H.B. No. 1523
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  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.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1.  TEXAS BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND
  SURVEYORS
         SECTION 1.01.  The heading to Chapter 1001, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 1001. TEXAS BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND
  SURVEYORS
         SECTION 1.02.  Section 1001.002, Occupations Code, is
  amended by amending Subdivision (1) and adding Subdivision (3) to
  read as follows:
               (1)  "Board" means the Texas Board of Professional
  Engineers and Land Surveyors.
               (3)  "Land surveyor," "licensed state land surveyor,"
  "professional surveying," "registered professional land surveyor,"
  and "state land surveying" have the meanings assigned by Section
  1071.002.
         SECTION 1.03.  Section 1001.004(e), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (e)  This chapter does not:
               (1)  prevent a person from identifying the person in
  the name and trade of any engineers' labor organization with which
  the person is affiliated;
               (2)  prohibit or otherwise restrict a person from
  giving testimony or preparing an exhibit or document for the sole
  purpose of being placed in evidence before an administrative or
  judicial tribunal, subject to the board's disciplinary powers under
  Subchapter J regarding negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in
  the practice of engineering; or
               (3)  [repeal or amend a law affecting or regulating a
  licensed state land surveyor; or
               [(4)]  affect or prevent the practice of any other
  legally recognized profession by a member of the profession who is
  licensed by the state or under the state's authority.
         SECTION 1.04.  Section 1001.005, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.005.  APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. The Texas Board
  of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is subject to Chapter
  325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in
  existence as provided by that chapter, the board is abolished and
  this chapter expires September 1, 2025.
         SECTION 1.05.  Section 1001.064, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.064.  STATE LAND SURVEYORS. A licensed state land
  surveyor is exempt from the requirements of this chapter regulating
  the practice of engineering in performing the [a] state land
  surveyor's duties.
         SECTION 1.06.  The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 1001,
  Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER C. TEXAS BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND
  SURVEYORS
         SECTION 1.07.  Section 1001.101(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors consists of nine members appointed by the governor with
  the advice and consent of the senate as follows:
               (1)  five [six] engineers; [and]
               (2)  one land surveyor; and
               (3)  three members who represent the public.
         SECTION 1.08.  Subchapter C, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 1001.1011 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.1011.  EX OFFICIO MEMBER. The commissioner of the
  General Land Office or a licensed state land surveyor employee of
  the General Land Office designated by the commissioner as director
  of surveying shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the
  board.
         SECTION 1.09.  Section 1001.102, Occupations Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  A person may not be a public member of the board if the
  person or the person's spouse:
               (1)  is registered, certified, or licensed by a
  regulatory agency in the field of engineering or land surveying;
               (2)  is employed by or participates in the management
  of a business entity or other organization regulated by or
  receiving money from the board;
               (3)  owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more
  than a 10 percent interest in a business entity or other
  organization regulated by or receiving money from the board; or
               (4)  uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible
  goods, services, or money from the board other than compensation or
  reimbursement authorized by law for board membership, attendance,
  or expenses.
         (d)  A land surveyor member of the board:
               (1)   must be:
                     (A)  a licensed state land surveyor actively
  engaged in the practice of state land surveying for not less than
  the five years preceding appointment; or
                     (B)  a registered professional land surveyor
  actively engaged in the practice of professional surveying in this
  state for not less than the five years preceding appointment; and
               (2)  may not be licensed as an engineer.
         SECTION 1.10.  Section 1001.103(a-1), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a-1)  A person may not be a member of the board and may not
  be a board employee employed in a "bona fide executive,
  administrative, or professional capacity," as that phrase is used
  for purposes of establishing an exemption to the overtime
  provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29
  U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.), and its subsequent amendments, if:
               (1)  the person is an officer, employee, or paid
  consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of engineering
  or land surveying; or
               (2)  the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid
  consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of engineering
  or land surveying.
         SECTION 1.11.  Section 1001.105, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.105.  PARTICIPATION OF PUBLIC MEMBERS. (a) The
  board by majority vote may limit the participation of public
  members in evaluating license, registration, or certification
  applications.
         (b)  This section does not apply to the evaluation of
  license, registration, or certification applications at an
  official meeting of the board.
         SECTION 1.12.  Section 1001.107, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.107.  PER DIEM. Each [A] board member, other than
  the commissioner of the General Land Office, is entitled to receive
  a per diem as set by the General Appropriations Act for each day
  that the member engages in the business of the board.
         SECTION 1.13.  Section 1001.112(b), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The training program must provide the person with
  information regarding:
               (1)  this chapter and Chapter 1071;
               (2)  the programs operated by the board;
               (3)  the role and functions of the board;
               (4)  the rules of the board, with an emphasis on the
  rules that relate to disciplinary and investigatory authority;
               (5)  the current budget for the board;
               (6)  the results of the most recent formal audit of the
  board;
               (7)  the requirements of:
                     (A)  the open meetings law, Chapter 551,
  Government Code;
                     (B)  the public information law, Chapter 552,
  Government Code;
                     (C)  the administrative procedure law, Chapter
  2001, Government Code; and
                     (D)  other laws relating to public officials,
  including conflict-of-interest laws; and
               (8)  any applicable ethics policies adopted by the
  board or the Texas Ethics Commission.
         SECTION 1.14.  Section 1001.201, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.201.  GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (a) The board
  shall administer and enforce this chapter and Chapter 1071.
         (b)  The board may spend money for any purpose the board
  considers reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its
  duties under this chapter and Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.15.  Section 1001.202, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.202.  RULES. The board may adopt and enforce any
  rule or bylaw necessary to perform its duties, govern its
  proceedings, and regulate the practice of engineering and land
  surveying.
         SECTION 1.16.  Sections 1001.203(b) and (c), Occupations
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (a), the board may not
  adopt rules restricting advertising or competitive bidding by a
  person regulated by the board [license holder] except to prohibit
  false, misleading, or deceptive practices.
