BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 785
By: Seidlits
March 8, 1995
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

Under current law, continuing education for persons regulated by
the Texas Manufacturing Housing Standards Act is conducted on a
voluntary basis.  With changing federal and state standards that
must be complied with, many feel that the optional requirement is
not sufficiently protecting the public health and safety.  


PURPOSE

This measure would allow the commissioner to require participation
in a continuing education program for renewal of registration. 
Also, deletes language requiring HUD authorization of a commission
approved third-party inspection agency.  


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 7A, Texas Manufactured Housing Standards
Act.  

Sec. 7A.  CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS.  The commissioner may
require participation in a continuing education program for renewal
of a registration under this act.  Requires notice to be published
and public hearings to be conducted if the commissioner elects to
require participation in such a program, and prevents new
requirements from taking effect before the 30th day after the
public hearing has been conducted.  

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 9(c), Texas Manufactured Housing
Standards Act.

(c).  Deletes language requiring the state plan regarding third
party inspections to have Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
authorization of commission approved third-party In-Plant
inspection agencies.  Also deletes language prohibiting a
manufacturer from changing third-party inspectors without
commission approval.

SECTION 3.  EMERGENCY CLAUSE.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

H.B. 785 was heard in a Public Hearing on March 8, 1995.  The Chair
recognized the following person to testify, who registered in favor
of the bill:
     Mr. Will Ehrle, Texas Manufactured Housing Assoc.;
Representative Kubiak moved that the full committee adopt H.B. 785
and that it be reported favorably to the full House with the
recommendation that it do pass and be printed.  The motion
prevailed by the following vote:  AYES: (6), NAYS: (0); ABSENT:
(3).