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AUSTIN, TEXAS – April 13, 2026 — The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is proud to announce the launch of Ask Kevin+, a significant evolution of the agency’s groundbreaking informational resource. Since its debut in October 2023, the original Ask Kevin has transformed how both the public and the plumbing industry interact with the TSBPE, averaging between 60 and 100 conversations per day. With this new “+” upgrade, the system moves beyond general licensing inquiries and becomes a powerful technical resource for the Texas plumbing community — and in doing so, makes Texas history on a national stage: Ask Kevin+ marks the first time any state regulatory agency in the United States has deployed a chatbot with dedicated regulatory code expertise, and the first to offer image analysis capabilities. That’s two national firsts for the Lone Star State.

Ask Kevin+ is designed to serve as a digital mentor and inspector in a pocket, providing licensed professionals with immediate access to complex code interpretations and regulatory guidance. But its value extends well beyond the job site. Everyday Texas consumers can now use Ask Kevin+ as an informed advocate in their corner — whether they’re reviewing a contractor’s bid before signing anything, or verifying that completed plumbing work meets code after the crew has packed up and left. This update marks a major step forward in how the agency supports the more than 70,000 licensees across Texas, while simultaneously empowering the citizens they serve.

Frank S. Denton, Chairman of the TSBPE Board, emphasized the importance of this advancement: “Ask Kevin+ is a force multiplier for safety, compliance and efficiency. By integrating the vast technical nuances of plumbing codes directly into this interface, we are providing our plumbers and the public with a level of support that was previously impossible. This is about using every modern resource at our disposal to ensure Texas remains the gold standard for plumbing regulation.”

The Capabilities of Ask Kevin+

The “+” designation introduces several industry-first features designed for the job site and the office alike:

• Visual Analysis: In a notable expansion of functionality — and a first among state regulatory agencies nationwide — users can now upload photos of installations or equipment. Ask Kevin+ can analyze these images and relate the content to specific sections of official code books. For consumers, this means the ability to photograph completed work and get instant, code-based context on the work that’s been performed.
• Municipal Specificity: The system’s training data includes amendments and code adoptions for over 300 Texas municipalities, ensuring that the advice provided is relevant to the user’s specific location.
• Expanded Regulatory Coverage: In addition to plumbing-specific codes, Ask Kevin+’s training data incorporates OSHA’s 1926 standard for construction safety as well as the current Texas Accessibility Standards, equipping professionals with a broader regulatory foundation to support compliant, safe, and accessible work.
• Direct Documentation: The assistant provides direct links to official code chapters and all TSBPE resources, cutting through the red tape to get professionals the documents they need instantly.
• 24/7 Regulatory Support: Whether you’re a licensed plumber in the field or a homeowner evaluating a quote for potential plumbing work, Ask Kevin+ is available around the clock to answer questions about anything related to plumbing regulations in the State of Texas.
• Responsible Guidance by Design: Ask Kevin+ is diligent about reminding users that the information provided is for reference purposes only and that they should always verify requirements with their local inspector and municipality before beginning any work. The system also consistently reinforces that all plumbing work must be performed by a licensed plumber, supporting public safety and regulatory compliance at every interaction.

Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director of the TSBPE, highlighted the impact on customer service: “Ask Kevin+ bridges the gap between the Board and the job site. We recognize that our plumbers are out in the field, often in high-pressure situations where they need answers immediately. By providing instant, code-based insights and the ability to analyze photos of real-world plumbing scenarios, we are streamlining the compliance process and helping our licensees get the job done right the first time. And for the consumers who hire them, Ask Kevin+ puts that same level of knowledge at their fingertips — helping Texans make informed decisions about the work being done in their homes.”

Ask Kevin+ is available now on tsbpe.texas.gov by clicking or touching the “Need Help” icon at the bottom left of every page or via the “Need Help? Ask Kevin” link at the top left of every page. A Facebook Messenger version is coming soon. The TSBPE continues to lead the nation in adopting innovative technology to protect the health and safety of all Texans through the regulation of the plumbing trade.