TREC proposes rule changes to support new online licensing system; committees report on broker, exams and inspector updates

The Texas Real Estate Commission on May 5 voted to publish multiple proposed rule amendments intended to support a new online licensing system and to update form references; commissioners also heard reports from advisory committees on broker licensing, education, inspector standards and a Texas A&M research center economic briefing.

Commissioners authorized staff to publish proposed amendments to several rule sections of 22 TAC chapter 535 and related chapters (including sections addressing provider requirements, delivery methods, forms and fees) that reflect the agency's transition from paper forms and mailed checks to an online submission and payment model. The changes clarify that the commission may accept applications and payments through a process acceptable to the commission and add notice that online payments may include a convenience or subscription fee charged by the Texas Department of Information Resources.

The rule proposal votes were taken across several agenda items. Motions to publish the proposed amendments for public comment passed in open session as follows: Chapter 535 amendments (motion by Commissioner Renee Harvey Lowe; second by Commissioner Brown), rules affecting proctoring and course delivery recommended by ESAC and the Inspector Committee (motion by Commissioner Pena; second by Commissioner Woodruff), chapter 537 form updates (motion by Commissioner Arner; second by Commissioner Woodruff), criminal-history evaluation letters (5.41.2) (motion by Commissioner Lerner; second by Commissioner Renee Harvey Lowe), and business-entity registration and related rules (chapter 543) (motion by Commissioner Brown; second by Commissioner Woodruff). Each motion carried on voice vote.

Why it matters: the changes are intended to match TREC's processes to a new licensing platform (referred to by staff as Acela during committee briefings) that will let applicants, education providers and…