Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1259

Filed
2/13/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Impact

In terms of its impact, the bill modifies the qualifications required for individuals seeking certification as surveyors-in-training and registration as registered professional land surveyors. It specifies the education requirements and the examination processes necessary for applicants. This aims to bolster the professional standards within the surveying field, thereby potentially improving the overall quality of surveying services in Texas.

Summary

SB1259 aims to enhance the regulation of land surveyors by amending the Occupations Code regarding the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The bill introduces provisions for the advisory committee to prepare reports and maintain public records on surveying-related subjects, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the board's proceedings. By allowing the advisory committee to proactively create recommendations, the bill seeks to ensure that the regulatory framework evolves to meet the needs of the profession.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1259 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among professionals and stakeholders within the surveying community. They view the bill as a positive step towards standardizing qualifications and practices, which is expected to enhance the professionalism in the industry. However, there may be some concerns about the feasibility of the proposed changes and the time needed for current practitioners to adapt to new requirements.

Contention

Despite its overall support, there could be notable points of contention related to the implications of the new educational and experience requirements. Some stakeholders might argue that the heightened standards could create barriers for entry into the profession, particularly for those who are currently working in the field without formal qualifications. This debate underscores the tension between enhancing professional standards and maintaining accessibility for potential new land surveyors.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

  • Chapter 1071. Land Surveyors
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 254
    • Section: 256
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 254
    • Section: 256
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 254
    • Section: 256
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 254
    • Section: 256
  • Chapter 1001. Texas Board Of Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors
    • Section: 216
    • Section: 601
    • Section: 216
    • Section: 601
    • Section: 216
    • Section: 601
    • Section: 216
    • Section: 601

Companion Bills

TX HB2204

Identical Relating to the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Similar Bills

HI SB1506

Relating To Professional Land Surveyors.

HI HB124

Relating To Professional Land Surveyors.

TX HB2204

Relating to the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

SC H4202

SC Professional Land Surveyors Day

SC S0464

SC Professional Land Surveyors Day

NC S756

Right of Entry for Professional Surveyors

TX HB1523

Relating to the continuation of the regulation of land surveyors and the transfer of the regulation to the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, following the recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission; changing fees.

TX HB2203

Relating to liability for land surveying services in or in connection with certain construction or services contracts.