SRC-AXB C.S.S.B. 1353 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 1353
By: Barrientos
State Affairs
5/4/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

In June 1998, Texas became the first state to adopt software engineering as
a distinct discipline under which engineering licenses can be issued.
However, it has been proposed that prior to the licensure or regulation of
software engineers, the Board of Professional Engineers should ensure that
a national examination for software engineers is developed and that Texas
has offered accredited degree programs long enough for applicants to meet
education and experience requirements of licensure. C.S.S.B. 1353 creates
software engineering regulation. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.B. 1353 creates software engineering regulation.

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 Article 3271a, V.T.C.S. (Texas Engineering Practice
Act), by adding Section 12.2, as follows: 

Sec.  12.2.  REGULATION OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING.  Requires the Texas Board
of Professional Engineers to form an advisory committee of individuals
knowledgeable in software engineering, computer science, and consulting
engineering.  Requires the advisory committee to review certain rationale,
develop a definition of software engineering, and consider certain issues.
Prohibits the board from issuing a license for software engineering prior
to implementation of the advisory committee's recommendations.  Sets forth
provisions for an individual who holds software expertise certification. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

SECTION 1.

Deletes proposed text of SECTION 1.  Amends Section 12.2, Article 3271a,
V.T.C.S., Texas Engineering Practice Act, to add text regarding the
regulation of software engineering. 

SECTION 2.

 Creates an effective date of September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. 
 
 Redesignated from SECTION 2.  Deletes proposed effective date of upon
passage.