Records Appraisal Report:
State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Contents of this report
Agency Contact | Agency History | Project Review | Record Series Reviews
Internal links to series reviews
Board members - current and past
Biennium budget requests
Meeting minutes
Register, Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses
Analysis of exam by UT
Blueprints, Miniature houses
Field reports
Annual financial records
Strategic plans
Archival finding aid
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners: An Inventory of Records at the Texas State Archives, 1947-2002 (bulk 1989-2000)
April 18, 1996, Laura K. Saegert, Appraisal Archivist
Agency Contact
This agency contact information was current at the time of the report but may have changed in the interim. Please call (512-463-5455) for current contact information of the agency's records manager or records liaison for these records.
Ernest Pereyra
Chief Fiscal Officer
929 E. 41st Street
Austin, TX 78751
Agency History and Structure
The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. It is composed of nine members (original board had six members, increased to nine in the 1980s), appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member is to have ten years experience as a master plumber; one a plumbing contractor with five years experience; one a certified journeyman plumber with five years experience; one a licensed sanitary engineer; two members must be building contractors with five years contracting experience--one at home building, the other at commercial building; and one with five years experience as a plumbing inspector. Two members represent the general public. The members elect the chair.
The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. Until recently, the Plumbing License Law only applied to cities of more than 5,000, but encouraged smaller municipalities to voluntarily adopt its provisions and plumbing codes. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature changed the law to require all cities, towns, villages, and owners of public water systems to utilize a plumbing code similar to the state code.
Also in 1993, the 73rd Legislature directed the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to regulate the installation of piping used to transport gases for medical purposes to safeguard the public against the unintended cross-connection of breathable and lethal medical gases. This Legislature also instructed the Board to issue endorsements to inspect public water systems, valid for three years, to master and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
The Board is headed by an administrator, who works with a staff of eighteen. There are three units - Examinations Unit, Fiscal Unit, and Field Services Unit.
Project Review
I was assigned to review the records of this agency in November, 1995. I have reviewed the agency history in the Guide to Texas State Agencies (1992, 7th edition and 1993, 8th edition); Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101; General Laws, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, Senate Bill 118, 1947; 22 Texas Administrative Code, Part XVII; several reports produced by the State Board of Plumbing Examiners--Annual financial report 1994, Request for Legislative Appropriations for FY 1996/97, and the Strategic Plan for 1995-1999; and the Sunset Commission report on the agency, 1979. I have reviewed the destruction requests from the State Board of Plumbing Examiners, its records retention schedule, and the records of the Board already housed in the State Archives.
On the current schedule of the Board there are five series designated as archival, 'A' code, and five series designated for archival review, 'R' code. The archival series are: Biennial budget requests, Meeting agenda, Meeting minutes, Analysis of exam by UT, and Blueprints-Miniature houses. The archival review series are: Board members-current and past, Correspondence-Administrative, Reports-Administrative, Register-Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses, and Field reports.
I prepared a list of questions concerning series on the retention schedule with archival codes of 'R' or 'A' and mailed these along with our letter of introduction to Gilbert Kissling, Administrator of the Board on February 16, 1996.
On March 28, 1996, the records consultant, Kay Steed, and myself met with the agency's records administrator, Ernest Pereyra to ask questions about the archival status of several records series and explain about the appraisal process. I went over the questions I had prepared regarding the 'A' and 'R' series, and was able to gather some of the information I needed for preparing this report. During the meeting it was discovered that several 'R' series were empty series. Action taken concerning these series is detailed in the Project Outcome section of this report.
I also inquired into the possible existence of fairly common series which do not appear on the schedule--Speeches, Press releases, Executive orders, Organization charts, and Policy manuals. The Board does not produce records for the first three series. A copy of the Organization chart of the agency is filed in the Board's annual financial report, which fulfills its archival mandate. Regarding Policy manuals, they do have a new personnel manual, but not a manual of policies and procedures covering the direct functions of their licensing and regulation activities. Written procedures for these functions exist, generally written by the staff member carrying out the functions, or a supervisor. These procedures are not compiled together in any particular format, rather each staff member has a copy of the procedures needed for his individual tasks. The Board reviews signicant policies which concern rule changes, but not procudures for carrying out routine functions in the agency. Board actions concerning rule changes are discussed in the minutes.