         (c)  In its rules to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive
  practices by a person regulated by the board, the board may not
  include a rule that:
               (1)  restricts the use of any medium for advertising;
               (2)  restricts the use of the person's [a license
  holder's] personal appearance or voice in an advertisement;
               (3)  relates to the size or duration of an
  advertisement by the person [license holder]; or
               (4)  restricts the person's [license holder's]
  advertisement under a trade name.
         SECTION 1.17.  Section 1001.204, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.204.  FEES. (a)  The board shall establish [the
  following] fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to cover the
  costs of administering this chapter and Chapter 1071, including:
               (1)  license, registration, and certification fees 
  [fee];
               (2)  renewal fee [annual] and late renewal fee [fees];
               (3)  reciprocal license fee;
               (4)  duplicate license fee;
               (5)  [engineer-in-training certificate fee;
               [(6)]  roster [of engineers] fee;
               (6) [(7)]  examination fee;
               [(8)  registration fee for engineering firm;] and
               (7) [(9)]  inactive status fee.
         (b)  Fee revenue may not exceed the amount reasonable and
  necessary to administer this chapter and Chapter 1071.
         (c)  General revenue of the state may not be used to pay the
  costs of administering this chapter and Chapter 1071 in an amount
  that exceeds the amount of fees received under this chapter and
  Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.18.  Section 1001.205, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.205.  REDUCED FEES: ELDERLY, DISABLED, INACTIVE
  STATUS. (a) For purposes of this section, a person is disabled if
  the person has a mental or physical impairment that substantially
  limits the ability of the person to earn a living as an engineer or
  land surveyor, other than an impairment caused by a current
  addiction to the use of alcohol or an illegal drug or controlled
  substance.
         (b)  The board by rule may adopt reduced license fees and
  [annual] renewal fees for engineers and land surveyors who are:
               (1)  at least 65 years of age; or
               (2)  disabled and not actively engaged in the practice
  of engineering or land surveying.
         (c)  A person entitled to reduced fees under Subsection
  (b)(2) shall notify the board that the person has resumed the active
  practice of engineering or land surveying not later than the 15th
  day after the date the person resumes active practice.
         SECTION 1.19.  Section 1001.207, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.207.  STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS. The board
  may establish standards of conduct and ethics for engineers and
  land surveyors in keeping with the purposes and intent of this
  chapter and Chapter 1071 and to ensure strict compliance with and
  enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.20.  The heading to Section 1001.208, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.208.  ROSTER OF ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS.
         SECTION 1.21.  Section 1001.209, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.209.  REGISTER OF APPLICANTS. The board shall
  maintain a register of each application for a license or
  registration under this chapter or Chapter 1071 [applications] that
  shows:
               (1)  the name, age, and residence of each applicant;
               (2)  the date of the application;
               (3)  the applicant's place of business;
               (4)  the applicant's educational and other
  qualifications;
               (5)  whether an examination was required;
               (6)  whether the applicant was issued or denied a
  license or registration;
               (7)  the date of board action; and
               (8)  any other information the board considers
  necessary.
         SECTION 1.22.  Section 1001.210, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.210.  CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR
  ENGINEERS. (a) The board shall recognize, prepare, or administer
  continuing education programs for engineers [its license holders].
  An engineer [A license holder] must participate in the programs to
  the extent required by the board to keep the engineer's [person's]
  license.
         (b)  The board may not require an engineer [a license holder]
  to obtain more than 15 hours of continuing education annually. The
  board shall permit an engineer [a license holder] to certify at the
  time the license is renewed that the engineer [license holder] has
  complied with the board's continuing education requirements.
         (c)  The board shall permit an engineer [a license holder] to
  receive continuing education credit for educational, technical,
  ethical, or professional management activities related to the
  practice of engineering, including:
               (1)  successfully completing or auditing a course
  sponsored by an institution of higher education;
               (2)  successfully completing a course certified by a
  professional or trade organization;
               (3)  attending a seminar, tutorial, short course,
  correspondence course, videotaped course, or televised course;
               (4)  participating in an in-house course sponsored by a
  corporation or other business entity;
               (5)  teaching a course described by Subdivisions
  (1)-(4);
               (6)  publishing an article, paper, or book on the
  practice of engineering;
               (7)  making or attending a presentation at a meeting of
  a technical or engineering management society or organization or
  writing a paper presented at such a meeting;
               (8)  participating in the activities of a professional
  society or association, including serving on a committee of the
  organization; and
               (9)  engaging in self-directed study.
         (d)  An engineer [A license holder] may not receive more than
  five continuing education credit hours annually for engaging in
  self-directed study.
         SECTION 1.23.  Section 1001.212, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.212.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
  RELATED TO [LICENSE] APPLICATION. (a) A statement made by a person
  providing a reference for an applicant and other pertinent
  information compiled by or submitted to the board relating to an
  applicant for licensing, registration, or certification [a
  license] under this chapter or Chapter 1071 is privileged and
  confidential.
         (b)  Information described by Subsection (a) may be used only
  by the board or its employees or agents who are directly involved in
  the application or licensing, registration, or certification
  process. The information is not subject to discovery, subpoena, or
  other disclosure.
         SECTION 1.24.  Section 1001.213(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The board may request and, if necessary, compel by
  subpoena:
               (1)  the attendance of a witness for examination under
  oath; and
               (2)  the production for inspection or copying of
  records, documents, and other evidence relevant to the
  investigation of an alleged violation of this chapter or Chapter
  1071.
         SECTION 1.25.  Subchapter E, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code,
  is amended by adding Section 1001.216 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.216.  ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a)  The board shall
  appoint an advisory committee for the purpose of providing advice
  and recommendations to the board on matters related to the
  regulation of land surveying.  The advisory committee must consist
  of five or more individuals appointed by the board, at least five of
  whom must be land surveyors.
