The Texas Real Estate Inspector Committee (TREIC) convened on January 20, 2026, to address updates to inspector education requirements and the Standards of Practice (SOPs). The meeting also included welcoming new members, electing officers, and appointing subcommittees.
Three new members joined the committee: Natalie Manzanares and Peter Charles as public members for two-year terms, and Greg House as an inspector member for a six-year term. The committee elected Stephenie Huser as Presiding Officer (Chair), Randy Bayer as Assistant Presiding Officer (Vice Chair), and Cole Robison as Secretary.
Subcommittee appointments were also made. Mike Morgan was named chair of the Education Subcommittee, with Greg House, Natalie Manzanares, and Peter Charles joining. Randy Bayer will chair the Standards of Practice Subcommittee, which includes Michael Marlow, Cole Robison, and Rhondalyn Riley.
During the meeting, TREIC discussed proposed changes to 22 TAC §535.214 concerning education and experience requirements for inspector licensing. The revisions clarify that applicants must complete all required qualifying inspection coursework before starting the Texas Practicum. “The rule had already been formally proposed by the Commission at its November meeting and did not receive public comments. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the rule as presented. The Commission adopted the rule at its February meeting,” according to TREIC.
Draft updates to SOPs (22 TAC §§535.227–535.233) were reviewed based on recommendations from the SOPs Subcommittee and feedback from the agency’s enforcement division. Key topics discussed included report retention requirements—clarifying that inspectors must keep completed inspection reports in a format accessible to the Commission for at least four years—and updated language on roof inspections specifying that physical inspections should be conducted when safe.
Other proposed SOP changes involve clarifications regarding emergency escape openings that require keys or special knowledge to operate; updated specifications for electrical panel workspace; noting carbon monoxide detector requirements in bedrooms with fuel-fired appliances; reporting deficiencies if electrical conductors are found in duct systems; streamlining references in plumbing sections; clarifying deficiency reporting for water heater pans; and verifying pump motor bonding in hydromassage therapy equipment when access is available.
These SOP changes remain drafts and will be further refined by the subcommittee before any formal recommendation is made.
Future meetings are scheduled for April 20, July 20, and October 19 of 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
