LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 1, 2005

TO:	Honorable Kino Flores, Chair, House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB1573 by Geren (Relating to the definition of the practice of architecture.), As Introduced

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would amend the Occupations Code to expand the definition of architecture to include conduct not typically considered to be architecture.  The Board of Architectural Examiners would regulate registered architects in new areas such as expert testimony and scholarly research and the development and teaching of architectural programs at universities.  The Board of Architectural Examiners also assumes that there would be an increase in case load involving unregistered persons subject to discipline for practicing architecture without registration for conduct that previously has not been regulated.

Because the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners participates in the Self-Directed, Semi-Independent program, any fiscal impact would be to the agency's operating fund held outside the state treasury.

The bill would take effect September 1, 2005. 

Local Government Impact

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

459 Board of Architectural Examiners

LBB Staff:

JOB, MW, JRO