Texas was part of a multi-state sting against unlicensed contractors. As a result of the San Antonio undercover sting operation, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) will file at least 47 enforcement cases against unlicensed electricians and air conditioning contractors.
The enforcement effort was coordinated by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) and included the District of Columbia and 10 states: Texas, Arizona, California, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Utah. The operation ran in these states from June 3 to June 21, 2019.
San Antonio Contractors Busted in Undercover Sting Operation
The TDLR’s Press Release reports that, “TDLR investigators researched and obtained more than 100 advertisements in San Antonio where people were offering to perform electrical or air conditioning work and did not appear to have the appropriate license.” Each advertiser was invited to provide a bid to the TDLR undercover investigators. Of those bated, 42 unlicensed contractors provided a bid and offered to perform electrical work or install an air conditioning/heating unit.
Further, the TDLR conducted jobsite sweeps by the Regulatory Program Management Division, resulting in 52 jobsite sweeps of 233 people for electrician licenses in the greater Central Texas area. The Division found 17 individuals with expired licenses and five without any kind of license to perform electrical work.
As a result of the undercover sting, dozens are now under TDLR investigation. Many will face fines and possible prosecution for unlicensed activity.
Pursuant to the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act, it is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to perform electrical work without the appropriate license required by Texas law. Tex. Occ. Code §1305.303.
Under the Texas Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law, it is a Class C misdemeanor for a person to knowingly engage in air conditioning and refrigeration contracting without holding a contractor license, a technician registration, or certification issued under the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor License Law. Tex. Occ. Code §1302.453. Conviction of a Class C misdemeanor can carry a fine of up to $500. Tex. Penal Code Ann. §12.23.
The TDLR is cracking down on unlicensed contractors and those who may have let their license lapse. If you are having licensing issues with the TDLR, you need the help of an experienced professional license defense attorney.
Professional License Defense Attorneys
BERTOLINO LLP handles matters related to licensure, grievance complaints, ethics, and other important professional licensing issues. Our attorneys are experienced with the various Texas licensing boards and regulatory agencies and are well-versed in Texas administrative law.
We know how to build a compelling case to protect your license – and your livelihood. We have successfully helped clients resolve a wide range of complicated legal matters involving professional license defense.
If you have received a licensing complaint, BERTOLINO LLP can help. To best serve our clients we have offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
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