The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners adopts amendments to §361.1 which define the meanings of words and terms used in the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules without changes to the adopted text as published in the May 19, 2000, issue of the Texas Register (25 TexReg 4552).

No comments were received regarding the adopted amendments.

The following is a restatement of the rule's factual basis: The rule amendments to §361.1 are for the purpose of clarity and in no way will effect change in the method that the Board currently conducts business, carries out and enforces the Plumbing License Law and Board Rules. None of the amendments to §361.1 will change the current requirements of the Board Rules. Section 361.1(26), proposes a definition of "Plumbing Inspection" as described in and required by §15(a) of the Act.

Section 361.1(27) adds language to the existing definition of "Plumbing Inspector" that clarifies that only a Licensed Plumbing Inspector is authorized to perform a plumbing inspection as defined in §361.1(26).

Section 361.1(28) adds language to the existing definition of "Pocket Card" that clarifies that it is a card issued by the Board which certifies that the holder has a Master Plumber License, Journeyman Plumber License, or Plumbing Inspector License.

The amendments to §361.1 are adopted under and affect Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101("Act"), §2 (5), §5(a), §14(a), §15(a) (Vernon Supp. 2000) and the rule it amends. Section 2(5) of the Act defines "Plumbing Inspector". Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 14(a) prohibits any individual from serving as a Plumbing Inspector unless the individual is a holder of a valid Plumbing Inspector License, unless the person is otherwise exempted by the Act. Section 15(a) requires that all cities in this state shall provide for plumbing inspections.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this adopted amendment.