The Wise Report
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
February 27, 2022
The Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) adopts amendments concerning the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists in Texas. TBPG adopts amendments to 22 TAC §§850.10, 850.61 - 850.63, and 850.65 regarding definitions, organization, and responsibilities. Adopted amendments to TBPG rules add acronyms and correct wording and grammar for consistency. These amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 22, 2021, issue of the Texas Register (46 TexReg 7160).
The TBPG also adopts amendments to rules and repeals concerning the licensure and regulation of Professional Geoscientists in Texas. TBPG adopts amendments to 22 TAC §§851.10, 851.20 - 851.22, 851.28 - 851.32, 851.40, 851.43, 851.85, 851.101 - 851.106, 851.108, 851.109, 851.111 - 851.113, 851.151 - 851.153, 851.156 - 851.159, 851.203, 851.204, 851.220 regarding TBPG licensing and enforcement rules. TBPG also repeals 22 TAC §851.83 regarding temporary exemption of certain licensees from continuing education requirements, and 22 TAC §851.154 regarding student loan default being ground for nonrenewal of license. TBPG is now adopting these amendments and repeals to its rules to make clarifications and changes and to correct wording and grammar. The adopted amendments clarify definitions regarding geoscience firms, remove a definition for a sole proprietor, and add a definition for a sole practitioner. The adopted amendment to 851.30 modifies the application process for geoscience firms to now require a federal employer identification number (EIN) instead of the previous requirement for a certificate of authority from the Office of the Secretary of State. This modification will assist in streamlining the process for registrants and it will be more consistent with other licensing agencies in the state of Texas. The adopted amendments add TBPG's new examination waiver policy for P.G. applicants in the Soil Science discipline. Adopted amendments make changes throughout the rules to remove the name "National Association of State Board of Geology (ASBOG®)" where it appears and replace it with the shortened name "ASBOG®" when referring to the provider of the Geology Fundamentals and Practice exams. Other adopted changes throughout the rules capitalize the word "Firm" when it refers to a registered geoscience firm, change the phrase "public health, safety, and welfare" for consistency, add acronyms where possible, and correct wording and grammar for accuracy. These amendments and repeals are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the October 22, 2021, issue of the Texas Register (46 TexReg 7162) and will not be republished.
For more information, go to: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/February252022/Adopted%20Rule...
Henry M. Wise, P.G.
The Wise Report
2/27/2022