One of the biggest changes to the Texas Residential Construction Industry during the past legislative session was a bill that did not pass. The Texas Residential Construction Commission's "Sunset" bill did not pass. As a result the agency and the laws administered by the agency related to the agency cease to be effective on September 1, 2009.

At its June 11, 2009 meeting, the Texas Residential Construction Commission announced a general timeline and action plan related to the closing of the agency and the performance of its duties.

Among the deadlines:

• The commission will not be accepting new inspection requests after August 31, 2009. Inspection requests will be scheduled for inspection as soon as possible following commission rules, policies and procedures; and the agency's Ombudsmen will actively process complaints and post-inspection actions through August 31, 2010.
• All new homes and projects completed by August 31, 2009 still must be registered with the commission;
• All new builder registrations and timely renewal registration applications will still be accepted by the commission through August 31, 2009. The fees for these applications will be prorated.

The TRCC website (www.TexasRCC.org.) will provide updates on the agency's closure. Look for additional information and updates on the impact of the end of the TRCC and the new legal landscape facing Texas residential builders here shortly.