Relating to the requirements for elevators, escalators, and related equipment; providing penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB2188 would amend the Health and Safety Code, explicitly laying out the requirements for elevator and escalator safety inspections and the penalties for non-compliance. It emphasizes the need for proper training and continuing education for elevator inspectors, thus ensuring that those who are responsible for inspecting and maintaining such machinery are qualified and knowledgeable. Additionally, the bill allows for emergency orders to be issued by the executive director in situations where immediate action is required to protect public health and safety, particularly when an imminent threat is identified during an inspection.
Summary
House Bill 2188 proposes significant revisions to the regulations governing the inspection, maintenance, and certification of elevators, escalators, and associated equipment in the state of Texas. At its core, the bill seeks to enhance public safety by enforcing stricter compliance with established safety codes such as those recommended by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The bill introduces mandatory annual inspections of relevant equipment and includes clear definitions and responsibilities for building owners, contractors, and inspectors involved in the operation and oversight of these facilities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB2188 appears to be supportive among safety advocates and engineering professionals who advocate for enhanced safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries associated with elevator and escalator use. However, there are concerns from contractors and building owners regarding the potential increase in operational costs and regulatory burdens, which could stem from the need for more frequent inspections and compliance with updated training requirements for inspectors.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the proposed implementation of fees associated with inspections and the necessity for certification processes which some argue could lead to increased costs for property owners. Critics express that while the intention behind the bill is to improve safety, the financial impact on businesses and the feasibility of complying with new regulations poses significant challenges. The bill may be seen as overregulating an industry that is already governed by established safety standards, thus raising concerns about the balance between ensuring safety and maintaining reasonable operational expectations.
Relating to the exemption of miniature boilers that are integrated as a component of a medical device regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and unfired pressure vessels contained within an autoclave from boiler inspection requirements.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation of industrialized housing by the manufactured housing division of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; providing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the regulation of industrialized housing by the manufactured housing division of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; providing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to certain health, safety, and professional regulation, including safety standards for elevators, escalators, and related equipment, the licensing and regulation of air conditioning and refrigeration contractors and technicians, and the establishment and operation of certain perpetual care cemeteries; providing penalties.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of plumbing to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of plumbing to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.