(a) Any individual who is currently licensed as a master
or journeyman plumber by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
or who is currently licensed with a Class A or B Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Contractors License issued by the Texas Department
of Licensing and Regulation may register with AFS and be granted an
exemption to the Category D licensing and examination requirements
(including insurance, and training and continuing education) provided
the applicant:
(1) holds an active license in compliance with Texas
Occupations Code, §1302.260, relating to Issuance and Term of
License, and §1301.351, relating to License, Endorsement, or
Registration Required;
(2) submits a legible copy of a current Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration Contractor or Master or Journeyman Plumbers certificate;
(3) submits a legible copy of a picture state-issued
identification card or driver's license;
(4) submits a properly completed LPG Form 16B; and
(5) pays the $50 registration fee, except as described
in subsection (g) of this section.
(b) This exemption does not become effective until
the exemption card is issued by AFS.
(c) The exemption accrues to the individual and is
nontransferable.
(d) Any individual granted such exemption shall maintain
registered status at all times. Upon failure to maintain registered
status, the individual shall immediately cease all affected LP-gas
activities until proper status has been regained.
(e) In order to maintain an exemption, each individual
issued an exemption card must maintain a valid master or journeyman
plumbers license or Class A or B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Contractors license. Each individual shall also pay a $20 annual renewal
fee to AFS on or before May 31 of each year. Failure to pay the annual
renewal fee by May 31 shall result in a lapsed exemption. If an individual's
exemption lapses, that individual shall cease all LP-gas activities
until the exemption has been renewed. To renew a lapsed exemption,
the applicant shall pay the $20 annual renewal fee plus a $20 late-filing
fee. Failure to do so shall result in the expiration of the exemption.
If an individual's exemption has been expired for more than two years,
that individual shall complete all requirements necessary to apply
for a new exemption.
(f) Any individual who is issued an exemption under
this section agrees to comply with the current edition of the rules
in this chapter. In the event the exempt individual surrenders, fails
to renew, or has the license revoked either by the Texas State Board
of Plumbing Examiners or the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation,
that individual shall immediately cease performing any LP-gas activities
granted by this section.
(g) A military service member, military veteran, or
military spouse shall be exempt from the original registration fee
pursuant to the requirements in §9.14 of this title (relating
to Military Fee Exemption). An individual who receives a military
fee exemption is not exempt from renewal fees specified in §9.9
of this title.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §9.13 adopted to be effective February 1, 2001, 26 TexReg 947; amended to be effective September 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 4810; amended to be effective December 24, 2012, 37 TexReg 9913; amended to be effective January 4, 2016, 41 TexReg 238; amended to be effective January 6, 2020, 45 TexReg 127 |