BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                           H.B. 1531

                                                                                                                                            By: Flores

                                                                                                                                       State Affairs

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Under current law, there are requirements for all commercial construction to use graded steel rebar, but this requirement does not extend to residential construction. Non-graded steel rebar is used to reinforce concrete without structures, e.g., sidewalks, driveways. There is a growing problem of builders using  non-graded rebar in residential construction, thus causing foundational problems for those homes.

 

The purpose of House Bill 1531 is to prohibit the use of non-graded rebar in all residential construction in the state.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Residential Construction Commission in SECTION 2 of the bill.

 

ANALYSIS

 

House Bill 1531 requires the Texas Residential Construction Commission to prohibit the use of non-graded rebar in all residential construction in the state.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.