TITLE 22. EXAMINING BOARDS
PART 1. TEXAS BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS
CHAPTER 1. ARCHITECTS
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (Board) adopts amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 1 relating to Architects, §1.27, relating to Provisional Licensure, and §1.149, relating to Criminal Convictions. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the January 16, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 269). The rules will not be republished.
Reasoned Justification. The adopted rules implement Senate Bill 1080 (89th Regular Session, 2025), which amends provisions in Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, relating to licensing and Consequences of Criminal Conviction. To implement SB 1080, the Board adopted amendments to 22 TAC §1.27 and §1.149.
Through Senate Bill 1080, the legislature provides licensing authorities discretion to revoke a license following imprisonment for a felony conviction, unless the felony offense is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation, the felony offense is a sexually violent offense under Article 62.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or the felony offense is an offense listed in Article 42A.054, Code of Criminal Procedure, pursuant to §53.021, Texas Occupations Code. These statutory amendments are adopted in 22 TAC §1.149(a) - (b).
Additionally, SB 1080 added §53.0211(b-1), Texas Occupations Code, which allows licensing authorities discretion to consider the issuance of a provisional license to an applicant who has committed an offense and is an imprisoned inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) or is an applicant on parole or mandatory supervision who is residing at a halfway house or community residential facility. The applicant must be a student or graduate of the Windham School District or an institution of higher education. A provisional license issued under §53.0211(b-1), Texas Occupations Code is valid for twelve (12) months, and the term begins on the date an applicant who is an inmate is released, pursuant to amendments to §53.0211(b)(2) and §53.0211(c), Texas Occupations Code. These statutory amendments are adopted in 22 TAC §1.27(b), (d).
Summary of Comments. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed rule.
SUBCHAPTER
B.
Statutory Authority. The amendments to §1.27 are adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of architecture; §1051.207, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code; and Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, which provides licensing authorities authority grant licenses and provisional licenses to certain applicants with prior criminal convictions.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601137
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
SUBCHAPTER
H.
Statutory Authority. The amendments to §1.149 are adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of architecture; §1051.207, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code; and Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, which provides licensing authorities authority grant licenses and provisional licenses to certain applicants with prior criminal convictions.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601138
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (Board) adopts amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §1.29. The amendments are adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the January 16, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 272) and will be republished.
Reasoned Justification. The adopted rules implement Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629 (89th Regular Session, 2025), which amend provisions in Chapter 55, Texas Occupations Code, relating to Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses. To implement Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629, the Board adopted amendments to 22 TAC §1.29. The adopted amendments also include non-substantive grammatical changes and paragraph renumbering.
SB 1818 mandates the prompt issuance of a provisional registration to an applicant under §55.004 or §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code if the agency is unable to promptly issue a license or recognition of an out-of-state license, respectively. A provisional license expires the earlier of the date the license is issued or recognition is granted, or the 180th day after the date the provisional registration is issued. These requirements are adopted in 22 TAC §1.29(b).
Under HB 5629, amendments to §55.004, Texas Occupations Code, mandate licensing agencies issue a license to a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse who holds a license in good standing in another state with a similar scope of practice to Texas. Amendments to §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code, allow a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse to practice in Texas under an out-of-state license without having to become registered in Texas, and provides procedures for recognizing the out-of-state license. These requirements are adopted in 22 TAC §1.29(c).
Additionally, HB 5629 adds §55.0042, Texas Occupations Code, which specifies how "good standing" is determined, which is adopted in 22 TAC §1.29(a)(3), and the bill also added §55.0043, Texas Occupations Code, which requires that agencies track and publish complaints made against a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse. The law also modifies §55.005(a), Texas Occupations Code, which requires agencies to process applications and issue registrations for qualified applicants within 10 business days instead of 30, which is adopted in 22 TAC §1.29(b)(3) and §1.29(c)(4). Finally, HB 5629 modifies §55.009, Texas Occupations Code to waive application fees for any individual who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse which is adopted in 22 TAC §1.29(f).
Summary of Comments. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed rule.
Statutory Authority. The amendment of §1.29 is adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of architecture; §1051.704, Texas Occupations Code, which requires the Board to examine each applicant for registration on any architectural subject or procedure the Board requires and to issue a certificate of registration to each applicant who passes the examination; and §§55.004, 55.0041, 55.0042, 55.0043, 55.005, and 55.009, Texas Occupations Code, which relate to the Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses.