         (b)  The board may not adopt a rule related to the scope of
  practice of, the professional or technical standards for, or the
  standards of conduct and ethics for land surveyors before
  considering advice and recommendations from the advisory committee
  described in Subsection (a).
         (c)  The board may appoint additional advisory committees to
  provide advice and recommendations to the board on any other matter
  relevant to the administration of this chapter or Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.26.  Section 1001.251(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The board shall prepare information of consumer
  interest describing:
               (1)  the regulatory functions of the board under this
  chapter and Chapter 1071; and
               (2)  the procedures by which consumer complaints are
  filed with and resolved by the board.
         SECTION 1.27.  Sections 1001.252(a) and (d), Occupations
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The board shall adopt rules that permit the board to
  receive and investigate a confidential complaint against a [license
  holder or other] person who may have violated this chapter or
  Chapter 1071. The board shall maintain the confidentiality of the
  complaint during the investigation.
         (d)  The board shall consider any written grievance against a
  [license holder or other] person filed with the board as a
  complaint.
         SECTION 1.28.  Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter F-1 to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER F-1.  GENERAL LICENSE, REGISTRATION, AND CERTIFICATION
  REQUIREMENT
         Sec. 1001.271.  DEFINITION.  In this subchapter, "license" 
  means a license, certification, registration, or other
  authorization that is issued by the board under this chapter or
  Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.29.  Section 1001.3035, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, as
  added by this Act, redesignated as Section 1001.272, Occupations
  Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.272 [1001.3035].  CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD
  INFORMATION REQUIREMENT FOR LICENSE ISSUANCE. (a)  This section
  applies only to an applicant for a license or registration as an
  engineer, licensed state land surveyor, or registered professional
  land surveyor.
         (b)  The board shall require that an applicant for a license
  submit a complete and legible set of fingerprints, on a form
  prescribed by the board, to the board or to the Department of Public
  Safety for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record
  information from the Department of Public Safety and the Federal
  Bureau of Investigation.
         (c) [(b)]  The board may not issue a license to a person who
  does not comply with the requirement of Subsection (b) [(a)].
         (d) [(c)]  The board shall conduct a criminal history check
  of each applicant for a license using information:
               (1)  provided by the individual under this section; and
               (2)  made available to the board by the Department of
  Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and any other
  criminal justice agency under Chapter 411, Government Code.
         (e) [(d)]  The board may:
               (1)  enter into an agreement with the Department of
  Public Safety to administer a criminal history check required under
  this section; and
               (2)  authorize the Department of Public Safety to
  collect from each applicant the costs incurred by the Department of
  Public Safety in conducting the criminal history check.
         SECTION 1.30.  Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations
  Code, as added by this Act, is amended by adding Section 1001.2721
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.2721.  EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT AND
  ADMINISTRATION. Notwithstanding any other law, the board may
  adopt, recognize, develop, or contract for an examination required
  by this chapter or Chapter 1071, including the administration of
  the examination.
         SECTION 1.31.  Section 1001.306, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, as
  added by this Act, redesignated as Section 1001.273, Occupations
  Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.273 [1001.306].  EXAMINATION RESULTS.  (a)  Not
  later than the 30th day after the date a person takes an [a
  licensing] examination under this chapter or Chapter 1071, the
  board shall notify the person of the results of the examination.
         (a-1)  If the examination is graded or reviewed by a testing
  service:
               (1)  the board shall notify the person of the results of
  the examination not later than the 14th day after the date the board
  receives the results from the testing service; and
               (2)  if notice of the examination results will be
  delayed for longer than 90 days after the examination date, the
  board shall notify the person of the reason for the delay before the
  90th day.
         (b)  The board may require a testing service to notify a
  person of the results of the person's examination.
         (c)  If requested in writing by a person who fails an [a
  licensing] examination administered under this chapter or Chapter
  1071, the board shall furnish the person with an analysis of the
  person's performance on the examination.
         (d)  Examination results reported under this section must
  include a numerical score and an indication of whether the person
  passed or failed the examination.
         SECTION 1.32.  Sections 1001.307 and 1001.352, Occupations
  Code, are transferred to Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations
  Code, as added by this Act, and redesignated as Sections 1001.274
  and 1001.275, Occupations Code, respectively, to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.274 [1001.307].  REEXAMINATION. The board may
  permit reexamination of an applicant on payment of an appropriate
  reexamination fee in an amount set by the board.
         Sec. 1001.275 [1001.352].  NOTICE OF LICENSE EXPIRATION.
  Not later than the 30th day before the date a person's license is
  scheduled to expire, the board shall send written notice of the
  impending expiration to the person at the person's last known
  address according to the records of the board.
         SECTION 1.33.  Sections 1001.353 and 1001.3535, Occupations
  Code, are transferred to Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations
  Code, as added by this Act, redesignated as Sections 1001.276 and
  1001.277, Occupations Code, respectively, and amended to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 1001.276 [1001.353].  PROCEDURE FOR RENEWAL. (a) A
  person who is otherwise eligible to renew a license may renew an
  unexpired license by paying the required [annual] renewal fee to
  the board before the expiration date of the license.  A person whose
  license has expired may not engage in activities that require a
  license until the license has been renewed.
         (b)  A person whose license has been expired for 90 days or
  less may renew the license by paying to the board the required
  [annual] renewal fee and a late renewal fee.
         (c)  A person whose license has been expired for more than 90
  days but less than two years may renew the license by paying to the
  board the required [annual] renewal fee and a late renewal fee for
  each delinquent year or part of a year.
         (d)  A person whose license has been expired for two years or
  more may not renew the license. The person may obtain a new license
  by complying with the requirements and procedures, including the
  examination requirements, for obtaining an original license.
         Sec. 1001.277 [1001.3535].  CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD
  INFORMATION REQUIREMENT FOR LICENSE RENEWAL. (a) This section
  applies only to an applicant for renewal of a license or
  registration as an engineer, licensed state land surveyor, or
  registered professional land surveyor.
