FIELD REPRESENTATIVE; INSPECTIONS.

(a) The board may employ a field representative to assist the board in enforcing this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter. A field representative must:

(1) hold a license as a plumber under this chapter;

(2) be knowledgeable of this chapter and municipal ordinances relating to plumbing; and

(3) be qualified by experience and training in plumbing practice.

(b) A field representative may:

(1) conduct on-site license checks to determine compliance with this chapter;

(2) investigate consumer complaints filed under Section 1301.303;

(3) assist municipal plumbing inspectors in enforcing this chapter; and

(4) in the performance of the field representative's other duties under this chapter, check the license, registration, or endorsement of a person regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in accordance with the memorandum of understanding adopted under Section 1301.259 and report any noncompliance to that agency.

(c) The board by rule shall assign priorities and prescribe procedures for conducting checks described by Subsection (b)(1) based on:

(1) the degree of potential harm to public health, safety, or property;

(2) the history of previous violations of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter by a person regulated under this chapter; and

(3) any other indication of increased risk to public health, safety, or property, as determined by the board.