BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 798

By: Thompson, Senfronia

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law authorizes the various state agencies that license individuals wishing to practice certain occupations, trades, or professions to deny a license to an individual who has been convicted of a Class C misdemeanor offense. The penalty for conviction of a Class C misdemeanor offense, in almost all instances, is a fine only with no incarceration. Interested parties contend that these offenses are not serious enough to warrant the denial of a license to practice an occupation. H.B. 798 seeks to prevent Texas licensing agencies from denying licenses to individuals who have been convicted of certain Class C misdemeanor offenses and to provide greater opportunities to people who have been convicted of minor crimes and a chance to rebuild their lives and become contributing members of their communities.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 798 amends the Occupations Code to remove as a basis for suspension or revocation of a license, disqualification from receipt of a license, or denial of the opportunity to take a licensing examination by certain licensing authorities the fact that a person has been convicted of an offense punishable as a Class C misdemeanor.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2013.