H.B. No. 5043 aims to facilitate the issuance of licenses or provisional licenses to military service members, veterans, and their spouses for engaging in business or occupations in Texas. The bill amends the Occupations Code by adding new subsections (b-1) to Sections 55.004 and 55.0041. These subsections require state agencies to promptly issue provisional licenses upon receiving applications or required notices from military applicants while their applications are being processed. The provisional licenses will expire either when the agency approves or denies the application or after 180 days from the date of issuance.

Additionally, the bill mandates that by December 1, 2025, state agencies must adopt rules to implement these new provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, ensuring that military personnel and their families have streamlined access to necessary licenses for their professional endeavors in Texas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 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)