NDT C.S.S.B. 218 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS LICENSING & ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES C.S.S.B. 218 By: Ratliff (Junell) 5-12-97 Committee Report (Substituted) BACKGROUND Currently, Article 249a, V.T.C.S., authorizes the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (board) to charge an examination fee which cannot exceed $300. The 1995 General Appropriations Act authorizes $525 for the exam. The National Council of Architectural Registration Board has developed a new computerized national examination that replaces the four-day paper and pencil examination. The board does not have the authority to charge the new cost of the exam, which is $980. PURPOSE S.B. 218 makes it possible for a person applying to take an examination that has passed parts of a previous exam to be able complete the examination and pay a fee prescribed by the Board in an amount not to exceed $300. The Board may not enter into an agreement to increase the cost of the examination until a series of public hearings have been held to determine if the fee increase is acceptable. 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 6, Chapter 478, Acts of the 45th Legislature, Regular Session, 1937 (Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statues) to apply to a person that has taken parts of a previous exam and the Board may not enter into an agreement to increase the cost of the examination until a series of public hearings are held around the state. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage. COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE The substitute applies to a person that has taken parts of a previous examination and needs to fulfill the examination requirement for registration shall pay to the Board a fee prescribed by the Board in an amount not to exceed $300. A series of public hearings are to be held around the state to determine whether a fee increase is acceptable.