By: Bell of Montgomery H.B. No. 5241 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the expenses and methods of financing the operations of certain state licensing or regulatory agencies and related agencies. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 51, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 51.1031 to read as follows: Sec. 51.1031. EXPENSE SHARING ARRANGEMENT. The executive director may enter into an agreement with another state agency to share costs and expenses. SECTION 2. Section 101.006, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 101.006. BUDGET. The council shall adopt an annual budget that is funded by a prorated assessment paid by the regulatory agencies listed in Section 101.002 and as may be provided by the general appropriations act. SECTION 3. Chapter 101, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 101.0061 to read as follows: Sec. 101.0061. EXPENSE SHARING ARRANGEMENT. The council may enter into an agreement with another state agency to share costs and expenses. SECTION 4. Section 201.153, Occupations Code, is amended by adding a Subsection (b) to read as follows: (b) The board by rule may set temporary fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to cover nonrecurring costs of administering this chapter. SECTION 5. Chapter 801, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 801.1021 to read as follows: Sec. 801.1021. EXPENSE SHARING ARRANGEMENT. The executive director may enter into an agreement with another state agency to share costs and expenses. SECTION 6. Section 801.154, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 801.154. FEES. The board by rule shall set fees in amounts that are reasonable and necessary so that the fees, in the aggregate, cover the costs of administering this chapter. The board by rule may set temporary fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to cover nonrecurring costs of administering this chapter. SECTION 7. Chapter 1002, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 1002.1031 to read as follows: Sec. 1002.1031. EXPENSE SHARING ARRANGEMENT. The executive director may enter into an agreement with another state agency to share costs and expenses. SECTION 8. Section 1002.152, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 1002.152. FEES. The board may set reasonable and necessary fees to be charged applicants and license holders under this chapter, including fees for application, examination, licensure, and renewal of a license. The board shall base a fee for examination in a discipline of geoscience on the costs associated with preparing, administering, and grading that examination. The board by rule may set temporary fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to cover nonrecurring costs of administering this chapter. SECTION 9. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.