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.