HBA-CMT H.B. 71 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 71
By: Pitts
Natural Resources
7/7/26/2001
Enrolled



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Prior to the 77th Legislature, there were administrative conflicts between
the licensing and complaint resolution processes in the Texas Department of
Licensing and Regulation's enabling statute in the Occupations Code, the
Administrative Procedure Act, and sections of the Water Code.  House Bill
71 aims to reduce redundant and duplicative language from certain sections
of the Water Code that pertain to water well pump installers.  

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 71 amends the Water Code to provide that a license of a person
who installs or repairs well pumps and equipment expires annually instead
of expiring on August 31 of each year.  The bill requires each licensee to
pay an annual fee to te Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to
renew the license on or before the license renewal day.   

H.B. 71 removes provisions regarding administrative procedures and the
assessment and collection of penalties for licensees.   

H.B. 71 repeals laws regarding the 90-day residency requirement for license
applicants, appeal of department actions, and consumer complaints.    

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.