The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) proposes new 22 TAC Chapter 157, Subchapter E, §157.30, concerning Alternative Dispute Resolution; §157.31, concerning Informal Conference; §157.32, concerning Negotiated Settlement; §157.33, concerning Mediation; §157.36, concerning Stipulations; §157.37, concerning Agreements; and §157.38, concerning Confidentiality. The new rules are proposed to clearly set out TALCB's policy and procedures for alternative dispute resolution.

Kerri Lewis, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed new sections 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 sections. There is no anticipated significant impact on small businesses, micro-businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed new sections.

Ms. Lewis has also determined that for each year of the first five years the new rules as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be greater clarity and transparency about the alternative dispute resolution methods available to respondents who have had a complaint filed against them.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Kerri Lewis, General Counsel, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188 or to general.counsel@talcb.texas.gov. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register.

The new sections are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, §1103.151 and §1104.051, which authorize the TALCB to adopt rules necessary for certifying or licensing an appraiser and administering the provisions of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1104, regarding appraisal management companies; and Texas Occupations Code, §1103.512, regarding Record of Proceedings.

The statutes affected by this proposal are Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 1103 and 1104. No other statute, code or article is affected by this proposal.