AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
S.B. 807 expedites the employment of skilled veterans by waiving examination and fee requirements for occupational licenses issued by state agencies.
One unnecessary burden to the reentry of service members into the workforce is that Texas occupations requiring licensure frequently require an examination and payment of certain fees in order to receive appropriate certification from the state. In the case of service members or veterans who have a substantially equivalent certification from the military, this process is redundant, unduly burdensome, and in need of reform.
Additionally, current Texas statutes do not provide waived or reduced fees for military service members and veterans who initially apply for a Texas occupational license. However, some state agencies have waived some fees for military spouses who are applying for a Texas occupational license when they have a similar license in another jurisdiction with similar licensing requirements.
By recognizing military experience or licenses from other states, Texas can attract the most qualified and skilled veterans and remove barriers to employment for those who are just transitioning out of active duty military service.
As proposed, S.B. 807 amends current law relating to occupational license application and examination fees for certain military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.
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 Chapter 55, Occupations Code, by adding Section 55.009, as follows:
Sec. 55.009. LICENSE APPLICATION AND EXAMINATION FEES. Requires a state agency that issues a license, notwithstanding any other law, to waive the license application and examination fees for an applicant who is:
(1) a military service member or military veteran whose military service, training, or education substantially meets all of the requirements for the license; or
(2) a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse who holds a current license issued by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for the license in this state.
SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.
SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2015.