The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) adopts amendments to 22 TAC §153.5, Fees, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 20, 2017, issue of the Texas Register (42 TexReg 201). The amendments change the reference in the rule from the fee for an evaluation of an applicant's criminal history to the fee for an evaluation of an applicant's moral character to align the rule with the statutory requirements in Chapter 1103, Texas Occupations Code, and current Board practice.

The reasoned justification for the amendments is to provide clarity for applicants and license holders and a requirement that is easier to understand and consistent with state and federal law.

No comments were received on the amendments as proposed.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code §1103.151, which authorizes TALCB to adopt rules relating to certificates and licenses, and §1103.152, which authorizes TALCB to prescribe qualifications for appraisers that are consistent with the qualifications established by the AQB.

The statute affected by these amendments is Chapter 1103, Texas Occupations Code. No other statute, code or article is affected by the amendments.