The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §534.1, concerning Charges for Copies of Public Information; §534.2, concerning Processing Fees for Dishonored Payments; §534.3, concerning Employee Training and Education; §534.4, concerning Historically Underutilized Businesses Program; §534.5, concerning Bid Opening and Tabulation; §534.6, concerning Negotiation and Mediation of Certain Contract Disputes; and §534.7, concerning Vendor Protest Procedures. 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 §534.1 provides greater clarity and consistency of terminology throughout TREC rules.

The proposed amendment to §534.2 provides consistency of terminology throughout TREC rules.

The proposed amendment to §534.3 corrects a statutory cite and provides consistency of terminology throughout TREC rules.

The proposed amendments to §§534.4 - 535.6 standardize the format of citations for consistency.

The proposed amendment to §534.7 standardizes the format of citations for consistency, corrects a rule citation, and provides consistency of terminology throughout TREC rules.

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 used 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.