TDLR adopts multiple rule changes, updates penalty matrices and readopts rules after four‑year review

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation commission approved a series of rule packages, penalty‑matrix updates and a multi‑chapter four‑year rule review at its recent meeting.

Key adoptions and administrative actions included:

- Automotive parts recyclers (catalytic‑converter rules): The commission adopted record‑keeping requirements tied to catalytic converter transactions, clarifying that automotive recyclers must maintain transaction records for two years and remove vehicle registration stickers as part of intake procedures. The rules were presented as part of implementation of recent state law addressing catalytic converter theft.

- Athletic trainers: Amendments updated license renewal and standards of practice to require an affirmation that services will follow physician‑delegated authority documentation, adjusted temporary license expiration timing for candidates who have passed the written exam and clarified continuing competency timelines.

- Hearing instrument fitters and dispensers: The commission revised continuing education (CE) requirements and moved to a framework that reduces agency review of individually submitted CE courses; CE provider renewal periods and registration fees were adjusted, and the rule package reflected changes required by sunset legislation.

- Veterinary board technical change: The commission adopted an amendment extending the period in which a veterinary applicant may submit an expected‑graduation confirmation from 60 to 120 days to accommodate veterinary schools that proctor board exams earlier in the calendar year.

- Penalty‑matrix updates for hearing instrument fitters and dispensers: The department updated citations and added CE‑related violations to the enforcement penalty matrix.

- Four‑year rule review: TDLR reported results of a statutorily required four‑year review across 12 rule chapters and recommended readoption in their current form, while noting public comments will be addressed in future rulemaking when substantive changes are proposed.

Staff presentations identified the Texas Register publication dates and noted minimal public comment on most packages; several packages were recommended by advisory bodies and adopted without substantive public objection. Commissioners moved and approved the rule packages and penalty‑matrix update by voice vote.

Why it matters: The rule changes implement statutory directives (for example, catalytic‑converter recordkeeping), clarify professional practice expectations and update administrative processes for continuing education and provider registration. The veterinary timing change directly affects how veterinary students may schedule board exams around campus externship calendars.

Votes at a glance: - Automotive parts recyclers (catalytic converter rules): adopted. - Athletic trainers rule amendments: adopted (effective date recommended 06/01/2025). - Hearing instrument fitters/dispenser CE and provider fee changes: adopted (effective date recommended 05/15/2025). - Veterinary license graduation confirmation extension: adopted (effective date recommended 05/15/2025). - Penalty‑matrix updates (hearing instrument fitters/dispensers): adopted. - Four‑year rule readoption of 12 chapters: adopted (effective date recommended 05/01/2025).

Commission staff said rule packages will be posted as published in the Texas Register and that where comments were received, the department will consider them for possible future rulemaking.