Amend CSHB 1 under the appropriations to the board of
Architectural Examiners (page VIII-7) by replacing current rider 3
in the bill pattern with the following rider:
      Architectural Examiners Exam Fee Increase.
      A.  Fee Increase.  Out of the amounts appropriated above for
Strategy A.1.1., Registration and Renewal, $296,290 shall not be
expended unless the National Council of Architectural Registration
Boards (N.C.A.R.B.) exam fee increase for the national exam is:
            1.  Lowered to a rate deemed reasonable by both the
board and the Legislative Budget Board
            2.  The current "pencil and paper" test is continued to
be offered at $525
            3.  The amount of the increase is offset by gifts,
grants and donations
      The funds appropriated above, $296,290 shall not be expended
unless one of these actions occurs by September 1, 1997.
      B.  Exam Development and Administration.
      It is the intent of the Legislature that the Board of
Architectural Examiners contract with Texas universities and/or
in-state testing firms to administer the N.C.A.R.B. national exam
and to develop an exam that would allow for the current level of
reciprocity that the national exam offers. The Board of
Architectural Examiners will develop an action plan to be submitted
for review by the Legislative Budget Board and the Governor's
Office of Budget and Planning on September 1, 1997.