BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2453
88R19925 JTZ-F	By: Guillen (Parker)
	Business & Commerce
	5/8/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

H.B. 2453 would grant licensing agencies the option for issuing digital licenses, creating a more streamlined approach over the current "paper license only" pathway.  With technological advances, these certifications and licenses can be more convenient and readily accessible for both the license holder and the consumers/general public, thus making license verification easier for all parties. H.B. 2453 allows licensing agencies to implement a license, certificate, registration, permit, or other form of authorization required by statute, ordinance, order, or rule and requires the digital license to be accessible on a website or using a QR code.

H.B. 2453 amends current law relating to the issuance of a digital occupational license by a state agency, county, or municipality.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Title 2, Occupations Code, by adding Chapter 60, as follows:

CHAPTER 60. DIGITAL LICENSES

Sec. 60.001. DEFINITIONS. Defines "licensing authority" and "occupational license."

Sec. 60.002. REQUIREMENTS FOR DIGITAL LICENSES. Authorizes a licensing authority that issues an occupational license to issue a digital license to a license holder. Requires the digital license, if the licensing authority issues a digital license, to comply with the following requirements:

(1) the digital license is required to be in a secure format and readily accessible by the license holder through an Internet website and on a wireless communication device;

(2) the public is required to be able to view a license holder's digital license through an Internet website or by using a QR code as defined by Section 443.001 (Definitions), Health and Safety Code; and

(3) if the authority contracts with a vendor for the issuance of a digital license, the digital license is required to be in a format in which the vendor and authority can verify the validity of the license.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.