The bill, S.B. No. 1080, proposes amendments to the Texas Occupations Code regarding the issuance of provisional occupational licenses to applicants with criminal convictions. It mandates that a licensing authority must issue either the requested license or a provisional license valid for a term of six months to otherwise qualified applicants who have been convicted of an offense, unless they have been convicted of a specific disqualifying offense. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the term of a provisional license for inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will begin upon their release.

The amendments include the insertion of new language specifying the six-month validity of provisional licenses and the conditions under which they are issued. The previous language that allowed for provisional licenses without specifying the term has been deleted. The bill aims to provide a pathway for individuals with criminal records to obtain occupational licenses, thereby facilitating their reintegration into the workforce. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 53.0211 (Occupations Code 53)