Texas House Bill HB1817

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/10/25

Caption

Relating to the deregulation of certain activities and occupations.

Impact

The impact of HB 1817 on state laws could be substantial, particularly for professional employer organizations (PEOs). By deregulating the activities associated with these organizations, the bill may enable them to operate with fewer restrictions, potentially lowering operational costs and increasing competition in the labor market. However, there may be concerns about the adequacy of protections for workers and businesses under this less regulated framework. The bill's provisions regarding workers' compensation could also affect how insurance is managed and advertised by PEOs, creating implications for employer liability and employee coverage.

Summary

House Bill 1817, titled 'Relating to the deregulation of certain activities and occupations,' proposes significant changes to the licensing and regulatory framework for various professions and business activities in Texas. The bill seeks to repeal numerous provisions in the Agriculture Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Labor and Occupations Codes where they pertain to occupational licensing and regulatory oversight. This deregulation is intended to reduce barriers to entry for businesses and promote economic growth by allowing more flexibility in how services are provided and employees are engaged.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1817 arise from concerns that deregulation may lead to insufficient oversight of business practices and worker protections. Opponents argue that reducing regulatory requirements could compromise safety standards and diminish the quality of services provided. Additionally, the elimination of the Auctioneer Advisory Board and the transfer of funds related to auctioneer education and recovery may raise alarms about transparency and accountability in auctioning processes. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, emphasize the potential for economic growth through increased business opportunities and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Code Of Criminal Procedure

• Chapter 42. Judgment And Sentence
  • Section: New Section

Labor Code

• Chapter 91. Professional Employer Organizations
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 045
  • Section: 048

Occupations Code

• Chapter 802. Dog Or Cat Breeders
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 1305. Electricians
  • Section: 002
  • Section: 1601
  • Section: 1605
  • Section: 162

• Chapter 1802. Auctioneers
  • Section: New Section

Local Government Code

• Chapter 262. Purchasing And Contracting Authority Of Counties
  • Section: 024

• Chapter 263. Sale Or Lease Of Property By Counties
  • Section: 153

• Chapter 365. Temporary Secure Weapon Storage For Certain Public Buildings
  • Section: 006

Tax Code

• Chapter 151. Limited Sales, Excise, And Use Tax
  • Section: 3503

• Chapter 33. Delinquency
  • Section: New Section