NDT H.B. 2025 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS LICENSING & ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES H.B. 2025 By: Pickett 4-8-97 Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND Currently, there is a requirement under the federal Clean Air Act that air conditioning contractors must take a course and pass a test in order to obtain a certificate entitling them to purchase refrigerants. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2025 would enact into Texas law, the federal language restricting the sale of refrigerants by limiting their sale in Texas to licensed air conditioning and refrigeration contractors who have an EPA certificate. Purchase of refrigerants or refrigeration equipment in violation of this law is a Class B misdemeanor. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 3, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration License Law to add Subsection (m) allowing for the issuance of citations for those violating this Act. SECTION 2. Amends Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law by adding Section 10 as follows: Subsection (a) defines "refrigerant" in conformity with the Clean Air Act and the rules promulgated thereunder; Subsection (b) requires that each seller, user or purchaser of refrigerant or refrigeration equipment must comply with the federal Clean Air Act and rules adopted under that Act. Subsection (c) provides for a registration for those exempt from licensure. Subsection (d) provides for who may purchase equipment with refrigerant and refrigerant Subsection (e) provides that the seller must obtain proof a purchaser is in compliance with this Act. Subsection (f) provides for who is exempt from requirements for purchase and proof of compliance. Subsection (g) creates a Class B misdemeanor for violation of this Act. Subsection (h) creates a small appliance exemption SECTION 3. Effective dates of the Act SECTION 4. Emergency Clause.