H.B. 1615 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 1615
By: Farabee
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, in Chapter 74 of the Health and Safety Code, automatic
elevators must conform to specific standards set by the commissioner by
September 2005.  These standards deal with door restrictors and
firefighter's service in the 1994 ASME Code A17.3 and A17.1.  Building
owners, upon written request, are able to receive delays for compliance
until September 2005.  With the current state of the Texas economy,
building owners (especially those with buildings built prior to 1994) are
facing an overwhelming financial burden to conform with these
requirements.  This bill provides that upon writing the Texas Department
of Licensing and Regulation, the commissioner shall grant a building owner
a delay of door restictors and firefighter's service until September 1,
2010.    


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

Amends Section 754.014 of the Health and Safety Code by allowing a
commissioner to grant a delay until September 1, 2010, for compliance with
the requirements for door restrictors or firefighter's service in the 1994
ASME Code A17.3 if those requirements were not included in the ASME Code
A17.1 that was in effect on the date of installation of the elevator,
escalator, or related equipment. Also, provided that equipment was not
subsequently installed by an owner of the elevator, escalator, or related
equipment.    


EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2003