HBA-DMH, AMW H.B. 217 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 217
By: Reyna, Arthur
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
2/14/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (board) is required
to adopt three plumbing codes.  In an effort to achieve national
uniformity, the three major model code organizations have joined with
municipal officials to develop and publish a single set of model codes,
resulting in the publication of the International Plumbing Code, which is
currently available for adoption by governmental jurisdictions. House Bill
217 requires the board to adopt the International Plumbing Code. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 217 amends The Plumbing License Law to modify the plumbing codes
that the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (board) is required to
adopt.  The bill removes the Southern Standard Plumbing Code and the
National Standard Plumbing Code and adds the International Plumbing Code.
The bill provides that plumbing installed in an area not otherwise subject
to regulation under The Plumbing License Law must be installed in
accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code or the International Plumbing
Code.  The bill authorizes municipalities or owners of a public water
system to adopt any nationally recognized model plumbing codes that do not
substantially vary with rules or laws of this state. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.