78R3566 SMH-D

By:  Flores                                                       H.B. No. 1408


A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of the practice of construction/program management. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Title 8, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Chapter 1305 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 1305. CONSTRUCTION/PROGRAM MANAGERS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1305.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Commission" means the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation. (2) "Construction/program management" means the management of the planning, design, and construction of a capital improvement project or program of capital improvement projects, including project scope development, land acquisition, permitting, cash-flow management, design acquisition and management, cost estimation, the writing of bid packages, cost and schedule control, contract administration, document control, construction inspection, quality control value engineering, risk management, constructibility review, contracting and project delivery systems, dispute avoidance and resolution, activation, and status reports. (3) "Construction/program manager" means a person registered to engage in the practice of construction/program management in this state. (4) "Department" means the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. (5) "Executive director" means the executive director of the department.
[Sections 1305.002-1305.050 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER B. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 1305.051. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. A person may not engage in the practice of construction/program management on behalf of this state or a political subdivision of this state unless the person: (1) holds a certificate of registration issued under this chapter; or (2) is an officer or employee of this state or a political subdivision of this state and engages in the practice of construction/program management for the person's employer. Sec. 1305.052. REGISTRATION APPLICATION; FEE. An applicant for registration under this chapter must: (1) submit an application on a form prescribed by the executive director; and (2) pay the application fee set by the commission. Sec. 1305.053. ELIGIBILITY FOR REGISTRATION. To be eligible for registration, an applicant must: (1) be certified by the Construction Management Association of America if the executive director determines that the requirements for certification by that organization are sufficient to protect the public; or (2) meet the following requirements: (A) submit to the department the names and addresses of five clients who will verify that the applicant has at least four years' experience in the field of construction/program management; and (B) meet one of the following requirements: (i) hold a bachelor's or graduate degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, or construction science; (ii) hold an associate's degree or certificate in construction management, architecture, engineering, or construction science and have at least four years' experience in general design or construction in addition to the experience required by Paragraph (A); or (iii) have at least eight years' experience in general design or construction in addition to the experience required by Paragraph (A). Sec. 1305.054. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION. The executive director shall issue a certificate of registration to an applicant who qualifies for registration. Sec. 1305.055. REQUIRED INSURANCE. A holder of a certificate of registration must maintain at least $1 million in professional liability insurance. Sec. 1305.056. TERM OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION. A certificate of registration is valid for a term established by the executive director.
[Sections 1305.057-1305.100 reserved for expansion]
SUBCHAPTER C. RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION
Sec. 1305.101. PROCEDURE FOR RENEWAL. (a) A person who is otherwise eligible to renew a certificate of registration may renew an unexpired certificate by paying the required renewal fee to the department before the expiration date of the certificate. A person whose certificate has expired may not engage in activities that require a certificate until the certificate has been renewed. (b) A person whose certificate has been expired for 90 days or less may renew the certificate by paying to the department a renewal fee that is equal to 1-1/2 times the normally required renewal fee. (c) A person whose certificate has been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year may renew the certificate by paying to the department a renewal fee that is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee. (d) A person whose certificate has been expired for one year or more may not renew the certificate. The person may obtain a new certificate by complying with the requirements and procedures for an original certificate. Sec. 1305.102. CONTINUING EDUCATION. (a) The department may recognize, prepare, or offer continuing education for holders of certificates of registration. (b) Participation in continuing education programs is voluntary unless the executive director by rule determines that the department should require participation. SECTION 2. (a) This Act takes effect September 1, 2003. (b) A person is not required to obtain a certificate of registration under Chapter 1305, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, until January 1, 2004. (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b) of this section, a person who is engaged in the practice of construction/program management before January 1, 2004, and who applies for a certificate of registration under Chapter 1305, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before that date may continue to engage in that practice until the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation acts on the person's application.