The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to 22 TAC §535.72, Approval of Non-elective Continuing Education Courses in Chapter 535, General Provisions.

The proposed amendments change the real estate inspector continuing education requirements for non-elective coursework to include a four-hour course developed by providers in accordance with a TREC approved course outline and a four-hour course developed by the Commission in conjunction with the Texas A&M University Real Estate Center. The proposed amendments to §535.72 conform this section with the proposed amendments to §535.218, Continuing Education Required for Renewal, for consistency and clarify procedures for education providers to seek approval of these two continuing education courses. The proposed amendments also specify course expiration dates and capitalize the Broker Responsibility course name.

Kristen Worman, Deputy 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 sections. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro-businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections. There is no anticipated significant 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 sections will be improved continuing education requirements for license holders and consistent requirements that are easier for education providers to understand and follow.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Kristen Worman, Deputy General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188 or via email to general.counsel@trec.texas.gov. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code §1101.151, which authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to adopt and enforce rules necessary to administer Chapters 1101 and 1102; and to establish standards of conduct and ethics for its license holders to fulfill the purposes of Chapters 1101 and 1102; and Texas Occupations Code §1102.058, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules relating to continuing education requirements for inspectors.

The statutes affected by this proposal are Chapters 1101 and 1102, Texas Occupations Code. No other statute, code or article is affected by the proposed amendments.