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.