I made several follow-up calls after the meeting to gather the remaining information I needed to complete the appraisal report.
In addition to the scheduled 'A' and 'R' series, I have prepared an appraisal series report for one series not coded as archival on the schedule, but which is deemed a permanent record--Annual financial records (which is actually the annual financial report); and a series report for a permanent series which needs to be added to the schedule, Strategic plans.
The records administrator will be sending us copies of minutes from their holdings, dating 1948-1987 and 1991-1995, then regularly after the board's meetings.
Archives holdings
Minutes, October 1987-September, 1991 This series contains minutes, committee reports, and meeting agenda from meetings of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Previous destructions
Several destruction requests have been submitted by the Board. In 1986 a request was submitted for the destruction of fiscal records, forms, outdated licenses and renewal notices, dating 1978-1985. This was approved. Additional requests in 1986 requested destruction of paper copies of active journeyman and master files, undated. Microfilm copies of these files are kept. These requests were approved. Requests in 1988 were for the destruction of fiscal records, mileage reports, voided licenses, damaged renewal notices, defective license forms, roster cards, dating 1980-1987; daily license registers, 1961-1984; and paper copies of active journeyman and master files, undated. These were approved. Requests in 1989 were for the destruction of fiscal records, obsolete paper licenses, plumbing license stickers, and reports on small businesses, dating 1951-1986, inclusive; computer cover sheets on licenses, 1986; and paper copies of active journeyman files, undated. These were approved.
Project outcome
The appraisal of the agency has been completed. A summary of actions for the agency to take is given for the series reviewed.
I am recommending we keep the following series on the schedule as archival, Meeting minutes. This series already has an archival code of 'A'.
Series 111 Meeting minutes - Send copies to the Archives, preferably on a annual basis, or else regularly after the board meetings. As this series now includes the Meeting agenda, change the series title on the schedule to Meeting minutes and agenda. Send copies of minutes from past meetings, dating 1948-1987 and 1991-1995, at the Board's earliest convenience.
Three other archival series have their archival requirement met by sending copies of publications to the Publications Clearinghouse. These series are Biennium budget requests, Annual financial records, and Strategic plans, a series to be added to the schedule.
Series 104 Biennium budget requests - Change the name to Biennial budget requests. The Clearinghouse does not hold copies of this report prior to 1983/84. Send copies of past reports to the Clearinghouse. Change the note in the Remarks section to "Copy sent to Publications Clearinghouse fulfills the archival mandate".
Series 102 Annual financial records - Change the name to Annual financial reports. The Clearinghouse does not hold copies of this report prior to 1973. Send copies of past reports to the Clearinghouse. Change the note in the remarks section to "Copy sent to Publications Clearinghouse fulfills the archival mandate."
No series number Strategic plans - This series needs to be added to the schedule, with an Archival Code of 'A', a 'PM' retention, and this note in the Remarks section, "Copy sent to Publications Clearinghouse fulfills the archival mandate."
One of the archival review series has been determined to have archival value - Board members - current and past.
Series 103 Board members - current and past - Revise the archival code from 'R' to 'A'. Change the retention period from 'PM' to three years following the end of the Board member's term. Change the name to Correspondence, Administrative - Board members. Transfer to the State Archives those files for Board members whose terms have been expired for at least three years.
The following 'R' series should be considered as non-archival and the 'R' code removed from the records retention schedule. These series are: Register, Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses, and Field reports. These are both electronic records and need to have several changes made on the retention schedule to reflect their electronic status.
Series 412 Register, Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses - Change title to Roster, Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses. Remove the archival code of 'R', change Medium code to 'E', add notes to Remarks column, "Hard copy made available on request", and change the Retention period to 'US'.
Series 602 Field reports - Remove the archival code of 'R', change Medium code to 'E', and change the Retention period to 'US'.
Two series with the Archival Code of 'A' have been determined to be non-archival and should have the 'A' code removed from the records retention schedule. Earlier preliminary appraisal reports (in 1989) had assigned an archival code of 'A' to these series. The in-depth analysis done in this report has determined these series to be non-archival. These series are: Analysis of exam by UT, and Blueprints, Miniature houses.