         (b)  An applicant renewing a license [issued under this
  chapter] shall submit a complete and legible set of fingerprints
  for purposes of performing a criminal history check of the
  applicant as provided by Section 1001.272 [1001.3035].
         (c) [(b)]  The board may not renew the license of a person
  who does not comply with the requirement of Subsection (b) [(a)].
         (d) [(c)]  A license holder is not required to submit
  fingerprints under this section for the renewal of the license if
  the license holder has previously submitted fingerprints under:
               (1)  Section 1001.272 [1001.3035] for the initial
  issuance of the license; or
               (2)  this section as part of a prior license renewal.
         SECTION 1.34.  Section 1001.354, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, as
  added by this Act, and redesignated as Section 1001.278,
  Occupations Code, to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.278 [1001.354].  RENEWAL OF EXPIRED LICENSE BY
  OUT-OF-STATE PRACTITIONER. (a) A person who was licensed in this
  state, moved to another state, and is currently licensed and has
  been in practice in the other state for the two years preceding the
  date of application may obtain a new license without reexamination.
         (b)  The person must pay to the board a fee that is equal to
  two times the normally required renewal fee for the license.
         SECTION 1.35.  Section 1001.355, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, as
  added by this Act, redesignated as Section 1001.279, Occupations
  Code, and amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.279 [1001.355].  INACTIVE STATUS. (a) An
  engineer or land surveyor may request inactive status at any time.
  An engineer or land surveyor [A license holder] on inactive status
  may not practice engineering or land surveying, as applicable.
         (b)  An engineer or land surveyor [A license holder] on
  inactive status must pay a [an annual] fee in an amount and at times
  prescribed [set] by the board.
         (c)  An engineer or land surveyor [A license holder] on
  inactive status is not required to:
               (1)  comply with the continuing education requirements
  adopted by the board under Section 1001.210 or 1071.305, as
  applicable; or
               (2)  take an examination for reinstatement to active
  status.
         (d)  To return to active status, an engineer or land surveyor
  [a license holder] on inactive status must:
               (1)  file with the board a written notice requesting
  reinstatement to active status;
               (2)  pay the fee for the [annual] renewal of the
  license; and
               (3)  provide evidence satisfactory to the board that
  the person has complied with the continuing education requirements
  adopted by the board under Section 1001.210 or 1071.305, as
  applicable.
         SECTION 1.36.  The heading to Subchapter G, Chapter 1001,
  Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER G. ENGINEERING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
         SECTION 1.37.  Section 1001.305, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.305.  WAIVER OF EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT. The
  board by rule may waive all or part of the examination requirement
  for an applicant for the issuance or reissuance of a license under
  this chapter. The board may not waive the requirement unless the
  board first determines that:
               (1)  the applicant possesses sufficient qualifications
  to justify the waiver; and
               (2)  issuing or reissuing the license to the applicant
  does not pose a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
         SECTION 1.38.  Section 1001.311, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.311.  APPLICATION BY NONRESIDENT. (a) A person
  who holds a license or certificate of registration issued by
  another state or a foreign country may apply under this chapter for
  a license in this state.
         (b)  The board may waive any prerequisite to obtaining a
  license under this chapter for an applicant after reviewing the
  applicant's credentials and determining that the applicant holds a
  license issued by another jurisdiction that has licensing
  requirements substantially equivalent to those of this state.
         SECTION 1.39.  Section 1001.312, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.312.  REPLACEMENT LICENSE. The board, subject to
  board rules, may issue a new license to replace a license issued
  under this chapter that is lost, destroyed, or mutilated.
         SECTION 1.40.  The heading to Subchapter H, Chapter 1001,
  Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER H. ENGINEERING LICENSE RENEWAL
         SECTION 1.41.  Section 1001.452, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.452.  GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION. A person
  is subject to disciplinary action under Section 1001.451 for:
               (1)  a violation of this chapter or a board rule adopted
  under this chapter;
               (2)  fraud or deceit in obtaining a license;
               (3)  a documented instance of retaliation by an
  applicant against an individual who has served as a reference for
  that applicant;
               (4)  gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in
  the practice of engineering; or
               (5)  a failure to timely provide plans or
  specifications to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
  as required by Chapter 469, Government Code [Article 9102, Revised
  Statutes].
         SECTION 1.42.  Section 1001.501, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.501.  IMPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY. The
  board may impose an administrative penalty on a person who violates
  this chapter or Chapter 1071 or a rule adopted or order issued under
  this chapter or Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.43.  Section 1001.502, Occupations Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  The amount of an administrative penalty may not exceed:
               (1)  $5,000 for each violation of this chapter or a rule
  adopted or order issued under this chapter; and
               (2)  $1,500 for each violation of Chapter 1071 or a rule
  adopted or order issued under Chapter 1071.
         (a-1)  Each day a violation continues or occurs is a separate
  violation for purposes of imposing a penalty.
         SECTION 1.44.  Sections 1001.551(a) and (d), Occupations
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  In addition to any other action authorized by law, the
  board may bring an action in the board's name to enjoin a person
  from violating this chapter or Chapter 1071 or a board rule adopted
  under this chapter or Chapter 1071.
         (d)  In an action for an injunction under this section, the
  defendant may assert and prove as a complete defense to the action
  that the board deprived the defendant of a license, certificate, or
  registration by a board action or proceeding that was:
               (1)  arbitrary or capricious;
               (2)  contrary to law; or
               (3)  conducted without due process of law.
         SECTION 1.45.  Section 1001.5511, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.5511.  CEASE AND DESIST ORDER. If it appears to
  the board that a person who is not licensed, certified, or
  registered under this chapter or Chapter 1071 is violating this
  chapter or Chapter 1071, a rule adopted under this chapter or
  Chapter 1071, or another state statute or rule relating to the
  practice of engineering or land surveying, the board, after notice
  and opportunity for a hearing, may issue a cease and desist order
  prohibiting the person from engaging in the activity.
