BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3848

By: Hernandez

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has expressed concerns that elevator and escalator inspection reports cannot be filed in an efficient manner due to current restrictions on electronic submission. H.B. 3848 seeks to add clarity and reduce administrative burdens in supporting the safety of elevator and escalator equipment by allowing reports and related documentation to be considered filed by the date of electronic submission and by giving TDLR greater flexibility in the rulemaking process for electronic filings.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3848 amends the Health and Safety Code to authorize the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation by rule to permit inspection reports, other documents, and fees to be filed in a manner prescribed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), including electronically. The bill includes the date of a TDLR-compliant electronic submission of an inspection report and filing fees for the inspection of an elevator, escalator, or related equipment that are filed with the executive director of TDLR by an applicable building or facility owner among the dates of which the earliest is considered the filing date for the purpose of determining the timely filing of those materials.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.