BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 1541
By: Torres
4-26-95
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND

A water closet plumbing fixture that permits siphonage or backflow,
has the potential to contaminate the potable drinking water of a
home or facility, and thereby threaten the health and safety of
those who must rely on that water.


PURPOSE

HB 1541 would prohibit the sale, donation, or transfer of a water
closet plumbing fixture that permits siphonage or backflow into the
flush tank.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill grants additional
rulemaking authority to the Board of Plumbing Examiners in SECTION
1 and SECTION 2 of the bill.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 14, Plumbing License Law (Art. 6243-101,
V.T.C.S.).  Prohibits the sale, donation, or transfer of a water
closet plumbing fixture that permits siphonage or backflow of the
contents of a toilet bowl back in the flush tank.  Also requires
the Board to adopt rules regarding applicable fixtures.  

SECTION 2.  Effective Date:  September 1, 1995.  Change in law
applies to fixtures sold, donated, or transferred after January 1,
1996.  Requires Board of Plumbing to adopt rules under this act by
January 1, 1996.

SECTION 3.  Emergency Clause.


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment #1 adds that a person corporation, or other
entity may not sell, donate or transfer a water closet plumbing
fixture or other equipment that uses water that does not comply
with a state-approved plumbing code, and that permits the backflow
of nonpotable substances into the potable water supply.  Requires
the Board of Plumbing Examiners to adopt rules that include a list
describing types of fixtures this subsection applies to.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 1541 was heard in a Public Hearing on April 26, 1995.  The Chair
laid out HB 1541 and recognized the author, Rep. Torres to explain
the bill.  Rep. Jones offered an amendment, and moved that the full
committee adopt Committee Amendment #1.  There was no objection. 
Rep. Yarbrough moved that the full committee adopt HB 1541 as
amended, and that it be reported favorably to the full House with
the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, and placed on
the Local and Consent Calendar.  The motion prevailed by the
following vote:  AYES: 6, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 3.