TSBPE Quarterly Board Meeting / License Holder Forum Summary
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The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) held their quarterly board meeting on July 15, 2019. Anticipating a larger than normal crowd, they moved the meeting to the John H. Reagan building located on the Texas State Capitol grounds. Not as many as expected showed up, but those that did listened attentively, with several registering to speak during the public comment period at the opening.
It was noted that there are currently 684 individuals on the books to take an exam. Down from over 1400. Further, the average passing rate is now at 66%. Also, down from previous reports. It seems the Tradesman exam is where they are seeing the most failures.
Upon conclusion of the meeting, TSBPE Executive Director, Lisa Hill, reminded the audience that there would be a TSBPE Staff/license holder forum at 1:00 pm at the Crown Plaza hotel on I-35.
PHCC Texas Executive Director, Alicia Dover, attended both the board meeting and the forum. During the afternoon session, TSBPE staff allowed all that wished, to ask questions as to how TSBPE is working to improve things pertaining to the oversight of the plumbing license. At times the discussions became heated as many in attendance wanted TSBPE staff to tell the group how they were going to avoid another episode that happened in this past legislative session. Per state rules and laws, state agency staff may not engage in discussions as to their opinions regarding legislative issues. This caused some frustration on the part of the attendees, with some conversation becoming quite heated.
In the end, the TSBPE staff laid out what they are doing to address many of the items presented in the 2018 Sunset Review. They asked for feedback on some items as to examinations and CPE. We will see changes in these areas soon. They will continue to administer more exams remotely for written portions, and, we will see changes to the way CPE is administered.
Several made note of their displeasure at the board’s decision to remove the requirements for a GED and/or high school diploma for the journeyman’s license. Everyone in the room was in agreement that this rule needed amending once again. TSBPE staff said that there are ways to amend and change rules and the public had the right to request a process for this.
After 2 ½ hours of discussion, the meeting concluded.
