Andrew T. Marks, LMSW, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five years the sections are in effect, there will be fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the sections as proposed. The effect on state government will be an increase in revenue of $563,488 for the first calendar year due to two-year license requirement. Additionally, an increase of $37,680 will result from the fees generated from the temporary license, supervisor approval and AMEC fees. For year two, there will be an estimated increase of $56,348 due to the two-year license fee. An additional $6,750 will result from the fees generated from the temporary license, supervisor approval and AMEC fees. It cannot be determined whether, if adopted, there would be fiscal implications for state or local governments as it is unknown if these entities pay any of the required fees for their employees.

Mr. Marks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing or administering the rules will be to ensure the appropriate regulation of social workers, continue to identify competent practitioners to ensure public safety, health and welfare and to ensure compliance of eligibility criteria and settings in which licensed social workers can work. There will be an economic impact to individuals who are required to comply with the rules imposing fees mandated by statute. There is no cost for small business or micro-business as fees unless such businesses pay the licensing fees of their employees. Applicants and licensees will be required to pay additional fees for processing applications and renewal applications through Texas Online and for funding the Office of Patient Protection. There is anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed rule changes may be submitted to Andrew T. Marks, LMSW, Executive Director, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3183, telephone (800) 232-3162 or (512) 719-3521, (512) 834-6785 (fax). Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

The repeals are proposed under the Social Work Practice Act, Occupations Code, Chapter 505, which authorizes the board to adopt rules concerning the licensure and practice of social workers.

The repeals affect Occupations Code, Chapter 505. The review of the rules implements Government Code, §2001.039.