2006 House Bill 5874

Greatly increase penalties for licensed occupation violations

Introduced in the House

March 15, 2006

Introduced by Rep. Chris Ward (R-66)

To authorize civil fines of $10,000 per day for a person who violates the licensure mandates of the occupations code, make certain offenses a felony instead of a misdemeanor, and allow lawsuits to be filed by a person who used the services of an unlicensed or unregistered individual practicing one of the dozens of occupations that now require licensure or registration.

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

May 2, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 10, 2006

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Chris Ward (R-66)

The amendment passed by voice vote

June 29, 2006

Substitute offered by Rep. Chris Ward (R-66)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that does not include most of the original provisions, but instead addresses the interactions between licensed architects, professional engineers and interior designers.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 83 to 22 (details)

To revise provisions related to the interactions between licensed architects, professional engineers and interior designers. The bill would limit the ability of those licensed under one profession to sue those practicing another under some circumstances. Senate 826 now contains the bill's original provisions.

Received in the Senate

July 26, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Regulatory Reform