The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.223, concerning Standard Inspection Report Form. The proposed amendments are recommended by the Texas Real Estate Inspector Advisory Committee (TREIC) to notify consumers regarding potential hazards with improper bonding of corrugated stainless steel tubing or other metal gas tubing by adding language to the "Consumer Notice Concerning Hazards or Deficiencies" section and to adopt by reference changes to the standard inspection form, Property Inspection Report Form REI 7-5, approved by the Commission for use in reporting inspection results.

Kristen Worman, Deputy General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect there will be no significant fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. There is no significant anticipated impact on small businesses, micro-businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the section. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Ms. Worman also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be better notice to consumers concerning hazards or deficiencies and increased clarity for inspectors and consumers alike regarding the use of the standard inspection report form, thereby resulting in greater consumer protection.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Kristen Worman, Deputy 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 submitting 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 statutes affected by this proposal are Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 1101 and 1102. No other statute, code or article is affected by the proposed rule.