The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to Board rule §361.1, which provides definitions of terms used in the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules.

The proposed amendments to §361.1 do not add new requirements, but are necessary due to the codification of the Plumbing License Law (Law) during the 78th Legislative Regular Session, moving the Law from Vernon's Civil Statutes, Article 6243-101 to Title 8, Chapter 1301, Occupations Code. References in the rule made to sections of Vernon's Civil Statutes, Article 6243-101 are proposed to be changed to references in Chapter 1301 of the Occupations Code. The amendments also clarify that the Board's Chief Field Representative is also the Board's Director of Enforcement.

Robert L. Maxwell, Executive Director of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal impact on state and local government as well as small businesses and persons required to comply with these rules amendments.

Mr. Maxwell also has determined that each year of the first five years the rules are effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing these rules will be that the Board Rule will not be in conflict with state law.

Comments on the proposed rule changes may be submitted within 30 days of publication of these proposed rule amendments in the Texas Register, to Robert L. Maxwell, Executive Director, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, 929 East 41st Street, P.O. Box 4200, Austin, Texas 78765-4200.

The amendments to §361.1 are proposed under and affect Title 8, Chapter 1301, Occupations Code, as amended by the 78th Legislature ("Plumbing License Law" or "Law"), §1301.251 and the rule it amends. §1301.251 requires the Board to adopt and enforce rules necessary to administer the Plumbing License Law.

No other statute, article or code is affected by this proposed amendment. The proposed amendment has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the state agency's authority to adopt.