HBA-KSM H.B. 2144 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 2144 By: Reyna, Arthur Licensing & Administrative Procedures 4/13/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, the State of Texas may adopt, through the Texas State Plumbing Board, three plumbing codes, mainly for unincorporated areas of the state. In an effort to achieve national uniformity, the three major model code organizations have joined with municipal officials to develop and publish a single set of model codes, resulting in the publication of the International Plumbing Code, which is currently available for adoption by governmental jurisdictions nationwide. H.B. 2133 allows for the adoption of the International Plumbing Code, and clarifies that the codes listed in the statute are those that are authorized to be used by areas not governed by another plumbing code. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 5B, Article 6243-101,V.T.C.S. (Plumbing License Law), to require the Texas State Plumbing Board (board) to adopt the latest edition of certain plumbing codes. Requires the plumbing installed in an area not otherwise subject to regulation to be installed in accordance with a plumbing code adopted by the board under Subsection (a) of this section. Requires a municipality or owner of a public water system to only adopt codes and standards that do not substantially vary with rules or laws of this state in adopting plumbing codes and standards. SECTION 2.Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3.Emergency clause.