The Texas Real Estate Commission proposes amendments to §535.209, concerning Examinations. The amendments adopt the National Home Inspector Examination developed by the Examining Board of Professional Home Inspectors for the national section of the examination, including the cut score established by the Examining Board, and require that home inspector applicants must achieve a set passing score for the state section of the home inspector examinations to pass the examination. In addition, the amendments waive the requirements to take the national section of the examination of an applicant for a real estate or professional inspector license if the applicant maintains an active license in another state and has passed the national home inspector examination.

Loretta R. DeHay, 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 amendments. There is no anticipated significant impact on small businesses, micro-businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the amendments. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Ms. DeHay also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendments will be more competent license holders.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Loretta R. DeHay, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188. 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 licensees to fulfill the purposes of Chapters 1101 and 1102 and ensure compliance with Chapters 1101 and 1102.

The statute affected by this proposal is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1101. No other statute, code or article is affected by the proposed amendments.