BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1788

By: Hernandez

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that the increasing prevalence of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault across the country is a cause for concern and that constituents and organizations have suggested that victims can sometimes feel more comfortable discussing the issue with a cosmetologist or barber. H.B. 1788 seeks to leverage the rapport between cosmetologists, barbers, and their clients by requiring barbering and cosmetology license holders to complete continuing education on identifying and assisting victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault.

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 rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation in SECTION 1 of this bill.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1788 amends the Occupations Code to require the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date, to adopt rules requiring a holder of a license issued under statutory provisions relating to the regulation of barbering and cosmetology to complete continuing education on identifying and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.