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 an educational program before their release. Additionally, it introduces a new 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 their licensed occupation or are classified as sexually violent offenses.

The bill also establishes guidelines for issuing provisional licenses to applicants with criminal convictions, including those who are inmates or on parole, as long as they meet certain educational requirements. The term of these provisional licenses will begin upon the applicant's release from incarceration. Furthermore, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is required to provide relevant information to licensing authorities to assist in determining an inmate's eligibility for a license. Overall, the bill aims to enhance opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce for individuals with criminal backgrounds.

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)