LEMAN TALKS STATE OF PLUMBING REGULATIONS IN TEXAS
(R-Anderson)
Concerns have been raised regarding the future of plumbing in Texas, following the end of state legislature with seemingly no set plans for the state agency that regulates plumbers.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) was up for sunset review this year, but lawmakers did not pass legislation renewing or shifting its regulation responsibilities. This means the plumbing trade could be unlicensed, with potentially unqualified plumbers performing work for homes and businesses.
State Representative Ben Leman said the TSBPE last went through the sunset process around 18 years ago.
According to Leman, members of the Sunset Advisory Commission identified many of the same problems with the TSBPE now as they did back then. The Commission recommended the board’s responsibilities be shifted to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, an agency with oversight on more than two dozen professions.
Leman said the agency was going to sunset and expire either way, unless otherwise specified. Leman said there was a lot of confusion on what the intention of Senate Bill 621 was.
The legislation was voted on twice, denied each time. Leman said, whatever the reason for lawmakers’ votes, plumbing oversight is still needed.
Despite many calling for a special session to address the situation, Governor Greg Abbott has indicated that won’t be necessary.
Last week, the Governor tweeted the legislature has given him tools to extend the plumbing examiners board for two years, without the need for a special session. It has not been made clear what Abbott plans to do to resolve the matter.
The board is currently set to dissolve September 1, 2019, with operations to wind down through September 1, 2020.
Should be obvious to most citizens that the shutdown of this public service/ safety state department is a cutback on spending. I suppose their thinking is that a botched plumbing job never killed anyone so there is no threat to citizens. So, it would be advisable that to protect our property from possible damages due to shoddy work, best have your plumber show you proof of liability insurance. Most likely insurance premiums will rise and the consumer will pay the tab on their bill. We taxpayers always appreciate our public servants saving taxpayers money, but have they really? Will be interesting to see what the next cost saving measures will be taken in the next session. This current path will not be without increasing hardships. We are a large state with massive infrastructure and large population needs and we are one of only seven states without an income tax. Realistically, can we continue on our current path ? Not to worry, there will be a constitutional amendment on the next state election ballot which will allow you to vote yay or nay on any state income tax being decided on by voters alone. Obviously, no one would vote to be taxed more, no worries, right? Most state income taxes are on a scale according to income, low wage earners are mostly exempted and the wealthy would get the big bill. So, we know who this newly proposed amendment is for, don’t we?