         SECTION 1.46.  Section 1001.552(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A person commits an offense if the person:
               (1)  engages in the practice of engineering without
  being licensed or exempted from the licensing requirement under
  this chapter;
               (2)  violates this chapter with respect to the
  regulation of engineering;
               (3)  presents or attempts to use as the person's own the
  engineering license or seal of another; or
               (4)  gives false evidence of any kind to the board or a
  board member in obtaining an engineering [a] license.
         SECTION 1.47.  Section 1001.553, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.553.  REPORT OF VIOLATION. A public official
  shall report a violation of this chapter or Chapter 1071 to the
  proper authorities.
         SECTION 1.48.  Section 1001.554, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.554.  PRESENTATION OF COMPLAINTS BY BOARD;
  ASSISTANCE AT TRIAL. (a) A member of the board may present to a
  prosecuting officer a complaint relating to a violation of this
  chapter or Chapter 1071.
         (b)  The board through its members, officers, counsel, and
  agents and subject to the control of the prosecuting officer may
  assist in the trial of a case involving an alleged violation of this
  chapter or Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.49.  Section 1001.555(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The attorney general shall:
               (1)  act as legal advisor of the board;
               (2)  provide legal assistance to the board as necessary
  to enforce this chapter or Chapter 1071 and make those laws [it]
  effective; and
               (3)  represent the board in an action brought to
  enforce this chapter or Chapter 1071.
         SECTION 1.50.  Section 1001.556, Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1001.556.  APPEAL BOND. The board is not required to
  give an appeal bond in a cause arising under this chapter or Chapter
  1071.
         SECTION 1.51.  Section 1071.002(1), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (1)  "Board" means the Texas Board of Professional
  Engineers and Land Surveyors [Surveying].
         SECTION 1.52.  Section 1071.254, Occupations Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  An applicant for registration as a registered
  professional land surveyor must:
               (1)  hold a certificate as a surveyor-in-training;
               (2)  have at least two years of experience satisfactory
  to the board as a surveyor-in-training in performing surveying in
  delegated responsible charge as a subordinate to a surveyor
  registered or licensed to engage in the practice of surveying in
  this state or in another state having registration or licensing
  requirements equivalent to the requirements of this state; and
               (3)  [if the application is filed after January 1,
  2003,] have earned an associate or [a] bachelor's degree from an
  accredited institution of higher education that included at least
  32 semester hours in a combination of courses acceptable to the
  board in:
                     (A)  civil engineering;
                     (B)  land surveying;
                     (C)  mathematics;
                     (D)  photogrammetry;
                     (E)  forestry;
                     (F)  land law; or
                     (G)  the physical sciences.
         (c)  The board by rule may authorize the waiver of the
  requirement that an applicant for registration as a registered
  professional land surveyor have a bachelor's degree if the board
  determines:
               (1)  the applicant possesses sufficient qualifications
  to justify the waiver; and
               (2)  the applicant's registration does not pose a
  threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
         SECTION 1.53.  The heading to Section 1071.301, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 1071.301.  LICENSE TERM AND [ANNUAL] RENEWAL
  [REQUIRED].
         SECTION 1.54.  Section 1071.301, Occupations Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsections (a-1) and
  (a-2) to read as follows:
         (a)  The board by rule shall provide:
               (1)  that each certificate of registration or license
  under this chapter is valid for a term of one year or two years; and
               (2)  for the renewal of the certificate or license.
         (a-1)  The board by rule may adopt a system under which
  certificates of registration and licenses expire on various dates
  during the year.
         (a-2)  For the year in which the certificate or license
  expiration date is changed, the board shall prorate certificate and
  license fees on a monthly basis so that each certificate or license
  holder pays only that portion of the certificate or license fee that
  is allocable to the number of months during which the certificate or
  license is valid. On renewal of the certificate or license on the
  new expiration date, the total certificate or license renewal fee
  is payable.
         SECTION 1.55.  Section 1071.352(a-2), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a-2)  The board may refuse to issue or renew and may suspend
  or revoke the registration of a business entity and may impose an
  administrative penalty under Subchapter K, Chapter 1001, against
  the owner of a business entity for a violation of this chapter by an
  employee, agent, or other representative of the entity, including a
  registered professional land surveyor employed by the entity.
         SECTION 1.56.  Section 1071.401(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The board shall revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a
  certificate of registration or license, place on probation a person
  whose certificate or license has been suspended, or reprimand a
  registration holder or license holder for:
               (1)  fraud or deceit in obtaining a certificate or
  license under this chapter;
               (2)  gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in
  the practice of surveying as a land surveyor; or
               (3)  a violation of this chapter or a board rule adopted
  under this chapter.
         SECTION 1.57.  Sections 1071.4035(a) and (b), Occupations
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The board by rule shall establish guidelines for an
  informal settlement conference related to a complaint filed with
  the board regarding conduct regulated under this chapter.
         (b)  Subject to Subsection (c), the board may order a person
  licensed or registered under this chapter to pay restitution to a
  consumer as provided in an agreement resulting from an informal
  settlement conference instead of or in addition to assessing an
  administrative penalty under Subchapter K, Chapter 1001 [this
  chapter].
         SECTION 1.58.  The following provisions of the Occupations
  Code are repealed:
               (1)  Section 1071.003;
               (2)  Subchapter B, Chapter 1071;
               (3)  Subchapter C, Chapter 1071;
               (4)  Subchapter D, Chapter 1071;
               (5)  Subchapter E, Chapter 1071;
               (6)  Section 1071.255(c);
               (7)  Section 1071.257;
               (8)  Section 1071.258;
               (9)  Section 1071.263;
               (10)  Section 1071.302;
               (11)  Section 1071.303;
               (12)  Sections 1071.402(b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and
  (g);
               (13)  Subchapter J, Chapter 1071;
               (14)  Section 1071.501;
               (15)  Section 1071.502; and
               (16)  Subchapter L, Chapter 1071.
