Texas Senate Bill SB1733

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/11/11
• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/19/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 4/11/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/27/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the occupational licensing of spouses of members of the military.

Impact

The proposed changes to Chapter 55 of the Occupations Code signal a significant shift in how Texas will handle occupational licensing for military families. By allowing alternative demonstrations of competency and facilitating license endorsements, SB1733 aims to ease barriers that often prevent military spouses from pursuing their careers. This initiative is likely to positively impact the lives of military families, making it easier for them to adapt and find employment despite frequent relocations.

Summary

SB1733 aims to streamline the occupational licensing process for the spouses of military service members in Texas. The bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing licenses issued in other states and seeks to provide an easier pathway for military spouses to obtain licenses in Texas. Specifically, it proposes that state agencies adopt rules for issuing licenses to these individuals based on existing licenses that meet comparable requirements or by considering licenses that expired while the spouse resided in another state. This reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by military families due to relocation and the necessity for professional continuity.

Contention

While the intent of SB1733 has widespread support, potential points of contention could arise regarding the specific implementation of the rules adopted by state agencies. Legislators may debate the adequacy of the proposed alternative methods for demonstrating competency, with concerns over ensuring these standards maintain the integrity and quality of licensed professions. Furthermore, questions may arise about the resources required for agencies to effectively manage these changes, particularly in terms of training personnel and establishing processes to verify licenses from other states.