SRC-PNG H.B. 2144 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2144
76R14109 MXM-FBy: Reyna, Arthur (Shapiro)
State Affairs
5/14/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, the State of Texas may adopt, through the Texas State Board of
Plumbing Examiners (board), three plumbing codes, mainly for unincorporated
areas of the state. In an effort to achieve national uniformity, the three
major model code organizations have joined with municipal officials to
develop and publish a single set of model codes, resulting in the
publication of the International Plumbing Code, which is currently
available for adoption by governmental jurisdictions nationwide. H.B. 2144
requires the board to adopt certain plumbing codes. This bill also provides
that plumbing installed in an area not otherwise subject to regulation must
be installed in accordance with a plumbing code adopted by the board under
this section. Furthermore, this bill authorizes a municipality or owner of
a public water system to adopt any nationally recognized model plumbing
codes and standards that do not substantially vary with rules or laws of
this state in adopting plumbing codes and standards, notwithstanding the
other provisions of this section.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2144 establishes provisions regarding the adoption and
use of certain plumbing codes. 

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 5B, Article 6243-101, V.T.C.S. (The Plumbing
License Law), to require the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
(board) to adopt certain plumbing codes. Provides that plumbing installed
in an area not otherwise subject to regulation must be installed in
accordance with a plumbing code adopted by the board under this section.
Authorizes a municipality or owner of a public water system to adopt any
nationally recognized model plumbing codes and standards that do not
substantially vary with rules or laws of this state in adopting plumbing
codes and standards, notwithstanding the other provisions of this section.
Deletes the requirement that the board adopt the Southern Standard Plumbing
Code and the National Standard Plumbing Code. Makes conforming and
nonsubstantive changes.  
   
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. 
  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.