education course during the calendar year for failure to comply with the elements of the course as outlined in this section.

(v) The penalty for a sponsor or speaker falsifying an application for recertification record can be as much as $5000. A penalty of $5000 per incident may be imposed to a sponsor of a continuing education course for the following:

(1) Failure to notify the Board of course presentation as required in subsection (a)(3) of this section.

(2) Failure to submit a list of participants to the Board as required in subsection (l) of this section.

(3) Failure to issue a certificate of completion to each applicator after course completion as required in subsection (k) of this section.

(4) Providing a certificate of attendance to a certified applicator licensee who did not attend and/or complete the course requirements.

(5) Falsely claiming to have conducted a continuing education course.

(6) Failure to conduct a continuing education course for the required unit [ length ] of time.

(7) Making a sales promotion during the instructional period of the continuing education course.

(w) Any continuing education provider who violates this section can have the provider privileges revoked or suspended.

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 April 4, 2005.

TRD-200501420

Dale Burnett

Executive Director

Texas Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8270