Change is not always a bad thing! By now you may have heard that the renewal process has changed for the irrigation industry. Although at first there may be confusion about how things are going to work, the TCEQ is working hard to make this simple, and as easy as possible. (Remember, however, "No pain. No gain!")
The good news is that the renewal fee has gone DOWN for Licensed Irrigators - the renewal fee for both irrigators and installers will be $70, and licenses will renew for two years instead of one year. In addition, August 31 will no longer be the expiration date for all licenses. TCEQ will assign a different expiration month for each license.
How are we going to make the transition from a one year license to a two year license?
New licenses obtained after December 31, 2001 will be issued as two year licenses. They will expire two years from the last day of the month they were issued. Example: If an Irrigator license was issued March 5, 2002, it will expire March 31, 2004.
Now for the tricky part. Currently, licenses expire on August 31, 2002. In order to get the licenses on a two year cycle, the following will be implemented in the upcoming renewal cycle.
Irrigators and Installers who have a license number which ends in an odd number, i.e., LI1555, will be issued licenses for various periods from 12 to 23 months with each license expiring at the end of the month. In other words, a license will be issued for various terms, i.e., 12 months, 13 months, 14 months, on up to 23 months. The renewal fee will vary because it will be based on a prorated portion of the two year fee of $70. If you do the math, this means that you will pay $2.92 for every month your license is valid. To renew the irrigator license you will be required to complete eight (8) hours of continuing education prior to the date of expiration shown on the renewal form.
Irrigators and Installers with even numbered licenses, i.e., LI1556, will be issued licenses with a term of 24 months on up to 35 months. The renewal fee will be Irrigators and Installers with even numbered licenses, i.e., LI1556, will be issued licenses with a term of 24 months on up to 35 months. The renewal fee will be prorated for the portion over two years. So, for every month these licenses are valid, they will pay the prorated fee of $2.92 per month. For instance, a 35 month license will cost the licensee $102.12. Sixteen hours of continuing education will be required to renew these irrigator licenses.
In either case (odd or even license numbers), the hours of continuing education MUST be completed prior to the end of the month in which the license expires. There is no "grace period" for continuing education hours. Only the application and the fee can be late, but they must be submitted within 30 days after the expiration date. If the application and fee are submitted later than 30 days after the expiration date, the license will NOT be renewed and the person will have to submit an application for a new license.
You should follow the instructions on your renewal notice. The renewal notice will indicate the amount of the fee and the number of continuing education hours required for renewal.
You are encouraged to submit your renewal application as early as possible. If you submit it late, you will NOT receive your new license prior to your expiration date. You cannot operate under your license after it expires.
Every person who passes an exam after January 1, 2002, will be issued a license that expires in two years. PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE ON THEIR LICENSE CARD, THE NEW IRRIGATORS MUST COMPLETE SIXTEEN HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION. There is no requirement for the Installer to have continuing education hours for renewal.
As always, we are here to help you. Our lines of communication remain open. Please contact us at 512-239-6719, if you have any questions.