Texas House Bill HB1347

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/4/11

Caption

Relating to a refund of registration fees paid by home builders to the Texas Residential Construction Commission.

Impact

The enactment of HB1347 would impact state laws concerning the regulation of residential builders in Texas. By implementing a refund mechanism, the bill aims to rectify financial impositions on builders who were impacted by the previous fee structure. Furthermore, it encourages compliance with state regulations by equipping builders with a financial incentive to maintain their registrations. The state comptroller is tasked with establishing rules for disbursing refunds, thereby streamlining the process and potentially improving relationship dynamics among builders and the regulatory body.

Summary

House Bill 1347 establishes a process for home builders to receive refunds for registration fees previously paid to the Texas Residential Construction Commission. This bill specifically targets fees paid after June 1, 2009, by builders for certificates of registration that were valid through September 1, 2009. The bill outlines eligibility requirements for obtaining refunds, stipulating that builders must submit a written request alongside proof of payment to the comptroller. The intent is to provide financial relief to builders who have faced challenges stemming from outdated fees.

Contention

While there is an underlying consensus that builders should not be unduly burdened by fees, discussions surrounding HB1347 may surface concerns from regulatory bodies regarding the financial implications of refunding fees. Possible points of contention could include the fiscal impact on the Texas Residential Construction Commission's budget and whether this could lead to increased fees in other areas to compensate for lost revenue. Overall, engagement from various stakeholders, including builders, regulatory agencies, and legislative members, will be crucial to the bill's acceptance and implementation.