Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 279 amends the Occupations Code to continue the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) until September 1, 2015, and to include and update standard sunset language. The bill increases the membership of the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation from six to seven members and transfers rulemaking authority from the executive director of the department to the commission. It gives the presiding officer of the commission the authority to appoint members of all advisory committees, with the commission's approval, and to select the chairs of those committees, with certain exceptions. The bill requires TDLR to establish policies for the refund of licensing examination fees and the staggered renewal of licenses. It further requires TDLR to establish and operate a toll-free telephone information system to help individuals obtain information relating to licensing entities and requires licensing authorities to electronically share disciplinary information with each other. The bill requires individuals regulated by one or more licensing authorities to file a single change of address using TexasOnline and requires TDLR to identify licensing agencies that do not use TexasOnline and assist those agencies with converting to that system.

            The bill also amends and adds provisions relating to TDLR's regulation of air conditioning and refrigeration contractors; architectural barriers; auctioneers; boilers; career counseling services; combative sports; court interpreters; elevators, escalators, and related equipment; industrialized housing and buildings; personnel employment services; property tax consultants; rental-purchase agreements; service contract providers; staff leasing services; talent agencies; temporary common worker employees; transportation service providers; vehicle protection product warrantors; water well drillers; water well pump installers; weather modification; and valet parking services.

            The bill takes effect September 1, 2003, except requirements relating to TDLR's complaint procedures and provisions relating to combative sports take effect January 1, 2004, and the article relating to valet parking services takes effect March 1, 2004, unless certain conditions apply.