Relating to the regulation of land surveyors by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Contracts

• Employment Agreements: You must revise standard employment contracts for SITs. Since the law allows a High School graduate to become an SIT but *requires* a degree to become an RPLS, you must remove any "guaranteed path to licensure" language for non-degree employees to avoid breach of contract claims.
• Subcontractor Agreements: Update vendor agreements to specify that any SITs utilized on your projects must meet current statutory standing, particularly if you rely on their field data for final certification.

Hiring/Training

• Recruitment Strategy: You may now recruit senior field crew chiefs (4+ years experience) for SIT certification without requiring a college degree.
• Supervision Protocols: Update internal Quality Control (QC) logs. RPLSs must exercise "responsible charge" over a new category of SITs who may lack academic theory. Documented review of their work is critical for liability defense.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• "Self-Education" Portfolios: The law requires "evidence satisfactory to the board" of self-education for the new SIT pathway. Immediately begin documenting all internal training, seminars, and technical workshops attended by non-degree staff to build these portfolios.
• Mandatory Advisory Opinions: The law now *requires* the Board to issue written advisory opinions upon request. If your compliance officer identifies a regulatory conflict, you now have a statutory mechanism to demand a binding interpretation.

Fees & Costs

• Insurance Premiums: Consult your E&O carrier. The expansion of the SIT pool to non-degree holders may impact your risk profile. Confirm coverage extends to work performed by this new classification of employee.
• Fiscal Note: No statutory fee increases are currently projected by the Legislative Budget Board.