By: Smith of Harris H.B. No. 1372
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to retention of certain engineering computations made
  regarding residential structures located in first tier coastal
  counties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter A, Chapter 2210, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Section 2210.0041 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2210.0041.  ENGINEERING COMPUTATIONS. (a) This
  section applies to an engineer who provides professional
  engineering services regarding the construction, modification, or
  repair of a residential structure that is located in a first tier
  coastal county.
         (b)  An engineer shall submit copies of all computations
  developed in conjunction with the professional engineering
  services described by Subsection (a) to the department in the
  manner prescribed by commissioner rule.
         (c)  The department shall maintain the information submitted
  to the department under Subsection (b) until the expiration of the
  limitations period under Section 16.008, Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code.
         (d)  The Texas Board of Professional Engineers shall
  cooperate with the department in the implementation and enforcement
  of this section. The Texas Board of Professional Engineers shall
  adopt rules and post information on the board's Internet website as
  necessary to inform engineers licensed in this state of the
  requirements of this section.
         (e)  Failure by an engineer to comply with Subsection (b)
  constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under Subchapter J,
  Chapter 1001, Occupations Code.
         SECTION 2.  An engineer is not required to comply with
  Section 2210.0041, Insurance Code, as added by this Act, until
  January 1, 2008.
         SECTION 3.  The commissioner of insurance and the Texas
  Board of Professional Engineers shall adopt rules and post
  information as required by Section 2210.0041, Insurance Code, as
  added by this Act, not later than December 1, 2007.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.