The Proposed Guest speaker for this week, Billy Delgado,
was unable to make it due to weather conditions.
VP David Walker stepped in on his behalf, with a presentation
on the History of Texas Architectural Barriers ACT. Below are
the highlights David's presentation.
-The original Act was authorized by the Senate Bill 111,
61st Legislature in 1969, All buildings and facilities that are constructed or that
are substantially renovated with public funds. Included self-governing provision
for the University of Texas system. The Bill identified the State Building Commission
as the enforcing agency.
- In 1971 the Bill was expanded to include buildings and facilities leased by State
agencies.
- Another Statutory change occurred in 1977. Authorized by the Senate Bill 773, 65th
Legislature, included building types constructed after January 1, 1978. Specifically,
shopping centers, transportation terminals, theaters and auditoriums, hospitals and
related medical facilities, nursing homes, office buildings, funeral homes, commercial
business and trade schools. This Act also included a court injunction to compel
compliance.
- In 1979, the House Bill 1673, 66th Legislature, abolished the State Board of Control
and created the State Purchasing and General Services Commission to administer
the same general programs and activities including the Elimination of Architectural
Barriers Program. Also, the Commission adopted accessibility standards and
specifications that would be consistent in effect to those adopted by the American
National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI).
- In 1981, Senate Bill 5 , 67th Legislature, Reduced county population criteria to 45,000,
and granted the Commission the authority to modify or waive standards and specifications
in privately owned buildings and facilities covered by the law.
- House Bill 39, 72nd Legislature (second called session), transferred the Elimination of
Architectural Barriers Program to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Also
provisions for fees, inspections and penalties were provided. The self-governing provision
for the University of Texas system was removed.
- In 1993, the Senate Bill 540, 73rd Legislature, changed the application commercial facilities.
The Bill also places the responsibility for submitting construction documents on interior designers.
- The Texas Commission of licensing and Regulation Adopted the Texas Accessibility Standards
(TAS), in 1993.
- The House Bills 580 and 2493, 75th Legislature, in 1997 , expanded parking requirements for
state occupied facilities, including state leases and requires inspection prior to occupancy.
- The Senate Bill 959, 76st Legislature which was passed in 1999, places responsibility for
submitting construction documents on landscape architects, who have overall responsibility
for the design. This Bill also requires the owner to submit proof that construction documents
have been submitted to TDLR when applying for a local building permit.
VP David Walker received a four-way-test pin from President, Michelle Maresh-Fuehrer for
his presentation..
