SRC-JFA C.S.S.B. 218 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 218
By: Ratliff
Finance
2-3-97
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

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.  This bill
would delete the provision capping the examination fee charged by the
board at $300 and provide that the board is not limited to the fees
prescribed by the 1995 General Appropriations Act.   

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 218 deletes the provision prohibiting the Texas
Board of Architectural Examiners from charging an examination fee in
excess of $300 and provides that the board is not limited to the fees
dictated by the 1995 General Appropriations Act.    

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(b), Article 249a, V.T.C.S., to delete a
provision prohibiting the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (board)
from charging an examination fee in excess of $300.  

SECTION 2. Provides that the board is not limited to the fee rates
prescribed by Chapter 1063, Acts of the 74th Legislature, Regular Session,
1995, p. VIII-8 (General Appropriations Act), in establishing fees
authorized by Article 249a, V.T.C.S., relating to the regulation of the
practice of architecture. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
  Effective date:  upon passage.
  

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends SECTION 2 to provide that upon the passage of this bill, the Texas
Board of Architectural Examiners will not be limited to the fee rates
prescribed by the 1995 General Appropriations Act in regard to the costs
of the licensing exam.   

Amends SECTION 3, redesignates previously SECTION 2.