SRC-LBB H.B. 2081 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2081
By: McReynolds (Ratliff)
Business & Commerce
5/20/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Section 251.081 of the Transportation Code allows the commissioners court
of a county  to "erect and maintain any necessary bridge in the county."
However, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, Title 52a, Section 19, places
requirements and restrictions on public works, including bridges.  This
section requires a licensed professional engineer to directly supervise
construction of a bridge that affects public safety; furthermore, the
Occupations Code, Section 1001.053 (Public Works), establishes three
exemptions for which a licensed professional engineer is not required.
These exemptions are based on the type of project as well as the amount it
costs to complete the project. Currently, if a project requires
structural, electrical, or mechanical engineering and costs under $8,000,
then a licensed professional engineer is not required.  H.B. 2081 removes
a public work that involves "structural" engineering from the types of
public works exempt from the Texas Engineering Practice Act. 

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 1001.053, Occupations Code, as follows:

Sec. 1001.053.  PUBLIC WORKS.  Removes a public work that involves
"structural" engineering from public works that are exempt from this
chapter.  Makes a conforming change. 
  
SECTION 2.  Effective date:  June 1, 2003 or September 1, 2003.