S.B. No. 1080 amends the Occupations Code to facilitate the issuance and revocation of occupational licenses for individuals with criminal convictions, particularly those who are currently incarcerated. The bill allows the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to accept applications from inmates for occupational licenses, provided they are enrolled in or have completed a specified educational program. However, the issuance of the license will only occur after the applicant's release. Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that permits licensing authorities to revoke a license if the holder is imprisoned following a felony conviction, specifically for offenses that relate directly to the duties of the licensed occupation or are classified as sexually violent offenses.

Furthermore, the bill establishes guidelines for issuing provisional licenses to applicants with criminal convictions, including those who are inmates or on parole, as long as they meet educational requirements. The term of these provisional licenses is set to begin upon the applicant's release from incarceration. The bill also mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice provide relevant information to licensing authorities to assist in determining an inmate's eligibility for a license. Overall, S.B. No. 1080 aims to create pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce for individuals with criminal backgrounds while ensuring public safety through the revocation of licenses under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 53.0211 (Occupations Code 53)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 53.021, Occupations Code 53.0211, Government Code 508.313 (Occupations Code 53, Government Code 508)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 53.021, Occupations Code 53.0211, Government Code 508.313 (Occupations Code 53, Government Code 508)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 53.021, Occupations Code 53.0211, Government Code 508.313 (Occupations Code 53, Government Code 508)
Enrolled: Occupations Code 51.4014, Occupations Code 53.021, Occupations Code 53.0211, Government Code 508.313 (Occupations Code 53, Occupations Code 51, Government Code 508)