(May 21, 2007)âThe Texas Residential Construction Commission would have more power to discipline problem homebuilders under a bill the Texas Senate approved Monday.
The bill would give the commission the ability to punish builders for violations such as failing to register with the state or failing to offer to repair construction defects in the home.
The legislation also sets up fines of up to $100,000 for violations involving the misappropriation of funds or engaging in fraud.
Consumer advocates have criticized the four-year-old commission, saying it limits home buyers' legal recourse and lacks the power to enforce its own rules.
A survey released last year by former Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn found that 86 percent of homeowners said their builders failed to repair home construction defects, even after going through the state inspection and resolution process.
Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, said the proposals would be an improvement but wouldn't solve all the problems at the agency.
The bill now returns to the House, which can sign off on changes made by the Senate or appoint a conference committee to work out the differences.
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