TITLE: Relating to the licensing and regulation of associate auctioneers; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; requiring an occupational license.

SUMMARY: Relating to the licensing and regulation of associate auctioneers; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; requiring an occupational license.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the licensing and regulation of associate auctioneers; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; requiring an occupational license. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 1802.001, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (2) to read as follows: (2) "Associate auctioneer" means an individual who, for compensation, is employed by and under the direct supervision of a licensed auctioneer to sell or offer to sell property at an auction. SECTION 2. Section 1802.051(a), Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) A person may not act as an auctioneer or associate auctioneer of real or personal property in this state unless the person holds a license issued by the executive director under this chapter. SECTION 3. Subchapter B, Chapter 1802, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1802.053 to read as follows: Sec. 1802.053. ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSOCIATE AUCTIONEER LICENSE. An individual is eligible for an associate auctioneer license if the individual is: (1) a citizen of the United States or a legal alien; and (2) employed under the direct supervision of an auctioneer licensed under this chapter. SECTION 4. Not later than March 1, 2016, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation shall adopt rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act. SECTION 5. (a) Notwithstanding Chapter 1802, Occupations Code, as amended by this Act, a person is not required to hold a license under that chapter to act as an associate auctioneer until March 1, 2016. (b) An individual who was licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation as an associate auctioneer on or before June 14, 2013, may apply the individual's work experience participating in auctions as an associate auctioneer on or before June 14, 2013, toward the individual's eligibility for an auctioneer's license under Chapter 1802, Occupations Code. SECTION 6. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.