Texas House Bill HB1342

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a person's eligibility for an occupational license; providing an administrative penalty.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1342 is expected to positively impact state laws regarding occupational licensing by lowering the hurdles faced by those with criminal records. It reinforces the principle that individuals who have served their sentences should have fair chances at employment by allowing them to demonstrate their rehabilitation. Furthermore, the bill mandates licensing authorities to consider a broader range of factors when assessing an individual's qualifications for a license, thus taking a more nuanced approach to evaluating eligibility based on the relevance of past criminal behavior to the proposed occupation.

Summary

House Bill 1342 seeks to amend the Texas Occupations Code to enhance the eligibility criteria for individuals applying for occupational licenses, particularly those with prior criminal convictions. The bill allows individuals whose licenses have been revoked due to failure to pay administrative penalties to reapply for their licenses before the standard one-year waiting period, provided that they have settled their penalties in full or under a payment plan. This provision aims to facilitate the reintegration of individuals into the workforce by reducing barriers related to past convictions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1342 appears to be largely supportive, with various lawmakers and advocacy groups recognizing the bill's potential to promote second chances for individuals affected by previous convictions. Supporters argue that empowering these individuals aligns with the state’s goals of reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety through improved employment opportunities. Conversely, some concerns were raised regarding how the changes might affect the integrity of licensing processes, especially in occupations requiring a high degree of trust.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between facilitating employment for reformed individuals and ensuring that the necessary public safety standards are maintained in licensed professions. Some lawmakers worry that the bill might inadvertently lower standards for certain occupations by allowing those with specific criminal histories to gain licenses without sufficient oversight. This highlights the ongoing debate over how best to structure licensing laws that are fair and equitable, while still ensuring public confidence in licensed professionals.