Texas House Bill HB1153

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the consequences of a criminal conviction on a person's eligibility for an occupational license; charging a fee.

Impact

The bill aims to enhance fairness in the licensing process for individuals with criminal histories. By limiting the grounds upon which a licensing authority can deny an application based on prior convictions, it encourages reintegration into the workforce and mitigates potential discrimination against those with a criminal past. This could lead to increased opportunities for employment in various fields that require licensing, which is crucial for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Summary

House Bill 1153 seeks to amend Texas's Occupations Code regarding the implications of a criminal conviction on a person's eligibility for obtaining an occupational license. The bill mandates that licensing authorities cannot suspend or revoke a license based solely on criminal convictions unless the specific offense is directly related to the responsibilities of the occupation. Furthermore, it emphasizes that certain convictions are only disqualifying if they occurred within a specified timeframe before the application.

Contention

Notably, there may be points of contention surrounding HB 1153, particularly regarding public safety and the nature of the offenses that must be disclosed. Some opponents may argue that allowing individuals with certain criminal backgrounds to obtain licenses in sensitive fields could pose risks. Conversely, supporters claim that the current system over-penalizes individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and that the list of disqualifying offenses should be clear and specific to avoid arbitrary judgments by licensing authorities. Ultimately, this bill addresses the balance between maintaining safety standards and providing a fair chance for rehabilitation.