The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §531.1, concerning Fidelity; §531.2, concerning Integrity; §531.18, concerning Consumer Information Form 1-1; and §531.19, Discriminatory Practices. The amendments are proposed following a comprehensive rule review for this chapter to better reflect current TREC procedures and to simplify and clarify where needed.

The proposed amendment to §531.1 corrects a typographical error.

The proposed amendment to §531.2 changes the word "licensee's" to "license holder's" to provide consistency of terminology throughout TREC rules.

The proposed amendment to §531.18 removes the specific form number in the title to allow for additional consumer information to be added to the rule in the future, removes a reference to an irrelevant date, corrects a website address, and inserts a clarifying term.

The proposed amendment to §531.19 provides clarity and consistency by restructuring, renumbering, and correcting outdated terminology.

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

Ms. Lewis also has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended sections will be improved clarity and consistency of terminology throughout TREC rules.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Kerri Lewis, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188 or via email to general.counsel@trec.texas.gov. 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 TREC 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 those chapters.

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