Licensing In Texas - Update

[Delta Kits]

Quote from the NWRA:

NWRA member Eileen Smith met with Texas Glass Association members Donald Day and Jerry Rice of Monday, April 25, 2005 to discuss changes in the language regarding windshield repair in TX SB305, Glass Model Licensing Act. Mr. Jerry Rice and Mr. Donald Day were scheduled to present their final version of the bill to Texas Senator Ken Armbrister on the following day, Tuesday, April 26th.

Ms. Smith reviewed

[Bois]

I printed off a revised copy of TX SB 305 (April 22, 2005) and made some comparisons to the original. The revised copy still shows 2 replacement, 2 repair, 2 glazier and 3 public members to the board. I don't know were NWRA got their concerns.

I agree with NWRA that replacement technicians can also do repairs. It's sort of hidden in the definitions. The revised bill still contains separate repair licensing.

I don't see any changes to training or licensing requirements.

Still no "grandfathering" per se. However, Section 4 states that a person may apply for a license before 6/1/06 if he/she holds a current auto glass repair, auto glass replacement, or glass installer certification issued by the NGA or other certification approved by the board and if such certification is dated no later than 9/1/05. The big question becomes what will be the "other certification approved by the board?" For me, I may take the NWRA's certification this summer to be on the safe side.

There is a Bill Analysis which states the Sponsor's Statement of Intent. Included in the Statement are these statistics from the NHTSA: 2,663 lives lost during the 4 year period 2000 to 2003 due to occupant ejection through the windshield.

Dale...

[Delta Kits]

Dale,

This notice from the NWRA was put out today, regarding a meeting yesterday. I seriously doubt the updated SB 305 will be posted until later. As you said, it's dated last Friday.

[Layne]

Dale:

I wonder what the relationship of the windshield has to do with the statistics they quoted as to fatalities from ejection through the windshield?

As a retired Safety Professional I submit a clearer view of fatality causation analysis and related factors:

1. The occupant did not use the restraint system.

2. Ejection in the forward direction would be a result of a frontal collision with sufficient force to render severe bodily injury and death from collision with secondary objects.

Any reasonable analyst would not find suitable factors to conclude that repair to the windshield was a contributing cause to the fatality.

[Delta Kits]

The quoted fatalities are typically quoted regarding replacements, not repairs.

Let's keep this about the Texas legislation specifically. Thanks!

[Bois]

On 4/29, the Texas Senate passed SB 305, as amended, and has sent the bill to the House for action.

Repair has been deleted from the bill (good news?).

If you want to read the changes, go to http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/sjrnl/79 ... df#page=48. Pages 48-50 show changes.

Dale...

[Delta Kits]

To add to what Bois said, there is a provision in this bill specifically exempting repair only technicians from licensing.

[mafsu]

I think that is very good news

[scratchy]

That is good news! Way to go Bois for keeping up on this.

[clear]

does this mean that the class certification given by delta will be accepted by the state board license