BILL ANALYSIS


                                                    C.S.H.B. 1541
                                            By: Torres (Gallegos)
                                      Intergovernmental Relations
                                                          5-22-95
                            Senate Committee Report (Substituted)
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 the water.

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.H.B. 1541 prohibits a person, corporation, or
other entity from selling, donating, or transferring a water closet
plumbing fixture that does not comply with a state-approved
plumbing code.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is granted
to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners under SECTION 1
(Article 6243-101(f), V.T.C.S.) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 14, Article 6243-101, V.T.C.S., by adding
Subsection (f), to provide 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 may permit the
backflow of nonpotable substances into the potable water supply. 
Requires the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to adopt rules
under this subsection that include a list describing the types of
plumbing fixtures to which this subsection applies.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 3, Article 6243-101, as follows:

     Sec. 3.  ACTS PERMITTED WITHOUT A LICENSE.  (a)  Makes no
     changes.
     
     (b)  Deletes a provision permitting, without a permit,
       plumbing work to be done outside the municipal limits of a
       city, town, or village, or within the municipality limits of
       a city, town, or village of less than 5,000 inhabitants. 
       Redesignates existing Subsection (c).
       
       (c) and (d)  Redesignate existing Subsections (d) and (e).
       
SECTION 3. (a)  Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

     (b)  Makes application of this Act prospective beginning
     January 1, 1996.
     
     (c)  Requires the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to
     adopt rules under this Act not later than January 1, 1996.
     
     SECTION 4.     Emergency clause.