  ARTICLE 2.  CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
         SECTION 2.01.  Section 150.003(a), Civil Practice and
  Remedies Code, is amended to read as follows:
         (a)  This section applies only to a licensed or registered
  professional who provides architectural or engineering services if
  the services:
               (1)  are authorized, as appropriate for the
  professional, in:
                     (A)  Chapter 1001, Occupations Code;
                     (B)  Chapter 1051, Occupations Code;
                     (C)  22 T.A.C. Part 6 (Texas Board of
  Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors), Chapter 137
  (Compliance and Professionalism); and
                     (D)  22 T.A.C. Part 1 (Texas Board of
  Architectural Examiners), Chapter 1 (Architects), Subchapter H
  (Professional Conduct);
               (2)  subject to Subsection (d), are provided
  voluntarily and without compensation or the expectation of
  compensation;
               (3)  are in response to and provided during the
  duration of a proclaimed state of emergency under Section 433.001,
  Government Code, or a declared state of disaster under Section
  418.014, Government Code;
               (4)  are provided at the request or with the approval of
  a federal, state, or local public official acting in an official
  capacity in response to the proclaimed state of emergency or
  declared disaster, including a law enforcement official, public
  safety official, or building inspection official; and
               (5)  are related to a structure, building, roadway,
  piping, or other system, either publicly or privately owned.
         SECTION 2.02.  Section 411.122(d), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (d)  The following state agencies are subject to this
  section:
               (1)  Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification
  Board;
               (2)  Texas Board of Architectural Examiners;
               (3)  Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
               (4)  State Board of Dental Examiners;
               (5)  Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors;
               (6)  Texas Funeral Service Commission;
               (7)  Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists;
               (8)  [Department of State] Health and Human Services
  Commission, except as provided by Section 411.110, and agencies
  attached to the commission [department], including:
                     (A)  Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage
  and Family Therapists;
                     (B)  Texas State Board of Examiners of
  Professional Counselors; and
                     (C)  Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners;
               (9)  [Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying;
               [(10)]  Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation,
  except as provided by Section 411.093;
               (10)  [(11)] Texas Commission on Environmental
  Quality;
               (11)  [(12)] Texas Board of Occupational Therapy
  Examiners;
               (12)  [(13)] Texas Optometry Board;
               (13)  [(14)] Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
               (14)  [(15)] Texas Board of Physical Therapy
  Examiners;
               (15)  [(16)] Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners;
               (16)  [(17)   Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical
  Examiners;
               [(18)]  Texas State Board of Examiners of
  Psychologists;
               (17) [(19)]  Texas Real Estate Commission;
               (18) [(20)]  Texas Department of Transportation;
               (19) [(21)]  State Board of Veterinary Medical
  Examiners;
               (20) [(22)]  Texas Department of Housing and Community
  Affairs;
               (21) [(23)]  secretary of state;
               (22) [(24)]  state fire marshal;
               (23) [(25)]  Texas Education Agency;
               (24) [(26)]  Department of Agriculture; and
               (25) [(27)]  Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
         SECTION 2.03.  Section 469.104, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 469.104.  FAILURE TO SUBMIT PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS.
  The commission shall report to the Texas Board of Architectural
  Examiners, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors, or another appropriate licensing authority the failure
  of any architect, interior designer, landscape architect, or
  engineer to submit or resubmit in a timely manner plans and
  specifications to the department as required by this subchapter.
         SECTION 2.04.  Section 472.001, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 472.001.  APPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER. This chapter
  applies to:
               (1)  the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
               (2)  the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors; and
               (3)  the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.
         SECTION 2.05.  Section 472.102(c), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy shall
  annually remit $703,344 to the general revenue fund, the Texas
  Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors shall annually
  remit $373,900 to the general revenue fund, and the Texas Board of
  Architectural Examiners shall annually remit $510,000 to the
  general revenue fund.
         SECTION 2.06.  Section 2054.352(a), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The following licensing entities shall participate in
  the system established under Section 2054.353:
               (1)  Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
               (2)  Judicial Branch Certification Commission;
               (3)  State Board of Dental Examiners;
               (4)  Texas Funeral Service Commission;
               (5)  [Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying;
               [(6)] Texas Medical Board;
               (6) [(7)]  Texas Board of Nursing;
               (7) [(8)]  Texas Optometry Board;
               (8) [(9)]  Department of Agriculture, for licenses
  issued under Chapter 1951, Occupations Code;
               (9) [(10)]  Texas State Board of Pharmacy;
               (10) [(11)]  Executive Council of Physical Therapy and
  Occupational Therapy Examiners;
               (11) [(12)]  Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners;
               (12) [(13)     Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical
  Examiners;
               [(14)]  Texas State Board of Examiners of
  Psychologists;
               (13) [(15)]  State Board of Veterinary Medical
  Examiners;
               (14) [(16)]  Texas Real Estate Commission;
               (15) [(17)]  Texas Appraiser Licensing and
  Certification Board;
               (16) [(18)]  Texas Department of Licensing and
  Regulation;
               (17) [(19)]  Texas State Board of Public Accountancy;
               (18) [(20)]  State Board for Educator Certification;
               (19) [(21)]  Texas Board of Professional Engineers and
  Land Surveyors;
               (20) [(22)  Department of State] Health and Human 
  Services Commission;
               (21) [(23)]  Texas Board of Architectural Examiners;
               (22) [(24)]  Texas Racing Commission;
               (23) [(25)]  Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; and
               (24) [(26)]  Texas Private Security Board.
         SECTION 2.07.  Section 2166.202(b), Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The commission, in consultation with the Texas Board of
  Architectural Examiners and the Texas Board of Professional
  Engineers and Land Surveyors, shall adopt by rule criteria to
  evaluate the competence and qualifications of a prospective private
  design professional.
