BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                    C.S.H.B. 1029

                                                                                                                                        By: Goolsby

                                                                                             Licensing & Administrative Procedures

                                                                                                        Committee Report (Substituted)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

The 78^th Texas Legislature enacted HB 1487, creating a statewide licensing program for electricians. HB 1487 placed this electrical safety and licensing program under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.  The 79^th Texas Legislature amended Chapter 1305 of the Occupations Code to correct unintended consequences that the original Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act created.

 

CSHB 1029 amends the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act to correct an unintended consequence regarding plumbers that hold a license, registration, or endorsement under the Plumbing License Law (Chapter 1301 of the Occupations Code). CSHB 1029 will exempt licensed plumbers from the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act in order to perform plumbing work (that plumbers have been licensed to do under the Plumbing License Law for 60 years) and requires that any work done must meet the requirements of existing electrical circuits.

 

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

 

CSHB 1029 amends Section 1305.003 of the Occupations Code by adding subsections (a) (21) to specify an exemption category for plumbers that hold a license, endorsement, or registration under the Plumbing License Law, and subsection (f) which states that any installation or replacement of a plumbing fixture or appliance must meet the requirements of existing electrical circuits.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

Immediately, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2007.

 

COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

 

CSHB 1029 modifies the original by restoring current language in Section 1305.003(a) (5) relating to the definition of electric utility, power generation company as defined by Sections 31.002(1) and (10) of the Utilities Code, instead of Section 31.002 of the Utilities Code.

 

The substitute to HB 1029 clarifies that the language in Section 1305.003(a) (21) applies only to work done on existing electrical circuits.