Texas House Bill HB1618

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/19/11
• Introduced: 2/22/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11

Caption

Relating to the criteria for review by the Sunset Advisory Commission of an agency that licenses an occupation.

Impact

If enacted, HB1618 would require a rigorous examination of whether occupational licensing is genuinely beneficial to the public. The Sunset Advisory Commission would have to assess whether such licensing serves a meaningful public interest and if it is the least restrictive means of achieving that interest. This could potentially lead to significant changes in which professions are licensed and how those licenses are structured, impacting job entry requirements and regulatory burdens on various occupations, particularly those that may currently have stringent licensing criteria.

Summary

House Bill 1618 aims to amend the criteria for review by the Sunset Advisory Commission concerning agencies that license professions and occupations. The bill seeks to ensure that the regulatory frameworks around occupational licenses are evaluated based on their contribution to public interest, focusing particularly on safety, health, and welfare. It defines 'public interest' in a way that emphasizes real threats to public wellbeing as opposed to speculative risks. This places accountability on regulatory agencies to justify their existence and the necessity of their licensing programs.

Contention

The reviews instigated by HB1618 could spark contention in the legislative process, especially among professional groups that rely on established licensing frameworks. Those supporting the bill argue that reducing unnecessary regulations can promote economic opportunity, particularly for individuals from low-income backgrounds seeking to enter trades that might require licenses. Conversely, opponents might contend that loosening regulatory control can compromise professional standards and public safety, particularly in occupations with significant health implications.