HBA-CMT H.B. 1338 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1338 By: Brimer Licensing & Administrative Procedures 2/28/2001 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law restricts the use of the word "engineer" to those persons engaged in the practice of engineering as defined by The Texas Engineering Practice Act, and requires certain professionals in the engineering field to register with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. House Bill 1338 exempts qualified scientists engaged in the polymeric sciences from licensure provisions of The Texas Professional Engineering Practice Act. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. ANALYSIS House Bill 1338 amends The Texas Engineering Practice Act (Act) to add qualified scientists in the polymeric sciences to the persons who are exempt from the licensure provisions of the Act, provided that the person is not directly or indirectly represented or held out to the public to be legally qualified to engage in the practice of engineering. EFFECTIVE DATE The Act takes effect the 91st day after adjournment.