S.B. No. 1259 amends the Occupations Code to enhance the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Key provisions include the establishment of new advisory committee responsibilities, allowing the committee to prepare written reports or recommendations on surveying-related subjects and to maintain public records of discussions and actions taken during meetings. Additionally, the bill updates the qualifications for obtaining a surveyor-in-training certificate and registration as a registered professional land surveyor, including the requirement to pass specific examinations and clarifying the educational background necessary for applicants.

The bill also introduces new legal language regarding the examinations required for certification and registration, specifying that the board will prescribe both the fundamentals of surveying examination for surveyor-in-training applicants and the principles and practice of surveying examination for registered professional land surveyor applicants. Furthermore, it repeals a previous subsection related to the qualifications for surveyor-in-training certificates. The changes will apply only to applications submitted after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 1001.216, Occupations Code 1001.601, Occupations Code 1071.253, Occupations Code 1071.254, Occupations Code 1071.256 (Occupations Code 1071, Occupations Code 1001)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 1001.216, Occupations Code 1001.601, Occupations Code 1071.253, Occupations Code 1071.254, Occupations Code 1071.256 (Occupations Code 1071, Occupations Code 1001)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 1001.216, Occupations Code 1001.601, Occupations Code 1071.253, Occupations Code 1071.254, Occupations Code 1071.256 (Occupations Code 1071, Occupations Code 1001)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 1001.216, Occupations Code 1001.601, Occupations Code 1071.253, Occupations Code 1071.254, Occupations Code 1071.256 (Occupations Code 1071, Occupations Code 1001)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 1001.216, Occupations Code 1001.601, Occupations Code 1071.253, Occupations Code 1071.254, Occupations Code 1071.256 (Occupations Code 1071, Occupations Code 1001)