Series 501 Analysis of exam by UT - This series has been appraised as non-archival. The 'A' code can be removed from the schedule. Remove notes in Remarks column. Summary information from the reports should be available in the Board's minutes. A review of the Board's minutes will be done when the minutes are received. If sufficient documentation of this process is not found, the series will be reappraised.
Series 503 Blueprints, Miniature houses - This series has been appraised as non-archival. The 'A' code can be removed from the schedule. Remove notes in Remarks column.
Several series with the Archival Code of 'A' or 'R' were determined to be empty series. A summary of action to be taken regarding series in these categories follows.
Series 110 Meeting agenda - This series has been combined with Meeting minutes. This series should be removed from the retention schedule.
Series 105 Correspondence, Administrative - This is an empty series. This series should be removed from the retention schedule.
Series 116 Reports, Administrative - This is an empty series. It was on the schedule in place of the series Agency publications. Remove this series from the schedule and reinstate if the agency begins creating administrative reports.
Add the series Agency Publications, with a note in the Remarks column "Agency of origin retains the permanent record copy and send required copies to the Publications Clearinghouse, Texas State Library, by law (Tex. Gov. Code 441.101)." This series does not carry an archival code.
The note in the Remarks column needs to be changed in Series 401, Active master/journeyman/inspector files. The note "Deceased to Archives for review" can be deleted. These files are not archival and the board can continue its practice of destroying the paper copies after the files have been microfilmed.
Record Series Reviews
Records Series Review
Series Title: Board members - current and past
Dates: c. 1948-[ongoing]
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices permanently. The present holdings are c. 1948-[ongoing], 0.5 cubic feet.
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Description: This is administrative correspondence of the members of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Dates covered are c. 1948-[ongoing]. There are incoming and outgoing letters, primarily with other state agencies and officials, concerning the transaction of Board duties by the Board members. Materials are filed by Board member. Each file also contains a photograph of the Board member.
Purpose: This series documents board members' actions in the handling of the agency's functions in regulating the plumbing business.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. It is composed of nine members (original board had six members, increased to nine in the 1980s), appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member is to have ten years experience as a master plumber; one a plumbing contractor with five years experience; one a certified journeyman plumber with five years experience; one a licensed sanitary engineer; two members must be building contractors with five years contracting experience--one at home building, the other at commercial building; and one with five years experience as a plumbing inspector. Two members represent the general public. The members elect the chair.
The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature directed the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to regulate the installation of piping used to transport gases for medical purposes to safeguard the public against the unintended cross-connection of breathable and lethal medical gases. This Legislature also instructed the Board to issue endorsements to inspect public water systems, valid for three years, to master and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101., Sections 4 and 5.
Arrangement: Arranged by Board member. Further arrangement appears to be by term, with the newest Board member's files in the back of the drawer.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Board members, current and past
Series item number: 3.3
Agency item number: 103
Archival code: R
Retention: PM
Recommendation: This correspondence documents actions of the Board members and the relationship of the Board with other state agencies. The agency does not have an administrative correspondence series, so this is the highest level correspondence series available. I recommend this series be designated as archival and the Archival Code on the retention schedule be changed to 'A'. I further recommend the title be changed to Correspondence, Administrative - Board members. The series item number should be changed to 1.1.007. These changes more accurately reflect the contents of this series.
Transfer to the State Archives those files for Board members whose terms have been expired for at least three years. Although the Board considers these to be permanent records, the retention period should be changed. The materials are arranged by Board members, so the period should reflect the end of the member's term, plus 3 years. The records consultant can assist the records administrator in determining the best retention period for these records.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Biennium budget requests
Dates: 1948-[ongoing]
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices for six years after passage of the Appropriation Act according to the retention schedule. Actual holdings of the agency are 1948-[ongoing], 2.5 cubic feet.
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publications Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse holds 1983/84-[ongoing]. Two copies of Requests for Legislative Appropriations must be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse (13 Texas Administrative Code, Section 3.3 (c)).
