S.B. No. 1818 aims to facilitate the licensing process for military service members, veterans, and their spouses by introducing provisions for the issuance of provisional licenses. The bill amends Section 55.004 of the Occupations Code by adding a new subsection (b-1), which mandates that state agencies promptly issue a provisional license upon receiving an application for a license. This provisional license will remain valid until the agency either approves or denies the application or until 180 days have passed since its issuance. Additionally, Section 55.0041 is similarly amended to require state agencies to issue a provisional license to military service members or spouses while awaiting confirmation of their application.

The bill also stipulates that by December 1, 2025, state agencies must adopt rules to implement these new provisions. The effective date for this act is set for September 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline the licensing process for military-affiliated individuals, ensuring they can engage in their chosen occupations without unnecessary delays.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 55.004, Occupations Code 55.0041 (Occupations Code 55)
Senate Committee Report: Occupations Code 55.004, Occupations Code 55.0041 (Occupations Code 55)
Engrossed: Occupations Code 55.004, Occupations Code 55.0041 (Occupations Code 55)
House Committee Report: Occupations Code 55.004, Occupations Code 55.0041 (Occupations Code 55)