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.