Description: These records are legislative appropriation requests of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners submitted to the Legislative Budget Board and others. The records date from 1948-[ongoing]. The requests generally contain narrative statements of agency functions or programs. Program objectives are listed, along with a description of each objective, discussions of performance measures, statistics, program need indicators, and expenses--expended, current, and projected, at different funding levels.
Purpose: The purpose of these records is to request specific appropriations from the legislature and to provide justification for the amounts requested.
Agency Program: Biennial budget requests are a mandatory requirement of the state budgetary process. The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature directed the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to regulate the installation of piping used to transport gases for medical purposes to safeguard the public against the unintended cross-connection of breathable and lethal medical gases. This Legislature also instructed the Board to issue endorsements to inspect public water systems, valid for three years, to master and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101.
Arrangement: Chronologically, by fiscal year.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: The Publications Clearinghouse does not hold copies prior to FY 1983/84.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: Legislative Budget Board, Legislative Budget Estimates have been published since fiscal years 1954 and 1955. This publication, a compilation of data for all state agencies, summarizes the fiscal information found in agency-submitted budgets or appropriation requests, but omits most of the narrative.
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Biennium budget requests
Series item number: 1.1.004
Agency item number: 104
Archival code: A
Retention: AC+6
Recommendation: Biennial budget requests prepared by state agency boards and/or commissions provide evidence of an agency's fiscal performance and needs. The archival requirement for these records is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publications Clearinghouse of the Texas State Library.
Change the name of the series to Biennial budget requests. The note on the schedule needs to be changed to read "Copies sent to the Publications Clearinghouse fulfill the archival mandate." If the Board has duplicate copies of the requests prior to FY 1983/84, they should be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Meeting minutes
Dates: 1948-[ongoing]
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices permanently. The present holdings of the agency are 1948-[ongoing], 10 cubic feet.
Archival holdings: Minutes, October 1987-September 1991. The files include minutes of the Board and its standing committees, meeting agenda, copies of correspondence to the Board discussed at the meeting, and quarterly statistics on exams.
Description: The files include minutes of the Board and its standing committees, meeting agenda, copies of correspondence to the Board discussed at the meeting, and quarterly statistics on exams. Dates covered are 1948-[ongoing]. Items discussed at the meetings include applications, issuance of plumbing licenses, investigation of violations of the Plumbing License Law, examinations, continuing education, and changes to rules and regulations.
Purpose: This series documents the decisions of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners formulated at their board meetings.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. It is composed of nine members (original board had six members, increased to nine in the 1980s), appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member is to have ten years experience as a master plumber; one a plumbing contractor with five years experience; one a certified journeyman plumber with five years experience; one a licensed sanitary engineer; two members must be building contractors with five years contracting experience--one at home building, the other at commercial building; and one with five years experience as a plumbing inspector. Two members represent the general public. The members elect the chair.
The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature directed the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to regulate the installation of piping used to transport gases for medical purposes to safeguard the public against the unintended cross-connection of breathable and lethal medical gases. This Legislature also instructed the Board to issue endorsements to inspect public water systems, valid for three years, to master and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101, Sections 4 and 5.
Arrangement: Chronologically, by date of meeting.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: The agency is sending copies of minutes missing from the Archives holdings, 1948-1987 and 1991-1995.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Meeting minutes
Series item number: 1.1.017
Agency item number: 111
Archival code: A
Retention: PM
Recommendation: Minutes of state agency board meetings provide primary evidence of the functions and policy formulation of the highest echelon of the agency. The State Board of Plumbing Examiners retention schedule is correct. Meeting agenda have been added to this series but are still listed separately on the retention schedule. The series title on the schedule should be changed to Meeting minutes and agenda. Copies of the minutes and agenda can be sent to the Archives on a annual basis, or regularly after the board meetings.
The staff will soon be sending minutes covering the years 1948-1987, and 1991-1995.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Register, Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses
Dates: c. 1985-[ongoing]
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices for 85 years according to the retention schedule. Present holdings are c. 1985-[ongoing].
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
The Publications Clearinghouse holds copies of the printed roster, dating 1969-1987, inclusive dates. Rosters now are only printed on demand, usually for a request to purchase a copy of the roster.
Description: This is a computer database consisting of a roster of licensed plumbers. Data given includes name, license number, address, and work history. This includes data on active, inactive, and deceased licensed plumbers. This database was created in the mid 1980s and is still active. This data is taken from two other series, series 401 - Active Master/Journeyman/Inspector file, and series 402 - Active Master/Journeyman/Inspector file microfilms. These series are the licensing files of the Board of Plumbing Examiners, which are microfilmed for permanent preservation and available through the Board.
Purpose: This database serves as a roster of active and inactive licensed plumbers.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board of Plumbing Examiners is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. Changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101, Sections 8 and 12.
Arrangement: N/A - This is a database and printouts can vary according to the item the request is sorted on, though usually is it alphabetical by name of licensee.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: For records prior to the mid 1980s, when this was created, some paper rosters do exist, dating back to 1969. These are on file in the Publications Clearinghouse for every three to four years following that year, through 1987.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: A hard copy of the roster is printed on demand, usually for a request to purchase a copy of the roster.
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Register, Master/Journeyman/Inspector licenses
Series item number: none
Agency item number: 412
Archival code: R
Retention: 85
Recommendation: This is an active database serving as a roster of active/inactive plumbers. This data is taken from two other series, series 401 - Active Master/Journeyman/Inspector file, and series 402 - Active Master/Journeyman/Inspector file microfilms. These series are the licensing files of the Board of Plumbing Examiners, which are microfilmed for permanent preservation and available through the Board. As this is a licensing roster, it is not an archival record. I recommend this series be considered as non-archival and the 'R' archival code be removed from the retention schedule. Several other changes need to be made to the schedule as well. I recommend the title be changed to Roster, Master/Journeyman/Inspector Licenses. The Medium code needs to be changed from 'P' to 'E', to reflect the fact that this is an electronic record. The Retention period should be changed to 'US', at the suggestion of the records consultant, and a note should be added to the Remarks section, "Hard copy provided upon demand".
Records Series Review
Series Title: Analysis of exam by UT
Dates: 1949, 1961
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? Unknown
Ongoing record series? Unknown
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices permanently. The present holdings are 1949, 1961, fractional.
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Description: This series consists of several independent reviews of the plumbing licensing exam done by the University of Texas in 1949, 1961, and in the early 1980s. The analysis was concerned with the topical coverage of the test--whether the exam covered the required topics. The test questions are listed and discussed, making this a restricted record. The results of the review are reportedly discussed in the Board minutes. The agency has maintained the files for 1949 and 1961, but not for the review done in the 1980s. This is not a continual process, but it may occur again.
Purpose: This report provides an analysis of the examination for licensing of plumbers.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board of Plumbing Examiners is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101, Section 8.
Arrangement: Chronological
Access constraints: This record is not available to the public due to confidentiality of the test questions. V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.122.
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: The analysis done in the 1980s was not kept by the Board.
Problems: Confidentiality problems.
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Analysis of exam by UT
Series item number: 1.1.038
Agency item number: 501
Archival code: A
Retention: PM
Recommendation: These reports provide good summary information on the testing process. According to the records administrator, the results of the reports were likely discussed by the Board and documented in the minutes, which would provide a sufficient summary record of this process. Additionally, the test questions are listed and discussed which makes this a restricted record. I recommend this series be considered as non-archival and the archival code of 'A' removed from the schedule. Following a review of the minutes for the years of the analysis, if the results were not significantly documented, I will request a copy of the exam analysis for further appraisal, and revise the appraisal decision for this series if so warranted.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Blueprints, Miniature houses
Dates: pre-1980
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices permanently. The present holdings are pre-1980, fractional.
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Description: This series consists of a set of blueprints which are used to construct large stick houses for practical testing of the applicants in plumbing a house. The blueprints are undated, but are thought to be in excess of 20 years old. An earlier appraisal report gives a tentative date of the late 1960s. This is a required test to attain the level of journeyman plumber. The applicants must have 8,000 hours of plumbing experience prior to taking the test. Because this is part of a test for plumbing license applicants, the blueprints are restricted.
Purpose: This series documents part of the examination process of the State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board of Plumbing Examiners is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101, Section 8.
Arrangement: Unarranged
Access constraints: This record is not available to the public due to confidentiality of the test questions. V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.122.
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: None
Problems: Confidentiality problems.
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records:
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Blueprints, Miniature houses
Series item number: 5.2.003
Agency item number: 503
Archival code: A
Retention: PM
Recommendation: These blueprints document part of the examination process of the Board. However, the actual testing is done using the large stick houses, not on the blueprint. It just serves to provide instructions for building the houses. There is not long-term value in the blueprint except as an artifact, and this does not warrant permanent value in the archives. I recommend this series be considered as non-archival and the 'A' archival code be removed from the schedule.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Field reports
Dates: 1992-[ongoing]
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices for three years according to the retention schedule. The present holdings are 1992-[ongoing].
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Description: This is an electronic database containing reports sent in by field representatives documenting their activities, such as how many plumbers they visited, numbers of licenses checked, complaints investigated, etc. The report may also contain comments re: a pending investigation, which are restricted as they may jeopardize the investigation. Comments which are related to complaints or regular enforcement actions go to the Enforcement Committee of the Board, which then decides if action will be taken. Output of the reports is sent to the Board and discussed in the Board's meetings.
Purpose: The database documents the enforcement and investigation activities of the field representatives.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. Until recently, the Plumbing License Law only applied to cities of more than 5,000, but encouraged smaller municipalities to voluntarily adopt its provisions and plumbing codes. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature changed the law to require all cities, towns, villages, and owners of public water systems to utilize a plumbing code similar to the state code.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101, Sections 8A and 8B.
Arrangement: N/A - This is a database and arrangement varies depending on the field a sort is done for.
Access constraints: Because the comments filed with the reports concern pending investigations, they are restricted. An open records request would need to be filed to gain access to the records. The agency did not supply a statute concerning restrictions. The applicable statute appears to be V.T.C.A., Government Code, Texas Open Information Act, Section 552.108.
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: No records are present prior to 1992.
Problems: Confidentiality problems.
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: A summary of the field representatives activities are published in the Annual Financial Report of the Board; and the Performance Reports of the Board of Plumbing Examiners, which is sent in to the Legislative Budget Board. Both reports are on file in the Publications Clearinghouse.
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Field reports
Series item number: 1.1.031
Agency item number: 602
Archival code: R
Retention: 3
Recommendation: This is an electronic database. The information it contains, reports of field representatives, is summarized and presented to the Board for discussion, and therefore, is covered in the Board minutes in a summary form. These activities are also summarized in the Board's annual financial reports and their performance reports. This is sufficient documentation of this activity of the Board. I recommend this series be considered as non-archival and the archival code of 'R' be removed from the retention schedule. Several other changes need to be made as well. The Medium code needs to be changed to 'E', to reflect the fact that this is an electronic record. At the suggestion of the records consultant, the Retention period needs to be changed to 'US'. Also, this series is coded as an administrative report, 1.1.031. This should be changed to a code reflecting an automated, non-archival report. The records consultant can assist the records administrator in determining the code series item number.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Annual financial records
Dates: 1948-[ongoing]
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices permanently. The present holdings are 1948-[ongoing], 0.75 cubic feet.
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publication Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse holds 1973-[ongoing]. Fifty-five copies of annual or biennial reports (includes narrative description) must be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse (13 Texas Administrative Code, Section 3.3 (a)(1) (A)).
Description: These are annual financial reports prepared by the board which summarize the activities of the board for the fiscal year. Dates covered are 1948-[ongoing]. The majority of the information presented is statistical, providing fiscal information concerning the appropriations and expenditures of the board. A narrative section is present which describes the functions of the board, and lists several categories of information, including the number of licenses issued; the number of applicants taking the exam and number passing; the number of sites inspected; the number of citations issued; the number of complaints received and the action taken by the board; and the meetings, conferences, and seminars conducted by the Board for continuing education purposes.
The report changed names in 1990/91, becoming the Annual Financial Report instead of the Annual Report.
Purpose: These reports provide summary documentation of the activities of the board over the fiscal year.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature directed the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to regulate the installation of piping used to transport gases for medical purposes to safeguard the public against the unintended cross-connection of breathable and lethal medical gases. This Legislature also instructed the Board to issue endorsements to inspect public water systems, valid for three years, to master and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101.
Arrangement: Chronologically, by fiscal year.
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: Publications Clearinghouse is missing the years 1948-1973.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: Yes
Title: Annual financial records
Series item number: 4.5.003
Agency item number: 102
Archival code: none
Retention: PM
Recommendation: The Board does not produce an annual narrative report, just the annual financial report. This report does contain a narrative summary of the activities of the board over the fiscal year. Their archival mandate is fulfilled by the agency sending copies of the reports to the Publications Clearinghouse. The state recommended retention schedule will be revised to carry an Archival Code of 'A' for this series. We prefer the Archival Code on the retention schedule be changed to 'A'. Additionally, the title of the series should be changed to Annual financial reports, and the note in the Remarks column of the schedule should be changed to "Copies sent to the Publications Clearinghouse fulfill the archival mandate."
If the agency has duplicate copies of the Annual Report prior to 1973, send copies to the Publications Clearinghouse.
Records Series Review
Series Title: Strategic plans
Dates: 1992, 1994
Agency: State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Obsolete record series? No
Ongoing record series? Yes
Annual accumulation: fractional
Agency holdings: Retained by the agency in its offices permanently. The present holdings are 1992 and 1994, fractional.
Archival holdings: None in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library.
Archival requirement for this series is fulfilled by sending copies to the Publications Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse holds copies of the 1994 plan. (13 Texas Administrative Code, Section 3.3 (a)(3).)
Description: Strategic plans are long-range planning tools prepared by the agency in which the goals and objectives of the agency are presented along with performance measures for each. Plans contain a mission statement, a statement of philosophy, and external/internal assessment of the agency, and the goals of the agency. Each goal contains objectives, strategies, and output measures for measuring and achieving the goals. Also present is an organization chart of the agency. The State Board of Plumbing Examiners has prepared two plans, in 1992, 1994, with the planning time frames 1992-1998 and 1995-1999, respectively.
Purpose: These plans are long-range planning tools prepared by the agency which set forth goals and objectives of the agency over a multi-year period.
Agency program: The Board of Plumbing Examiners was created by Senate Bill 11, 50th Legislature, Regular Session, in 1947. The goal of the Board is to protect the public health through an efficient and equitable system of licensing. The Board upholds the Plumbing License Law by examining and licensing master plumbers, journeymen plumbers, and plumbing inspectors. The Board also investigates complaints and visits cities to check licenses. In 1987 the Legislature gave the Board the authority to issue citations for violations of the Plumbing License Law. In 1993, the 73rd Legislature directed the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to regulate the installation of piping used to transport gases for medical purposes to safeguard the public against the unintended cross-connection of breathable and lethal medical gases. This Legislature also instructed the Board to issue endorsements to inspect public water systems, valid for three years, to master and journeyman plumbers. Additionally, changes in 1993 included the requirement of six hours of continuing education for all licenses renewals.
Vernon's Ann. Civ. St., Article 6243-101.
Arrangement: Chronological
Access constraints: None
Use constraints: None
Indexes or finding aids required for/or an aid to access? No
Gaps: The Publications Clearinghouse does not hold a copy of the first plan done in 1992.
Problems: None
Known related records in other agencies: None
Previous destructions: Destruction requests on file in the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library were checked for the State Board of Plumbing Examiners and none were found for this series or for equivalent or related series.
Publications based on records: None
Series data from agency schedule: No
Suggested series from state Records Retention Schedule: Yes
Title: Strategic plans
Series item number: 1.1.055
Agency item number: to be decided by agency
Archival code: A
Retention: PM
Recommendation: The strategic plans document the long-range planning activities of the board and are already considered archival. Their archival mandate is fulfilled by the agency sending copies of the reports to the Publications Clearinghouse. This series needs to be added to the records retention schedule, with an archival code of 'A'. The state recommended retention schedule will be revised to carry an Archival Code of 'A' for this series. Also, a note should be put in the Remarks column, "Copies sent to the Publications Clearinghouse fulfill the archival mandate." A copy of the 1992 plan needs to be sent to the Publications Clearinghouse.