Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4640

Filed

3/12/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

Impact

Additionally, the bill outlines the board's authority to enter into memoranda of understanding with institutions of higher education. This collaboration is intended to support workforce development and improve student services in plumbing-related fields. With the increased cooperation between regulatory bodies and educational institutions, the bill is poised to enhance the quality of training and resources available to future plumbers in Texas, addressing potential skill gaps in the industry.

Summary

House Bill 4640 aims to amend the Texas Occupations Code, specifically relating to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The bill introduces a formal immunity clause for board members, protecting them from civil liability when performing their duties in good faith. This provision seeks to encourage proactive governance within the board without the fear of legal repercussions, thus fostering a more efficient regulatory environment in the plumbing sector.

Conclusion

In summary, while HB 4640 brings several beneficial amendments aimed at strengthening the plumbing regulatory framework in Texas, the implications of liability protection and the acceptance of external funds invite discussions on accountability and governance within the board. Stakeholders, including educators and industry professionals, will need to engage in ongoing dialogues to ensure the bill achieves its intended goals without compromising public interest.

Contention

Another crucial aspect of HB 4640 is its provision for allowing the board to accept gifts, grants, and donations to offset costs for student examination materials. This aspect is notable as it opens up avenues for private donations to fund educational resources, potentially leading to concerns over the influence of private funding on public regulatory practices. Furthermore, the delegation of certain powers to the executive director regarding contested cases streamlines processes within the board but also raises questions about oversight and governance.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

Chapter 1301. Plumbers
- Section: New Section
- Section: 259

Latest TX HB4640 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular HB4640

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2689

Relating to the adoption of a certain plumbing code by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

TX HB4251

Relating to requiring prior approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer a degree or certificate program to certain persons who are incarcerated or subject to involuntary civil commitment.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB36

Relating to the establishment and operation of the Texas B-On-time student loan program; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4889

Relating to the provision of acupuncture services by a chiropractor under a certificate issued by the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.