The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) proposes amendments to §573.64, concerning Continuing Education Requirements.

Overview

Effective January 1, 2016, the Board transitioned from a calendar year renewal cycle to a renewal cycle based upon each licensee's birth month. The purpose of this amendment is to reflect this transition by replacing the term "calendar year" with "renewal year." The proposed amendment would also amend the deadline for licensees to request a hardship extension. Under the previous system, licensees were required to request a hardship extension by no later than December 15th. Under the proposed amendment, licensees would be able to request a hardship extension up to the 15th day of the month three months prior to the last day of the licensee's birth month. This amendment allows licensees the same approximate amount of time to request a hardship exemption as they were allowed under the previous renewal system.

Fiscal Note

Rudy Calderon, Interim Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect, there are no anticipated increases or reductions in costs to the state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. Mr. Calderon has determined that there is no anticipated impact on revenue to the state and local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Public Benefit and Cost Note

Mr. Calderon has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be that the Board's rule reflects the transition to a birth month renewal system and provides clarity for licensees regarding the deadline to request a hardship exemption. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule.

Local Employment Impact Statement

Mr. Calderon has determined that there are no anticipated adverse economic effects on small business or micro-businesses. Thus, the Board is not required to prepare an economic impact statement or a regulatory flexibility analysis pursuant to Government Code §2006.002.

Takings Impact Assessment

Mr. Calderon has determined that there are no private real property interests affected by the proposed amendments. Thus, the board is not required to prepare a takings impact assessment pursuant to Government Code §2007.043.

Request for Public Comments

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed amendment to the rule from any member of the public or interested person. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Loris Jones, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-810, Austin, Texas 78701-3942, by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 305-7574, or by e-mail to vet.board@tbvme.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication in the Texas Register. Comments must be received within 30 days after publication of this proposal in order to be considered.

Statutory Authority

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151(a), which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter; and §801.301(b), which states that the board by rule may adopt a system under which licenses expire on various dates during the year.

No other statutes, articles or codes are affected by the proposal.