TITLE: Relating to the certification of structural engineers; providing for a fee.

SUMMARY: Relating to the certification of structural engineers; providing for a fee.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the certification of structural engineers; providing for a fee. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subchapter H-1 to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER H-1. CERTIFICATION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS Sec. 1001.371. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Significant structure" means a building or structure assigned to Occupancy Category III or IV under Table 1604.5 of the 2009 edition of the International Building Code. (2) "Structural engineer" means a person licensed to engage in the practice of engineering and certified to practice structural engineering in this state. (3) "Structural engineering" means a specialized branch of professional engineering involving the practice of structural engineering of significant structures. Sec. 1001.372. CERTIFICATE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not engage in the practice of structural engineering unless the person holds a structural engineer certificate issued under this subchapter. (b) A person may not, unless the person holds a structural engineer certificate issued under this subchapter, directly or indirectly use or cause to be used as a professional, business, or commercial identification, title, name, representation, claim, asset, or means of advantage or benefit any of, or a variation or abbreviation of, the following terms: (1) "structural engineer"; (2) "professional structural engineer"; (3) "licensed structural engineer"; or (4) "certified structural engineer." Sec. 1001.373. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. To qualify for a structural engineer certificate, an applicant must: (1) be licensed under this chapter as an engineer; and (2) pass the structural engineering examination prescribed by the board. Sec. 1001.374. APPLICATION. The board by rule shall: (1) prescribe an application form for the issuance or renewal of a structural engineer certificate; and (2) determine the information to be included in the application. Sec. 1001.375. EXAMINATION. The board shall administer a 16-hour examination to determine the qualifications of an applicant for a structural engineer certificate. Sec. 1001.376. CERTIFICATE. The board shall issue a structural engineer certificate to an applicant who meets the qualifications prescribed by the board by rule and pays the required fees. Sec. 1001.377. SEAL. (a) On receiving a structural engineer certificate, a certificate holder shall obtain a seal in a design authorized by the board, showing the certificate holder's name and the legend "Structural Engineer." (b) The seal may be used in lieu of a seal obtained under Section 1001.401. Sec. 1001.378. RENEWAL. (a) A certificate issued under this subchapter is valid for one year from the date of issuance. (b) The holder of a certificate may renew the certificate by paying a renewal fee and complying with other renewal requirements prescribed by board rule before the expiration date. Sec. 1001.379. FEES. The board shall establish and collect reasonable and necessary fees in amounts sufficient to cover the costs of administering this subchapter. SECTION 2. (a) Not later than May 1, 2014, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers shall: (1) establish the qualifications for issuance and renewal of a structural engineer certificate; and (2) adopt the rules necessary to implement the changes in law made by this Act. (b) A person is not required to obtain a structural engineer certificate under Subchapter H-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before September 1, 2014. SECTION 3. A person practicing as a licensed engineer in structural engineering on the effective date of this Act is entitled to issuance of a structural engineer certificate and to continue to practice structural engineering without fulfilling any additional education, training, or examination requirements established by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers under Subchapter H-1, Chapter 1001, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, if the person has the other qualifications required by the board and Chapter 1001 and if, before August 31, 2014, the person submits an application on a form prescribed by the board and an affidavit attesting to the person's experience as a structural engineer. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.