§1.29.
(a) For the purposes of this section, terms shall have the following definitions:
(1) "Active duty" means current full-time military service in the armed forces of the United States or active duty military service as a member of the Texas military forces, as defined by Section 437.001, Government Code, or similar military service of another state.
(2) "Armed forces of the United States" means the army, navy, air force, coast guard, or marine corps of the United States or a reserve unit of one of those branches of the armed forces.
(3) "Good Standing" means an Applicant:
(A) holds a license that is current, has not been suspended or revoked, and has not been voluntarily surrendered during an investigation for unprofessional conduct;
(B) has not been disciplined by the licensing authority with respect to the license or person's practice of architecture; and
(C) is not currently under investigation by the licensing authority for unprofessional conduct related to the person's license or profession.
(4) "License" means a license or registration to practice architecture.
(5) "Military service member" means a person who is on active duty.
(6) "Military spouse" means a person who is married to a military service member.
(7) "Military veteran" means a person who has served on active duty and who was discharged or released from active duty.
(b) Expedited Licensure Procedure for a Military Service Member, Military Veteran, or Military Spouse.
(1) A military service member, military veteran, or military spouse may apply for a registration in accordance with:
(A) §1.21 of this chapter (relating to Registration by Examination);
(B) §1.22 of this chapter (relating to Registration by Reciprocal Transfer); or
(C) §55.004, Texas Occupations Code.
(2) A military service member, military veteran, or military spouse is eligible for registration under §55.004, Texas Occupations Code if:
(A) the Applicant holds a current license issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to a Texas architectural registration and is in Good Standing with that state's licensing authority; or
(B) the Applicant held a Texas architectural registration within the five years preceding the application date under this subsection.
(3) Not later than the 10th business day after the date a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse files an application for registration under §1.21 or §1.22 of this chapter, the Board shall process the application and issue a registration to a qualifying Applicant.
(4) On receipt of an application for registration in accordance with §55.004, Texas Occupations Code, the Board shall promptly issue a provisional registration to the Applicant while the Board processes the application or issue the registration. A provisional registration issued under this subsection expires on the earlier of:
(A) the date the Board approves or denies the application for registration; or
(B) the 180th day after the date the provisional registration is issued.
(c) Recognition of Out-of-State License of Military Service Members and Military Spouses.
(1) As applicable, a military service member or military spouse who holds a current license issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to a Texas architectural registration and who is in Good Standing with that state's licensing authority may submit an application to the Board to request recognition of the out-of-state license in accordance with the provisions of §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code, if:
(A) the military service member has been ordered to relocate to Texas, or
(B) the military spouse is married to a military service member who has been ordered to relocate to Texas.
(2) An Applicant whose out-of-state license is recognized under this subsection may engage in the Practice of Architecture in this state without obtaining a registration.
(3) Prior to engaging in the Practice of Architecture under this subsection, the Applicant must submit the following information to the Board to demonstrate eligibility for recognition of an out-of-state license:
(A) a copy of the member's military orders showing relocation to this state;
(B) if the Applicant is a military spouse, a copy of the military spouse's marriage license; and
(C) a notarized affidavit affirming under penalty of perjury that:
(i) the Applicant is the person described and identified in the application;
(ii) all statements in the application are true, correct, and complete;
(iii) the Applicant understands the scope of practice for an architect in this state and will not perform outside of that scope of practice; and
(iv) the Applicant is in Good Standing in each state in which the Applicant holds or has held a license.
(4) Not later than 10 business days after a military service member or military spouse files an application for registration under this subsection, the Board shall:
(A) Notify the Applicant of the Board's determination that:
(i) the Board recognizes the Applicant's out-of-state license;
(ii) the application is incomplete; or
(iii) the Board is unable to recognize the Applicant's out-of-state license because the Board does not issue a registration similar in scope of practice to the Applicant's license; or
(B) Issue a provisional registration to the Applicant pending the issuance of a determination under subparagraph (4)(A) of this paragraph.
(5) A provisional registration issued under this subsection expires on the earlier of:
(A) the date the Board issues a determination under paragraph (4)(A) of this subsection; or
(B) the 180th day after the date the provisional registration is issued.
(6) An Applicant under this subsection shall comply with all other laws and regulations applicable to the Practice of Architecture in this state.
(7) A military service member or military spouse may engage in the Practice of Architecture under the authority of this subsection only for the period during which the military service member or, with respect to a military spouse, the military service member to whom the spouse is married is stationed at a military installation in this state.
(8) In the event of a divorce or similar event that affects a person's status as a military spouse, the former spouse may continue to engage in the Practice of Architecture under the authority of this subsection until the third anniversary of the date the spouse submitted the application required under paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(d) The Board will review and evaluate the following criteria when determining whether another state's scope of practice of a licensed architect is similar to the scope of practice of an Architect in Texas:
(1) Whether the statutory definition of the practice of architecture includes the core functions recognized in Texas;
(2) Whether architects are responsible for public health, safety, and welfare in a manner comparable to Texas;
(3) Whether the other state restricts architectural services to licensed architects in a manner consistent with Texas practice;
(4) The similarity of exemptions from licensure, including building-type or size exemptions, and whether such exemptions materially alter the scope of services architects perform;
(5) Whether architects in the other state are authorized or required to perform construction observation services similar to those required in Texas;
(6) The similarity of requirements for responsible charge or responsible control, including duties related to supervision, document preparation, and sealing construction documents for regulatory approval, permitting, or construction;
(7) Whether architects have comparable responsibilities for building code compliance, accessibility, life-safety considerations, and related regulatory obligations;
(8) The extent to which the division of responsibilities between architects and other licensed professions, such as engineers, aligns with Texas practice;
(9) Whether requirements for architectural involvement in public-sector projects align with Texas standards;
(10) Whether rules, interpretations, or guidance issued by the other state's architectural licensing board result in a functional scope of practice comparable to Texas; and
(11) The similarity of enforcement mechanisms, disciplinary authority, and standards of professional responsibility that define and limit the scope of practice.
(e) Verified military service, training, or education will be credited toward the registration requirements, other than an examination requirement, of an Applicant who is a military service member or a military veteran.
(f) The Board shall not charge an application or examination fee paid to the Board for any Applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse.
(g) A military service member is exempt from any increased fee or other penalty for failing to renew a registration in a timely manner if the individual establishes to the satisfaction of the Board that the failure was due to the individual serving as a military service member.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601134
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
CHAPTER 3. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (Board) adopts amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 3 relating to Landscape Architects, §3.27, relating to Provisional Licensure, and §3.149, relating to Criminal Convictions. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the January 16, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 276) and will not be republished.
Reasoned Justification. The adopted rules implement Senate Bill 1080 (89th Regular Session, 2025), which amends provisions in Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, relating to licensing and Consequences of Criminal Conviction. To implement SB 1080, the Board adopted amendments to 22 TAC §3.27 and §3.149.
Through Senate Bill 1080, the legislature provides licensing authorities discretion to revoke a license following imprisonment for a felony conviction, unless the felony offense is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation, the felony offense is a sexually violent offense under Article 62.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or the felony offense is an offense listed in Article 42A.054, Code of Criminal Procedure, pursuant to §53.021, Texas Occupations Code. These statutory amendments are adopted in 22 TAC §3.149(a)-(b).
Additionally, SB 1080 added §53.0211(b-1), Texas Occupations Code, which allows licensing authorities discretion to consider the issuance of a provisional license to an applicant who has committed an offense and is an imprisoned inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) or is an applicant on parole or mandatory supervision who is residing at a halfway house or community residential facility. The applicant must be a student or graduate of the Windham School District or an institution of higher education. A provisional license issued under §53.0211(b-1), Texas Occupations Code is valid for twelve (12) months, and the term begins on the date an applicant who is an inmate is released, pursuant to amendments to §53.0211(b)(2) and §53.0211(c), Texas Occupations Code. These statutory amendments are adopted in 22 TAC §3.27(b), (d).
Summary of Comments. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed rule.
SUBCHAPTER
B.
Statutory Authority. The amendments to §3.27 are adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of landscape architecture; §1051.207, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code; and Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, which provides licensing authorities authority grant licenses and provisional licenses to certain applicants with prior criminal convictions.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601139
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
SUBCHAPTER
H.
Statutory Authority. The amendments to §3.149 are adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of landscape architecture; §1051.207, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code; and Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, which provides licensing authorities authority grant licenses and provisional licenses to certain applicants with prior criminal convictions.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601140
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (Board) adopts amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §3.29. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the January 16, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 279) and will not be republished.
Reasoned Justification. The adopted rules implement Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629 (89th Regular Session, 2025), which amend provisions in Chapter 55, Texas Occupations Code, relating to Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses. To implement Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629, the Board adopted amendments to 22 TAC §3.29.
SB 1818 mandates the prompt issuance of a provisional registration to an applicant under §55.004 or §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code if the agency is unable to promptly issue a license or recognition of an out-of-state license, respectively. A provisional license expires the earlier of the date the license is issued or recognition is granted, or the 180th day after the date the provisional registration is issued. These requirements are adopted in 22 TAC §3.29(b).
Under HB 5629, amendments to §55.004, Texas Occupations Code, mandate licensing agencies issue a license to a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse who holds a license in good standing in another state with a similar scope of practice to Texas. Amendments to §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code, allow a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse to practice in Texas under an out-of-state license without having to become registered in Texas, and provides procedures for recognizing the out-of-state license. These requirements are adopted in 22 TAC §3.29(c).
Additionally, HB 5629 adds §55.0042, Texas Occupations Code, which specifies how "good standing" is determined, which is adopted in 22 TAC §3.29(a)(3), and the bill also added §55.0043, Texas Occupations Code, which requires that agencies track and publish complaints made against a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse. The law also modifies §55.005(a), Texas Occupations Code, which requires agencies to process applications and issue registrations for qualified applicants within 10 business days instead of 30, which is adopted in 22 TAC §3.29(b)(3) and §3.29(c)(4). Finally, HB 5629 modifies §55.009, Texas Occupations Code to waive application fees for any individual who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse which is adopted in 22 TAC §3.29(f).
Summary of Comments. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed rule.
Statutory Authority. The amendment of §3.29 is adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of landscape architecture; and §§55.004, 55.0041, 55.0042, 55.0043, 55.005, and 55.009, Texas Occupations Code, which relate to the Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601135
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
CHAPTER 5. REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (Board) adopts amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 5 relating to Registered Interior Designers, §5.37, relating to Provisional Licensure, and §5.158, relating to Criminal Convictions. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the January 16, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 282) and will not be republished.
Reasoned Justification. The adopted rules implement Senate Bill 1080 (89th Regular Session, 2025), which amends provisions in Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, relating to licensing and Consequences of Criminal Conviction. To implement SB 1080, the Board adopted amendments to 22 TAC §5.37 and §5.158.
Through Senate Bill 1080, the legislature provides licensing authorities discretion to revoke a license following imprisonment for a felony conviction, unless the felony offense is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the licensed occupation, the felony offense is a sexually violent offense under Article 62.001, Code of Criminal Procedure, or the felony offense is an offense listed in Article 42A.054, Code of Criminal Procedure, pursuant to §53.021, Texas Occupations Code. These statutory amendments are adopted in 22 TAC §5.158(a)-(b).
Additionally, SB 1080 added §53.0211(b-1), Texas Occupations Code, which allows licensing authorities discretion to consider the issuance of a provisional license to an applicant who has committed an offense and is an imprisoned inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) or is an applicant on parole or mandatory supervision who is residing at a halfway house or community residential facility. The applicant must be a student or graduate of the Windham School District or an institution of higher education. A provisional license issued under §53.0211(b-1), Texas Occupations Code is valid for twelve (12) months, and the term begins on the date an applicant who is an inmate is released, pursuant to amendments to §53.0211(b)(2) and §53.0211(c), Texas Occupations Code. These statutory amendments are adopted in 22 TAC §5.37(b), (d).
Summary of Comments. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed rule.
SUBCHAPTER
B.
Statutory Authority. The amendments to §5.37 and §5.158 are adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of registered interior design; §1051.207, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code; and Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, which provides licensing authorities authority grant licenses and provisional licenses to certain applicants with prior criminal convictions.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601141
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
SUBCHAPTER
H.
Statutory Authority. The amendments to §5.37 and §5.158 are adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of registered interior design; §1051.207, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code; and Chapter 53, Texas Occupations Code, which provides licensing authorities authority grant licenses and provisional licenses to certain applicants with prior criminal convictions.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601142
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (Board) adopts amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §5.39. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text published in the January 16, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 285) and will not be republished.
Reasoned Justification. The adopted rules implement Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629 (89th Regular Session, 2025), which amend provisions in Chapter 55, Texas Occupations Code, relating to Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses. To implement Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629, the Board adopted amendments to 22 TAC §5.39.
SB 1818 mandates the prompt issuance of a provisional registration to an applicant under §55.004 or §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code if the agency is unable to promptly issue a license or recognition of an out-of-state license, respectively. A provisional license expires the earlier of the date the license is issued or recognition is granted, or the 180th day after the date the provisional registration is issued. These requirements are adopted in 22 TAC §5.39(b).
Under HB 5629, amendments to §55.004, Texas Occupations Code, mandate licensing agencies issue a license to a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse who holds a license in good standing in another state with a similar scope of practice to Texas. Amendments to §55.0041, Texas Occupations Code, allow a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse to practice in Texas under an out-of-state license without having to become registered in Texas, and provides procedures for recognizing the out-of-state license. These requirements are adopted in 22 TAC §5.39(c).
Additionally, HB 5629 adds §55.0042, Texas Occupations Code, which specifies how "good standing" is determined, which is adopted in 22 TAC §5.39(a)(3), and the bill also added §55.0043, Texas Occupations Code, which requires that agencies track and publish complaints made against a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse. The law also modifies §55.005(a), Texas Occupations Code, which requires agencies to process applications and issue registrations for qualified applicants within 10 business days instead of 30, which is adopted in 22 TAC §5.39(b)(3) and §5.39(c)(4). Finally, HB 5629 modifies §55.009, Texas Occupations Code to waive application fees for any individual who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse which is adopted in 22 TAC §5.39(f).
Summary of Comments. The Board did not receive any comments on the proposed rule.
Statutory Authority. The amendment of §5.39 is adopted under §1051.202, Texas Occupations Code, which authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as necessary to regulate the practice of registered interior design; and §§55.004, 55.0041, 55.0042, 55.0043, 55.005, and 55.009, Texas Occupations Code, which relate to the Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 9, 2026.
TRD-202601136
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Effective date: March 29, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 16, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-9040
PART 22. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
CHAPTER 501. RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §501.51 concerning Preamble and General Principle, without changes to the proposed text as published in the February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 682) and will not be republished.
The AICPA establishes best practices standards for attest services. The proposed rule revision makes it clear that a licensee is required to follow the AICPA's published standards.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601175
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §501.75 concerning Confidential Client Communications, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 683) and will not be republished.
The Public Accountancy Act requires licensees to maintain the confidentiality of client information without the client's permission. For clarity the Board is requiring the licensee to only share confidential information with a third party with the client's written permission and the proposed revision identifies examples of who the licensee's authorized representative may be.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601176
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
CHAPTER 505. THE BOARD
22 TAC §505.10The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §505.10 concerning Board Committees, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 685) and will not be republished.
The Public Accountancy Act requires licensees to maintain the confidentiality of client information without the client's permission. For clarity the Board is requiring the licensee to only share confidential information with a third party with the client's written permission and the proposed revision identifies examples of who the licensee's authorized representative may be.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601177
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
CHAPTER 518. UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
22 TAC §518.2The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §518.2 concerning Agreed Consent Orders, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 688) and will not be republished.
No person shall offer accounting services in Texas or hold themselves out to be a CPA or an accountant or to suggest they have an expertise in accounting unless they are licensed by the Board as a CPA. To prevent the unlicensed practice of public accountancy the Board no longer issues Cease and Desist Orders. Instead, the board will take a non-licensee ignoring the Board's efforts to obtain compliance with state law to state district court to seek an injunction. This is an expedited method to achieve compliance with state law and eliminates the unnecessary step of the Cease and Desist Order.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601178
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
22 TAC §518.3
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §518.3 concerning Agreed Consent Order Violations, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 689) and will not be republished.
No person shall offer accounting services in Texas or hold themselves out to be a CPA or an accountant or to suggest they have an expertise in accounting unless they are licensed by the Board as a CPA. To prevent the unlicensed practice of public accountancy the Board no longer issues Cease and Desist Orders. Instead, the board will take a non-licensee ignoring the Board's efforts to obtain compliance with state law to state district court to seek an injunction. This is an expedited method to achieve compliance with state law and eliminates the unnecessary step of the Cease and Desist Order.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601179
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
22 TAC §518.4
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §518.4 concerning Injunctive Relief and Penalties, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 690) and will not be republished.