         SECTION 2.08.  Section 361.901(6), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
               (6)  "Licensed professional engineer" means a person
  licensed as an engineer by the Texas Board of Professional
  Engineers and Land Surveyors.
         SECTION 2.09.  Section 366.071(c), Health and Safety Code,
  is amended to read as follows:
         (c)  A person who conducts preconstruction site evaluations,
  including visiting a site and performing a soil analysis, a site
  survey, or other activities necessary to determine the suitability
  of a site for an on-site sewage disposal system must hold a license
  issued by the commission under Chapter 37, Water Code, unless the
  person is licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and
  Land Surveyors as an engineer.
         SECTION 2.10.  Sections 2210.2515(c) and (d), Insurance
  Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (c)  A person may apply to the association on a form
  prescribed by the department for a certificate of compliance for a
  completed improvement. The association shall issue a certificate
  of compliance for a completed improvement if a professional
  engineer licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and
  Land Surveyors:
               (1)  has designed the improvement, has affixed the
  engineer's seal on the design, and submits to the association on a
  form prescribed by the department an affirmation of compliance with
  the applicable building code under the plan of operation; or
               (2)  completes a sealed post-construction evaluation
  report that confirms compliance with the applicable building code
  under the plan of operation.
         (d)  A person may apply to the department on a form
  prescribed by the department for a certificate of compliance for an
  ongoing improvement. Except as provided by Subsection (e), the
  department shall issue a certificate of compliance for an ongoing
  improvement if a qualified inspector under Section 2210.254
  inspects the ongoing improvement in accordance with commissioner
  rule and affirms that the improvement:
               (1)  conforms to a design of the improvement that has a
  seal affixed by a professional engineer licensed by the Texas Board
  of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and complies with the
  applicable building code under the plan of operation; or
               (2)  complies with the applicable building code under
  the plan of operation.
         SECTION 2.11.  Section 89.023(a), Natural Resources Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The commission may grant an extension of the deadline
  for plugging an inactive well if the operator maintains a current
  organization report with the commission as required by Section
  91.142 and if, on or before the date of renewal of the operator's
  organization report as required by that section, the operator files
  with the commission an application for an extension that includes:
               (1)  an affirmation that complies with Section 89.029;
               (2)  a statement that the operator has, and on request
  will provide, evidence of a good faith claim to a continuing right
  to operate the well; and
               (3)  at least one of the following:
                     (A)  documentation that since the preceding date
  that the operator's organization report was required to be renewed
  the operator has plugged, or restored to active operation as
  defined by commission rule, a number of inactive wells equal to or
  greater than 10 percent of the number of inactive wells operated by
  the operator on that date;
                     (B)  an abeyance of plugging report on a form
  approved by the commission that:
                           (i)  is in the form of a certification signed
  by a person licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  and Land Surveyors as an engineer or by the Texas Board of
  Professional Geoscientists;
                           (ii)  includes:
                                 (a)  an affirmation by the licensed
  person that the well has:
                                       (1)  a reasonable expectation of
  economic value in excess of the cost of plugging the well for the
  duration of the period covered by the report, based on the cost
  calculation for plugging an inactive well; and
                                       (2)  a reasonable expectation of
  being restored to a beneficial use that will prevent waste of oil or
  gas resources that otherwise would not be produced if the well were
  plugged; and
                                 (b)  appropriate documentation
  demonstrating the basis for the affirmation of the well's future
  utility; and
                           (iii)  specifies the field and the covered
  wells within that field in a format prescribed by the commission;
                     (C)  a statement that the well is part of an
  enhanced oil recovery project;
                     (D)  if the operator of the well is not currently
  otherwise required by commission rule or order to conduct a fluid
  level or hydraulic pressure test of the well, documentation of the
  results of a successful fluid level or hydraulic pressure test of
  the well conducted in accordance with the commission's rules in
  effect at the time the test is conducted;
                     (E)  a supplemental bond, letter of credit, or
  cash deposit sufficient for each well specified in the application
  that:
                           (i)  complies with the requirements of
  Chapter 91; and
                           (ii)  is of an amount at least equal to the
  cost calculation for plugging an inactive well for each well
  specified in the application;
                     (F)  documentation of the deposit with the
  commission each time the operator files an application of an amount
  of escrow funds as prescribed by commission rule that equal at least
  10 percent of the total cost calculation for plugging an inactive
  well for each well specified in the application; or
                     (G)  if the operator is a publicly traded entity:
                           (i)  the following documents:
                                 (a)  a copy of the operator's federal
  documents filed to comply with Financial Accounting Standards Board
  Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations;
  and
                                 (b)  an original, executed Uniform
  Commercial Code Form 1 Financing Statement, filed with the
  secretary of state, that:
                                       (1)  names the operator as the
  "debtor" and the Railroad Commission of Texas as the "secured
  creditor"; and
                                       (2)  specifies the funds covered
  by the documents described by Sub-subparagraph (a) in the amount of
  the cost calculation for plugging an inactive well for each well
  specified in the application; or
                           (ii)  a blanket bond in the amount of the
  lesser of:
                                 (a)  the cost calculation for plugging
  any inactive wells; or
                                 (b)  $2 million.
         SECTION 2.12.  Section 1002.004(j), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (j)  The board and the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  and Land Surveyors by rule, memorandum of understanding, or other
  appropriate procedure or document shall jointly resolve any
  conflict between this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter
  and Chapter 1001 or a rule adopted under that chapter.
         SECTION 2.13.  Sections 1051.607(b), (g), and (h),
  Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  An engineer may not engage or offer to engage in the
  practice of architecture unless:
               (1)  the engineer is listed under Subsection (a); and
               (2)  the engineer is in good standing with the Texas
  Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
         (g)  The board and the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  and Land Surveyors shall pay equally the costs of a contested case.
         (h)  The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors has exclusive regulatory oversight over an engineer
  listed under Subsection (a).
