The Texas Board of Professional Engineers, a semi-independent agency, is operated by the state of Texas, which works for the welfare of the general public. The board is responsible for enforcing the Texas Engineering Practice Act. It licenses qualified engineers and handles more than 750 enforcement cases annually. The Texas Board of Professional Engineers works for protecting the health and safety of the general public. The board is also responsible for registering engineering firms. It has been in operation since 1937 and issues over 2,400 licenses annually. With a staff of nearly 30 people, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers serves transportation providers, builders and government agencies.