By: Ogden S.B. No. 316

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the denial, suspension, or revocation of a state-issued license if the applicant for the license makes a false statement or misrepresentation or refuses to provide information; providing a criminal penalty.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 2005, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 2005. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO STATE LICENSES

AND PERMITS [PERMIT PROCESSING]

SECTION 2. Sections 2005.001 through 2005.007, Government Code, are designated as Subchapter A, Chapter 2005, Government Code, and a subchapter heading is added to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER A. PERMIT PROCESSING

SECTION 3. Chapter 2005, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter B to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER B. DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION FOR FALSE STATEMENT, MISREPRESENTATION, OR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE INFORMATION

Sec. 2005.051. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "License" means a license, certificate, registration, permit, or other authorization:

(A) that is issued by a licensing authority;

(B) that is subject before expiration to suspension, revocation, forfeiture, or termination by the issuing licensing authority; and

(C) that a person must obtain to:

(i) practice or engage in a particular business, occupation, or profession; or

(ii) engage in any other regulated activity, including hunting, fishing, or other recreational activity for which a license or permit is required.

(2) "Licensing authority" means an agency of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of state government that issues a license.

Sec. 2005.052. DENIAL, SUSPENSION, OR REVOCATION FOR FALSE STATEMENT, MISREPRESENTATION, OR REFUSAL TO PROVIDE INFORMATION. (a) A licensing authority may deny a person's application for a license or suspend or revoke a person's license if the licensing authority determines, after notice and hearing, that the person knowingly:

(1) made a false statement in connection with applying for or renewing the license;

(2) made a material misrepresentation to the licensing authority in connection with applying for or renewing the license;

(3) refused to provide information requested by the licensing authority; or

(4) failed to provide all of the person's criminal history information in response to the licensing authority's request for the information.

(b) A denial, suspension, or revocation by a licensing authority under this section is governed by the administrative procedures that apply to other disciplinary actions taken by the licensing authority.

Sec. 2005.053. CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. A person who knowingly makes a false statement in connection with applying for or renewing a license may be subject to criminal prosecution under Section 37.10, Penal Code.

SECTION 4. Section 2005.001, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2005.001. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter [chapter]:

(1) "Permit" means an authorization by a license, certificate, registration, or other form that is required by law or state agency rules to engage in a particular business.

(2) "State agency" means a department, board, bureau, commission, division, office, council, or other agency of the state.

SECTION 5. Section 2005.002, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2005.002. EXCEPTIONS. This subchapter [chapter] does not apply to a permit:

(1) for which an agency's median time during the preceding calendar year for processing a permit application from receipt of the initial application to the final permit decision did not exceed seven days;

(2) issued in connection with any form of gaming or gambling; or

(3) issued under the Alcoholic Beverage Code.

SECTION 6. Section 2005.005, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2005.005. DUTY OF HEAD OF AGENCY. The head of each state agency shall ensure that the agency complies with this subchapter [chapter].

SECTION 7. Subsection (a), Section 2005.006, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) A state agency subject to this subchapter [chapter] shall establish by rule a complaint procedure through which a permit applicant can:

(1) complain directly to the chief administrator of the agency if the agency exceeds the established period for processing permits; and

(2) request a timely resolution of any dispute arising from the delay.

SECTION 8. Subsection (b), Section 2005.007, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b) The report must include:

(1) a statement of the periods the agency has adopted under this subchapter [chapter] for processing each type of permit it issues, specifying any changes the agency made since the last report;

(2) a statement of the minimum, maximum, and median times for processing each type of permit during the period since the last report from the date the agency receives the initial permit application to the final permit decision;

(3) a description of the complaint procedure required by Section 2005.006;

(4) a summary of the number and disposition of complaints received by the agency under Section 2005.006 since the last report; and

(5) a description of specific actions taken by the agency since the last report to simplify and improve its permit application, processing, and paperwork requirements.

SECTION 9. Subchapter B, Chapter 2005, Government Code, as added by this Act, applies only to a statement, misrepresentation, or refusal made, in connection with applying for or renewing a license, on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 10. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007.