         SECTION 2.14.  Section 223.151, Transportation Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 223.151.  APPLICABILITY. This subchapter:
               (1)  applies to services of a technical expert,
  including an archeologist, biologist, geologist, or historian, to
  conduct an environmental or cultural assessment required by state
  or federal law for a transportation project under the authority or
  jurisdiction of the department; and
               (2)  does not apply to services defined as engineering
  by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
  under Chapter 1001, Occupations Code.
         SECTION 2.15.  Section 26.3573(u), Water Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         (u)  The petroleum storage tank remediation account may not
  be used to pay for a site remediation that involves the installation
  or construction of on-site equipment, structures, or systems used
  in the extraction or management of wastes, except for soil
  excavation and landfill disposal or well sampling and monitoring,
  unless:
               (1)  the plans and specifications for the equipment,
  structures, or systems are sealed by an engineer licensed by the
  Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; and
               (2)  the equipment, structures, or systems are
  constructed under the supervision of an engineer licensed by the
  Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
         SECTION 2.16.  Sections 26.364(b), (c), and (e), Water Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The commission, on the request of an engineer licensed
  by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors,
  shall register the engineer in the program.
         (c)  An engineer registered in the program may contract to
  perform corrective action under this subchapter unless the Texas
  Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors determines the
  engineer is not qualified to perform a corrective action.
         (e)  The commission may not adopt minimum qualifications for
  an engineer licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  and Land Surveyors to contract with an eligible owner or operator to
  perform a corrective action under this subchapter.
         SECTION 2.17.  Sections 26.366(b), (c), and (e), Water Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The commission, on the request of an engineer licensed
  by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors,
  shall license the engineer in the program.
         (c)  An engineer licensed in the program may supervise a
  corrective action under this subchapter unless the Texas Board of
  Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors determines the engineer
  is not qualified to supervise a corrective action.
         (e)  The commission may not adopt minimum qualifications for
  an engineer licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  and Land Surveyors to supervise a corrective action under this
  subchapter.
  ARTICLE 3.  TRANSITIONS AND EFFECTIVE DATE
         SECTION 3.01.  (a) The Texas Board of Professional Land
  Surveying is abolished but continues in existence until September
  1, 2020, for the sole purpose of transferring obligations,
  property, rights, powers, and duties to the Texas Board of
  Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors as created by this Act.
  The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
  assumes all of the obligations, property, rights, powers, and
  duties of the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying as they
  exist immediately before the effective date of this Act.  All
  unexpended funds appropriated to the Texas Board of Professional
  Land Surveying are transferred to the Texas Board of Professional
  Engineers and Land Surveyors.
         (b)  The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors and the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying shall,
  in consultation with appropriate state entities, ensure that the
  transfer of the obligations, property, rights, powers, and duties
  of the Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying to the Texas Board
  of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is completed not later
  than September 1, 2020.
         (c)  All rules of the Texas Board of Professional Land
  Surveying are continued in effect as rules of the Texas Board of
  Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors until superseded by a
  rule of the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land
  Surveyors.  A certificate, license, registration, or other
  authorization issued by the Texas Board of Professional Land
  Surveying is continued in effect as provided by the law in effect
  immediately before the effective date of this Act.  An application
  for a certificate, license, registration, or other authorization
  pending on the effective date of this Act is continued without
  change in status after the effective date of this Act.  A complaint,
  investigation, contested case, or other proceeding pending on the
  effective date of this Act is continued without change in status
  after the effective date of this Act.
         SECTION 3.02.  The change in law made by this Act to Section
  1001.101, Occupations Code, does not affect the entitlement of a
  member serving on the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  immediately before the effective date of this Act to continue to
  serve for the remainder of the member's term.  As the terms of board
  members expire, the governor shall appoint or reappoint members to
  the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors who
  have the qualifications required for members under Sections
  1001.101 and 1001.102, Occupations Code, as amended by this Act.
         SECTION 3.03.  (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of
  this section, Section 1001.112, Occupations Code, as amended by
  this Act, applies to a member of the Texas Board of Professional
  Engineers and Land Surveyors appointed before, on, or after the
  effective date of this Act.
         (b)  A member of a board who, before the effective date of
  this Act, completed the training program required by Section
  1001.112, Occupations Code, as that section existed before the
  effective date of this Act, is required to complete additional
  training only on the subjects added by this Act to the training
  program.  A board member described by this subsection may not vote,
  deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of
  the board held on or after September 1, 2020, until the member
  completes the additional training.
         SECTION 3.04.  Sections 1001.272 and 1001.277, Occupations
  Code, as transferred, redesignated, and amended by this Act, with
  respect to an application for a license or registration or renewal
  of a license or registration for a registered professional land
  surveyor or licensed state land surveyor, apply only to an
  application filed with the Texas Board of Professional Engineers
  and Land Surveyors on or after September 1, 2020. An application
  filed before September 1, 2020, is governed by the law in effect
  immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the former
  law is continued in effect for that purpose. 
         SECTION 3.05.  Section 1071.254(a), Occupations Code, as
  amended by this Act, applies only to an application for
  registration as a registered professional land surveyor that is
  filed on or after the effective date of this Act.  An application
  for a registration that was filed before the effective date of this
  Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the application was
  filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 3.06.  To the extent of any conflict, this Act
  prevails over another Act of the 86th Legislature, Regular Session,
  2019, relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in
  enacted codes.
         SECTION 3.07.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1523 was passed by the House on April
  10, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 143, Nays 0, 1 present, not
  voting; that the House refused to concur in Senate amendments to
  H.B. No. 1523 on May 23, 2019, and requested the appointment of a
  conference committee to consider the differences between the two
  houses; and that the House adopted the conference committee report
  on H.B. No. 1523 on May 26, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 144,
  Nays 1, 1 present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1523 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 20, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays
  0; at the request of the House, the Senate appointed a conference
  committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and
  that the Senate adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No.
  1523 on May 26, 2019, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor