Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation Meeting Agenda

Videoconference Meeting
COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
March 3, 2021 8:30 a.m.

This meeting will take place via videoconference and will be broadcast on TDLR’s YouTube channel. The meeting agenda and materials are available on the Department’s webpage at www.tdlr.texas.gov . If you need materials in an alternate format contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at least 5 working days before the meeting date. Phone: (512) 463-6599, E-MAIL: open.meetings@tdlr.texas.gov , TDD/RELAY TEXAS: 1-800-relay-VV (for voice), 1-800-relay-TX (for TDD).

Due to the current disaster and the upcoming TDLR Meeting, the Executive Board meeting for March is cancelled. We ask all to join us for the TDLR Meeting on Wednesday March 3 at 8:30am

TDLR Launches A New Records Center for Receiving and

Processing Open Records Requests

Members of the media and public can now submit Texas Public Information/Open Records requests online using the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Records Center (ORC) instead of filing requests by email, mail, fax or in person.  The TDLR Records Center is powered by GovQA. The ORC is a user-friendly, web-based, self-service, more effective and efficient means for submitting your requests for records under the Texas Public Information/Open Records Act (TXPIA). You can visit the ORC at:  TDLR Records Center

The benefits of using the TDLR Records Center for your record requests needs include: 

(1) The ability to refine requests for records to avoid misunderstandings or lack of clarity regarding the records sought.

(2) This web-based platform offers options to tailor requests based on your specific records needs.  For example, if you are seeking a list of directory information for a particular set of licensees, there is a tab on the home page that will allow you submit this type of requests.

(3) The platform includes self-service options that will permit you to submit your request, track its progress, access correspondence related to your request, receive email updates or responses from TDLR about your request, and download the requested records through this centralized processing location.

(4)  If providing the requested information will result in costs, as permitted under the TXPIA, this secure, web-based portal will also provide the convenience of online payment options.

TDLR processes thousands of Open Records requests annually, and TDLR staff work diligently to clarify each request and to make sure that requests are fulfilled in accordance with the TXPIA.  The ORC provides a centralized and secure public records portal. The ORC will allow TDLR staff to more efficiently process and respond to requests, which may also reduce the wait-time for requestors to receive records. Implementing the TDLR ORC, will further TDLR’s commitment toward maintaining open and transparent, cost efficient delivery of exceptional customer service in fulfilling requests in accordance with Texas law.

You may access the ORC to create an account and submit requests beginning today at:  TDLR Records Center

The link above provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), including a guide for submitting your request under the topic, “How do I Submit a Records Request?”  

On November 23, 2020, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation passed an emergency rule related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this rule, all TDLR licensees with a renewable license that expired between August 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 are considered to hold an emergency license valid for up to 120 days after their license expiration date.

This extra time is to allow those who are waiting for their license to be renewed by TDLR to continue working with a valid license as TDLR navigates workflow challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Current license expiration dates will not change, and any late fees accrued will not be waived. All licensees should still renew their licenses in accordance with their regular expiration dates.

TDLR will not issue printed emergency licenses, and licensees are not required to post or display proof of an emergency license. An online database of all emergency licenses is available below. Anyone needing verification or authorization for an emergency license should be directed to this page.

Please note:

• The TDLR License Search database information will not reflect the emergency license, and expiration dates for the original license will not change.
• Under this emergency authorization, if your license expired between August 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, you will still be able to work for up to 120 days after your expiration date while your renewal is being processed. If TDLR makes a final determination that your renewal application is denied, you will no longer be able to work under the emergency license.
• Due to COVID-19, TDLR is facing an unprecedented challenge with processing paper renewals and applications. We strongly encourage everyone who can renew online to take advantage of this option. TDLR’s online renewal portal accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard and Visa branded gift cards.
• TDLR is working as quickly as possible to process all payments that are included with your application. Please be advised that stopping payment through your financial institution will delay and/or stop your application from processing.

Here is the link to the article on TDLR's website.

https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/emergency-licenses.htm

TDLR has planned the Sunset Review meeting for Wednesday January 13, 2021 at 11:00am.  Although the mold industry is not slotted to be discussed during the meeting, TMARA will be viewing the meeting in case there is a change.  The meeting is broadcast live and can be viewed on the following link:   https://house.texas.gov/video-audio/ 

In previous meetings, the Sunset Review has discussed moving the mold industry to other State authorities and deregulating the industry. TMARA Board members are actively pursuing the best course of action for the mold industry at large.  The on-going discussions with TDLR and other State authorities is a direct result of the actions of Mold Accessors and Remediators participating in the hearings in previous sessions. TMARA is working hard for you and for all Texans!