The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB or Board) proposes amendments to §153.5, Fees. The proposed amendments change the reference in the rule from the fee for an evaluation of an applicant's criminal history to the fee for an evaluation of an applicant's moral character to align the rule with statutory requirements in Chapter 1103, Texas Occupations Code, and current Board practice.

Kristen Worman, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed amendments. There is no anticipated significant impact on small businesses, micro-businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the proposed amendments. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Ms. Worman also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the section as proposed will be clarity for applicants and a requirement that is easier to understand and consistent with state and federal law.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Kristen Worman, General Counsel, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188 or emailed to general.counsel@talcb.texas.gov. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code §1103.151 and §1103.152, which authorize TALCB to: adopt rules relating to certificates and licenses and prescribe qualifications for appraisers that are consistent with the qualifications established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board.

The statute affected by these amendments is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1103. No other statute, code or article is affected by the proposed amendments.