SRC-CDH H.B. 328 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 328
By: Kamel (Brown)
Natural Resources
5-17-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the Texas Water Code does not allow for water sprinkler systems
to be installed on the "common ground" of members of property owners'
associations property without hiring a licensed irrigator for the
installation.  Critics of the present restrictions complain about not
being able to install their own water systems at a lesser cost.  H.B. 328
exempts members of property owners' associations from holding a license in
order to perform irrigation or yard sprinkler work on the real property
owned by the association or owned in common by association members.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 328 provides an exemption to the licensing requirements
for irrigators. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 34.002(a), Water Code, to provide that the
licensure requirements of this chapter do not apply to irrigation or yard
sprinkler repair work done by a maintenance person incidental to and on
premises owned or managed by the business in which the person is employed
and who does not engage  in the occupation of licensed irrigator or in
yard sprinkler construction or maintenance for the general public.
Provides that the licensure requirements do not apply to irrigation or
yard sprinkler work done by a member of a property owners' association or
by an employee of the association or its managing agent, on real property
owned by the association or in common by the members of the association
under certain circumstances. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.