Governor Greg Abbott has announced his plans to extend the life of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. When the Legislative Session concluded, the Governor had notified all legislators that a special session would not be necessary to extend the board past its set expiration date on September 1st, 2019.
Under Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the Governor is able to suspend provisions of regulatory statutes if strict compliance would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with a disaster. Since Hurricane Harvey made landfall and caused widespread destruction, the Governor has issued a disaster declaration each month effective through today. The magnitude of what still must be rebuilt is reflected in the more than $10 billion of federal funds that are newly or nearly available to Texas for areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. A qualified workforce of plumbers throughout the state, including from areas not directly affected by Hurricane Harvey, will be essential as those funds are being invested in crucial infrastructure, medical facilities, living facilities, and other construction projects.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners will continue to play an essential role in all these efforts by ensuring that the plumbers who rebuild Texas and prepare for future disasters do so in a manner that will safeguard public health, safety, and property.
To fulfill the demands for rebuilding after Hurricane Harvey and keeping Texas prepared and able to recover from future disasters, it is necessary to continue the Board to perform its indispensable role in protecting Texans.
The Board will continue to operate through May 31, 2021 where the Legislature can reconvene and extend the life of the licensure for Texas plumbers.
“I am incredibly thankful to the Governor for addressing this issue and for avoiding a special session that would have been costly to Texas taxpayers. Plumbers have been truly integral to our rebuilding efforts after Harvey and their continued expertise in the field has been invaluable,” stated State Representative James White.
The Governor’s declaration is available online at: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governorabbott-takes-action-to-keep-texas-state-board-of-plumbing-examiners-active.
Please do not hesitate to contact Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, with questions regarding this release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.
