SRC-TBR H.B. 196 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 196 By: Reyna, Arthur (Sibley) Business & Commerce 5/6/2001 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law specifies the Standard Mechanical Code and the Uniform Mechanical Code as the codes authorized for contractor licensing. H.B. 196 replaces the Standard Mechanical Code with the International Mechanical Code in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law. The bill replaces the Standard Mechanical Code with the International Mechanical Code in the list of guidelines that contractors must comply with and the commissioner of licensing and regulation must follow when adopting rules for the practice of air conditioning and refrigeration contracting. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 2(10), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law (Article 8861, V.T.C.S.), to redefine "mechanical integrity." SECTION 2. Amends Section 3(a), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law (Article 8861, V.T.C.S.), as follows: (a) Requires the standards prescribed by rule to be at least as strict as the standards set forth in the Uniform Mechanical Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the International Mechanical Code published by the International Code Council. SECTION 3. Provides that the changes made by this Act control over any other Act of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, relating to the adoption or implementation of uniform residential building codes. Provides that to the extent of any conflict between this Act and another Act of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, this Act prevails. SECTION 4. Effective date: September 1, 2001.