Following months of legislative wrangling, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners’ continued existence as an independent agency has been approved by the Texas State Legislature. The bipartisan House Bill 636, authored by Representative Senfronia Thompson and sponsored by Senator John Whitmire and a host of other prominent lawmakers, was passed by an overwhelming majority in both the House and Senate. Governor Gregg Abbott signed the Bill into law on May 26, officially continuing the TSBPE’s legacy of service.
“Passage of HB 636 allows us to implement efficiency improvements and expand the capabilities of the agency in order to better serve the needs of the industry and public,” said TSBPE Chairman Frank Denton. “I am extremely pleased that the Governor and Legislature recognized the critical service our industry provides the citizens of Texas.”
The passage of HB 636 ends an extended period of uncertainty for the TSBPE and paves the way for several plumbing industry advances including the creation of a career and technology education program for high school students aimed at growing Texas’ pool of qualified plumbers, enhanced public protection through fingerprint background checks for all license types, and increased examination locations that will lower wait times and expand the TSBPE’s accessibility across Texas.
“The agency’s work has just begun,” said Chairman Denton. “We have some exciting plans already in place to better serve the industry and protect the health and safety of the public. The TSBPE Board and Staff are excited to have the opportunity to meet the needs of Texas’ robust economy.”
Founded in 1947, The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners protects the public’s health and safety by regulating plumbing through examination, licensure, investigating consumer complaints, and enforcing the public license law.
