In The News
New Senate Bill Requires TDLR to Provide Proper Notice to Licensees of Alleged Violations
Last session’s Senate Bill 1267 amended the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the procedures associated with administrative hearings, such as those in front of Texas licensing boards. One of the new rules requires that a notice of hearing against a licensee must now include a statement of alleged facts. In the past, some of our clients would face a list of rules they had allegedly violated, but without any explanation as to how these rules were violated, and FosterDanowsky would have to fight to receive proper notice for our clients. This amendment will increase fairness in agency hearings by prevent licensing boards from withholding this crucial information.
House Bill Proposes Certification For Structural Engineer
Proposed HR 3469, which would create a certification for professional engineers specialized in structural engineering. Under the proposed bill, an engineer would not be allowed to “engage in the practice of structural engineering unless the person holds a structural engineer certificate.” Under the bill as written, engineers would not be required to have such a certification to practice structural engineering before September 1, 2016. The bill is currently before the House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee.
Pending Bils At The Texas Legislature Affect Occupations Code
FosterDanowsky closely follows proposed legislation that will affect professional licensees. Of particular note is HB 3981 which would allow the license holder to elect to have an administrative law judge from State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) be the final decision maker rather than board members; SB 1082 which would create an informal hearing process that a licensee could elect before a license suspension or revocation; and HCR 97 which would create a joint interim committee to study licensing and issues for reform.