Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4226

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Trades Board of the State of Texas; the licensure and regulation of plumbers, electricians, and air conditioning and refrigeration contractors; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4226 is expected to standardize regulatory practices across the state, thus potentially improving service quality and safety for consumers. By creating a dedicated Trades Board, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process, making it easier for qualified professionals to obtain and renew licenses. Additionally, the bill ensures that the board develops rules regarding practitioners' conduct and establishes a fee structure to support the administrative functions of the board. Overall, this could lead to a more efficient regulatory environment in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 4226 introduces significant reforms regarding the licensure and regulation of skilled trades in Texas, specifically focusing on plumbers, electricians, and air conditioning and refrigeration contractors. This bill establishes the Trades Board of the State of Texas, which will be responsible for overseeing the licensing processes for these professions. The legislation also outlines the qualifications for board members, specifying that a majority must have substantial practical experience in their respective fields. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of services provided by licensed professionals and promote consumer safety.

Contention

While the bill is largely favorable among those in the trades professions due to its aim to create clear guidelines and support, there are some concerns regarding the potential for increased fees associated with the licensing process. Stakeholders worry that the newly established fees could be burdensome for smaller businesses and may lead to higher costs for consumers. Moreover, the potential for administrative penalties for violations of new regulations raises questions about enforcement and its impact on practitioners. These points of contention underline the need for ongoing dialogue between lawmakers and industry representatives throughout the implementation process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1859

Relating to the regulation of air conditioning and refrigeration contracting, including eligibility for an air conditioning and refrigeration technician registration or certification.

TX HB3890

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.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB4115

Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB5

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.

TX HB4416

Relating to the regulation of auctioneering by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX HB19

Relating to the creation of a specialty trial court to hear certain cases; authorizing fees.

TX SB27

Relating to the creation of a specialty trial court to hear certain cases; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

AL HB302

Relating to the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors; to amend Sections 34-36-3, 34-36-4, 34-36-6, 34-36-7, 34-36-8, 34-36-9, 34-36-13, and 34-36-16, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide further for definitions, to delete references to master electrician; to provide further for the election of board officers; to provide further for the duties of the board, including the subpoena of witnesses, the investigation of complaints, and providing for reciprocity; to provide an individual previously issued a provisional license three years to take the licensure examination, and require the board to waive the examination fee for one sitting; to lessen the time frame for restoring an expired license from five years to two years; to provide further for exemptions; to remove the authority of a county or municipality to require an additional electrical contracting proficiency examination before issuing a local license to work within the county or municipality; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

AL HB357

Electrical Contractors, Alabama Board of, board membership revised, board authorized to subpoena witnesses and investigate complaints, expiration of licenses, local business licenses texting deleted, Secs. 34-36-3, 34-36-4, 34-36-6, 34-36-7, 34-36-8, 34-36-9, 34-36-13, 34-36-16 am'd.

PA HB98

Providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians and apprentice electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation.