Bill

SB 621

86(R) - 2019
Senate Business & Commerce
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Senate Business & Commerce
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Robert Nichols
Brian Birdwell
Dawn Buckingham
Bob Hall

Bill Caption

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.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB 621, As Introduced: a positive impact of $454,107 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021. 

Bill Analysis

SB 621 would transfer the regulation of plumbing from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The bill would cause The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to sunset on September 1, 2019, as recommended by the Sunset Commission. It would also create an advisory board consisting of plumbing professionals to advise the department, and a licensing and fee authority under the department equivalent to that under the board of plumbing examiners and include reciprocity for those licensed elsewhere. The bill would make a number of conforming changes to accomplish this transition.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action recommends supporting this bill because it promotes the principle of limited government. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners would be abolished and the necessary responsibilities overtaken by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This is a responsible and necessary adjustment after the Sunset Commission found a number of failures by the Board. Texas Action applauds the legislature for responsibly shrinking government by getting rid of unnecessary and ineffective government entities.