BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

 

H.B. 3742

By: Smith

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Interested parties explain that the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has identified, during its strategic planning process, certain benefits of establishing alternative means of determining or verifying a person's eligibility for a license issued by TDLR. H.B. 3742 seeks to provide for the development of these alternative means.

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

 

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. 3742 amends the Occupations Code to authorize the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), or the executive director of TDLR to adopt alternative means of determining or verifying a person's eligibility for a license issued by TDLR, including evaluating the person's education, training, experience, and military service. The bill extends to the executive director the commission's authority to waive any prerequisite for obtaining a license if the applicant currently holds a similar license issued by another jurisdiction that has requirements for the license that are substantially equivalent to those of Texas or has a reciprocity agreement with Texas for the license.

 

H.B. 3742 amends the Government Code and the Health and Safety Code to make conforming changes.

 

H.B. 3742 repeals Section 51.404, Occupations Code.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2015.