No person shall offer accounting services in Texas or hold themselves out to be a CPA or an accountant or to suggest they have an expertise in accounting unless they are licensed by the Board as a CPA. To prevent the unlicensed practice of public accountancy the Board no longer issues Cease and Desist Orders. Instead, the board will take a non-licensee ignoring the Board's efforts to obtain compliance with state law to state district court to seek an injunction. This is an expedited method to achieve compliance with state law and eliminates the unnecessary step of the Cease and Desist Order.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601180
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
22 TAC §518.5
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §518.5 concerning Unlicensed Entities, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 691) and will not be republished.
The unlicensed practice of public accountancy includes the use of restricted terms such as accountant or accountancy and is not permitted.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601181
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
22 TAC §518.6
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §518.6 concerning Administrative Penalty Guidelines for the Unauthorized Practice of Public Accountancy, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 692) and will not be republished.
No person shall offer accounting services in Texas or hold themselves out to be a CPA or an accountant or to suggest they have an expertise in accounting unless they are licensed by the Board as a CPA. To prevent the unlicensed practice of public accountancy the Board no longer issues Cease and Desist Orders. Instead, the board will take a non-licensee ignoring the Board's efforts to obtain compliance with state law to state district court to seek an injunction. This is an expedited method to achieve compliance with state law and eliminates the unnecessary step of the Cease and Desist Order.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601182
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
CHAPTER 520. PROVISIONS FOR THE ACCOUNTING STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
22 TAC §520.2The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §520.2 concerning Definitions, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 693) and will not be republished.
Student Aid Index is a Department of Education term used in student aid for funding education and is more comprehensive in determining the amount of financial aid a student may be eligible for than simply family's contribution to a student.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601183
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
22 TAC §520.3
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §520.3 concerning Institutions for the Accounting Students Scholarship Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 695) and will not be republished.
Student Aid Index is a Department of Education term used in student aid for funding education and is more comprehensive in determining the amount of financial aid a student may be eligible for than simply family's contribution to a student.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601184
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
22 TAC §520.4
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts an amendment to §520.4 concerning Eligible Students for the Accounting Students Scholarship Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in February 6, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 696) and will not be republished.
Replaces family contribution with the student aid index which is a conventional student aid term and clarifies that the cumulative grade point average is tied to student aid.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
The amendment is adopted under the Public Accountancy Act (Act), Texas Occupations Code, §901.151 and §901.655 which provides the agency with the authority to amend, adopt and repeal rules deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the Act.
No other article, statute or code is affected by the adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601185
J. Randel (Jerry) Hill
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: February 6, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 305-7842
PART 39. TEXAS BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENTISTS
CHAPTER 851. TEXAS BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENTISTS LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT RULES
SUBCHAPTER
A.
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG), Adoption of amendment, TAC §851.10, concerning Definitions for Texas Professional Geoscientists, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 23, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 401). This rule will not be republished.
This section establishes definitions for Emeritus and Distinguished status. The adopted amendment will allow TBPG to recognize licensees with established periods of exemplary public geoscience work.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.
This section is adopted under the Texas Geoscience Practice Act, Occupations Code §1002.151. which authorizes the Board to adopt and enforce all rules consistent with the Act as necessary for the performance of its duties; §1002.255. which authorizes the Board to establish license eligibility requirements, and §1002.259. which authorizes the Board to waive any requirement for licensure except for the payment of required fees.
This section affects the Texas Geoscience Practice Act, Occupations Code §§1002.151. and 1002.259.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601171
Katie Colby
Licensing Specialist
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 23, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 936-4428
SUBCHAPTER
B.
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG), Adoption of New Rule, TAC §851.24, concerning Emeritus and Distinguished recognition program for Texas Professional Geoscientists, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 23, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 404). This rule will not be republished.
This section establishes requirements and qualifications for Emeritus and Distinguished status. The adopted rule will allow TBPG to recognize licensees with established periods of exemplary public geoscience work.
No comments were received regarding adoption of the new rule.
This section is adopted under the Texas Geoscience Practice Act, Occupations Code §1002.151, which authorizes the Board to adopt and enforce all rules consistent with the Act as necessary for the performance of its duties; §1002.255, which authorizes the Board to establish license eligibility requirements, and §1002.259, which authorizes the Board to waive any requirement for licensure except for the payment of required fees.
This section affects the Texas Geoscience Practice Act, Occupations Code §§1002.151 and 1002.259.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 12, 2026.
TRD-202601172
Katie Colby
Licensing Specialist
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
Effective date: April 1, 2026
Proposal publication date: January 23, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 936-4428