The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes new 22 TAC §535.157, Obligation to Respond Timely, in Chapter 535, General Provisions. The proposed new §535.157 requires a broker or sales agent to respond to their principal, a broker or sales agent representing another party to a real estate transaction, or an unrepresented party to a real estate transaction within two calendar days. The proposed new rule was recommended by the Commission appointed Broker Responsibility Working Group.

Vanessa Burgess, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed new rule is 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 sections. There is no adverse economic effect anticipated for small businesses, micro-businesses, rural communities, or local or state employment as a result of implementing the proposed new rule. There is no significant economic cost anticipated for persons who are required to comply with the proposed new rule. Accordingly, no Economic Impact Statement or Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is required.

Ms. Burgess also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be greater clarity in the rules and increased consumer protection for members of the public who are parties to a real estate transaction.

Except as noted below, for each year of the first five years the proposed new rule is in effect, the rule will not:

- create or eliminate a government program;

- require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions;

- require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency;

- require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency;

- expand, limit or repeal an existing regulation;

- increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rule’s applicability;

- positively or adversely affect the state’s economy.

The rule does create a new regulation. That regulation is intended to better protect consumers who are parties to a real estate transaction by requiring license holders to respond to communications promptly.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted through the online comment submission form at https://www.trec.texas.gov/rules-and-laws/comment-on-proposed-rules, to Vanessa Burgess, 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 new rule is 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 license holders 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, Chapter 1101. No other statute, code or article is affected by the proposed new rule.