SRC-JJJ H.B. 2296 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2296 76R3425 CMR-FBy: Bonnen (Jackson) Economic Development 5/3/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, language in the Health and Safety Code governing the installation and inspection of boilers does not conform to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards. Changes bringing the two codes into conformance would allow the industry to comply with mandatory construction requirements of the code faster and more efficiently while cutting down on administrative duties for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. H.B. 2296 amends the regulation of boilers. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2296 amends the regulation of boilers. 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 755.001, Health and Safety Code, to define "potable boiling water," "process steam generator," "safety appliance," and "standard boiler." Redefines "boiler," "certificate inspection," "heating boilers," "internal inspection," "power boiler," and "unfired steam boiler." Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 755.022(a), Health and Safety Code, to set forth provisions to which this chapter does not apply. Deletes text regarding unfired steam boilers. SECTION 3. Amends Sections 775.025(a) and (b), Health and Safety Code, to require the commissioner of licensing and regulation (commissioner) to require each boiler to be inspected internally and externally at the time of initial installation and at subsequent intervals as provided by this chapter. Requires power boilers, unfired steam boilers, and steam collection or liberation of process steam generators to receive an annual certificate and an annual external inspection. SECTION 4. Amends Section 755.026(a), Health and Safety Code, to make conforming changes. SECTION 5. Amends Section 755.027(a), Health and Safety Code, to set forth conditions by which an inspection agency shall file a report with the commissioner in the manner specified by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Deletes text regarding required information for the report to the commissioner. SECTION 6. Amends Section 755.029(a), Health and Safety Code, to require the commissioner to issue a certificate of operation for a boiler if certain conditions are fulfilled. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 7. Amends Sections 755.032(b), (c), and (d), Health and Safety Code, to authorize the commissioner to exchange information with certain other authorities regarding appurtenances on boilers. Deletes text regarding inspection procedures for certain equipment. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 8. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 9. Emergency clause.