Relating to the regulation of foundation repair contractors; providing penalties; authorizing fees.
Impact
The bill, upon enactment, would significantly alter the operational landscape for foundation repair contractors. It formally sets provisions for local regulations related to foundation repair work, mandating that licensed practitioners must adhere to both state and local codes. Furthermore, the legislation imposes administrative penalties and criminal sanctions for non-compliance, including performing work without a license or misrepresenting qualifications, which adds a layer of accountability in the industry. This aim to standardize practices could lead to safer building norms across Texas.
Summary
House Bill 613 introduces regulations concerning foundation repair contractors in Texas. This legislation establishes the Foundation Repair Contractors Act, requiring individuals and companies engaged in foundation repair contracting to obtain specific licenses. The act delineates various classes of licenses, including master, journeyman, and estimator licenses, each with its own set of requirements, including practical experience and passing examinations. The intent of the bill is to ensure that individuals performing foundation repair work are adequately qualified, thereby protecting consumers from substandard practices and ensuring quality in foundation repairs.
Contention
Despite the benefits, there are notable points of contention surrounding HB 613. Critics may raise concerns regarding the implementation and potential financial burdens of new licensing requirements on small contractors. Additionally, there may be fears that overly stringent regulations could limit competition in the market, driving up costs for consumers. Balancing the need for consumer protection with the desire to maintain a competitive environment in the foundation repair industry could prove challenging as discussions continue around the bill.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing 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.
Relating to abolishing the Texas Funeral Service Commission and the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and transferring the functions of those agencies to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and land surveying by the Texas Board of Professional Services and the abolition of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, and the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveyors.