Understand the TSBPE complaint process
Often called the Plumbing Board, TSBPE regulates the plumbing profession in Texas, issuing four types of plumbing licenses:
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
- Plumbing Inspector
Texas law gives the Plumbing Board authority to investigate complaints alleging professional standards and practices violations by plumbing licensees or companies. The TSBPE investigative process can put you, the licensed plumber, at a disadvantage. Prior to your notification of the allegations against your license, a Field Representative may have begun to investigate the complaint. He or she may have informed TSBPE Enforcement Committee of their findings, and the Committee may have determined the administrative penalty to be pursued. This means you need to move quickly to respond.
You have rights and options, but your timeframe to act is limited. You have 20 days to submit a written response to the Board. You can accept the findings of the investigation and the proposed penalty; however, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). At the hearing, the ALJ will review evidence presented by you and the Board and submit to the Board a recommendation regarding your case. The TSBPE has the authority to make the final determination and can accept or modify the ruling of the ALJ. The final determination of the Board could be to dismiss the complaint; however, you could also face license suspension, revocation, or other formal sanctions.
