Texas House Bill HB2698

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09

Caption

Relating to the renewal of certain expired licenses or registrations.

Impact

The legislation aims to streamline the renewal process and reduce the administrative burden on both the individuals and the regulatory bodies overseeing license renewals. By extending the period for renewal, it could improve compliance among license holders, as individuals may be more likely to renew within the extended timeframe. However, licenses that have been expired for more than 60 days will still require obtaining a new license, which maintains a level of regulation and ensures that individuals meet original licensing standards before regaining their licenses.

Summary

House Bill 2698 proposes amendments to the Texas Water Code regarding the renewal of certain expired licenses or registrations. The bill allows individuals whose licenses or registrations have been expired for 60 days or less to apply for renewal by paying a renewal fee set by commission rule. This change reflects a shift from the previous period of 30 days, potentially easing the renewal process for license holders who may have inadvertently allowed their licenses to lapse for a short duration.

Contention

While HB 2698 appears to benefit individuals by simplifying the renewal of licenses that have recently expired, discussions around the bill may raise questions regarding public safety and the competence of individuals operating without a valid license for an extended period. Critics could argue that extending the renewal period could undermine the rigor expected from licensed professionals in fields governed by strict regulatory standards. Nevertheless, the bill does not significantly alter the fundamental requirements for obtaining a license in Texas, as it still mandates that individuals with licenses expired beyond the 60-day threshold must complete a full reapplication process.