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).