TITLE: Relating to the renewal of a plumber's apprentice certificate of registration.

SUMMARY: Relating to the renewal of a plumber's apprentice certificate of registration.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the renewal of a plumber's apprentice certificate of registration. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter H, Chapter 1301, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1301.4055 to read as follows: Sec. 1301.4055. MANDATORY TRAINING FOR PLUMBER'S APPRENTICE. (a) To renew the certificate of registration for the third renewal and any subsequent renewals, a person who holds a certificate of registration under this chapter as a plumber's apprentice must complete during the year preceding the renewal date at least six hours of approved classroom training that includes training in: (1) this chapter and board rules; (2) board-approved plumbing codes; and (3) health protection, energy conservation, and water conservation. (b) A person may receive credit for participating in a training program only if the program is provided: (1) by a person approved by the board; and (2) according to criteria adopted by the board. (c) A plumber's apprentice who is enrolled and in good standing in a training program approved by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship, is exempt from Subsections (a) and (b). (d) The board by rule may exempt certain persons from the requirements of this section if the board determines that the exemption is in the public interest. SECTION 2. Section 1301.4055, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, applies only to the renewal of a certificate of registration as a plumber's apprentice that expires on or after the effective date of this Act. A certificate of registration that expired before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the certificate of registration expired, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners shall adopt rules necessary to implement Section 1301.4055, Occupations Code, as added by this Act. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.