The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) adopts amendments to §535.210, concerning Fees, without changes to the rule text as proposed in the August 30, 2013, issue of the Texas Register (38 TexReg 5668).

The amendments are adopted to implement the relevant provisions of House Bill (HB) 2911, 83rd Session, Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2013). The effective date of the relevant provisions of HB 2911 is September 1, 2013. In relevant part, HB 2911 amended Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1102, regarding examinations, late renewals, education requirements, financial responsibility, and fingerprinting.

The amendments to §535.210 add new fees for late renewals and fingerprinting to be consistent with new statutory requirements. In addition, the amendments to §535.210 add a new fee of $40 for preparing a certificate of active licensure or sponsorship.

The reasoned justification for the amendments to the rule is compliance with amendments to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1102, regarding late renewals and fingerprinting set out in HB 2911, 83rd Session, Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2013); and to cover all costs of operation in accordance with a legislative mandate under Senate Bill 1000, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session (2011).

No comments were received on this proposal and no changes were made to the amendments as proposed.

The amendments are adopted 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 statutes affected by the amendments are Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 1101 and 1102. No other statute, code or article is affected by the amendments.