SRC-PNG H.B. 2667 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2667
76R12804 GJH-DBy: Capelo (Shapiro)
Health Services
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Industrial hygienists are responsible for evaluating the health effects of
chemicals or noise in the workplace and then implementing programs to
reduce or eliminate those workplace hazards. H.B. 2667 prohibits a person
from using the title of, or representing themselves as a "certified
industrial hygienist," or "industrial hygienist in training," unless the
person meets certain requirements and qualifications. This bill provides a
penalty for a violation of this Act. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 2667 prohibits a person from using the title of, or
representing themselves as a "certified industrial hygienist," or
"industrial hygienist in training," unless the person meets certain
requirements and qualifications, and provides penalties. 

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 Chapter 20, Title 132, V.T.C.S., by adding Article 9034,
as follows:  

ARTICLE 9034. INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE TITLE RECOGNITION ACT 

Sec. 1. SHORT TITLE: Industrial Hygiene Title Recognition Act. 

Sec. 2.  PURPOSE. Sets forth the purpose of this article.

Sec. 3. DEFINITIONS. Defines "American Board of Industrial Hygiene,"
"certified industrial hygienist" or "CIH," "industrial hygiene
certification organization," and "industrial hygienist in training" or "
IHIT."  

Sec. 4. PROTECTION OF TITLES. Prohibits a person from using the title of,
or representing themselves as a "certified industrial hygienist," "CIH," or
"industrial hygienist in training," "IHIT," unless the person meets the
requirements and qualifications for that title under the definitions of
this article. 

 Sec. 5. CIVIL PENALTY.  Provides that a violation of Section 4 of this
article is punishable by a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each
violation. Authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to collect
the penalty. Requires a penalty collected under this subsection to be
deposited in the general revenue fund.  

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. 

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.