Educator Preparation Program

Effective September 1, HB 1508 amended the Texas Occupations Code Section 58.001 to require entities providing educational programs that lead to initial occupational licenses to notify applicants and enrollees that:

 An individual who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of an occupational license upon completion of the educational program;

1. Each licensing authority that may issue an occupational license to an individual who completes an educational program must establish guidelines which state the reasons a particular crime is considered to relate to a particular license and any other criterion that affects the decisions of the licensing authority;
2. Local or county licensing authorities may issue additional guidelines related to criminal history.  Applicants should contact their respective local or county licensing authority for more details. 
3. A person may request a criminal history evaluation letter regarding the personal eligibility for a license issued by a licensing authority under Texas Occupation Code 53.102.

 Note this does not apply to licenses granted by the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Medical Board, Texas  State Board of Pharmacy, State Board of Dental Examiners, State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, law enforcement officers (Occupations Chapter 1701), or emergency medical services (Health and Safety Code Chapter 773).

 We advise members institutions and agencies that would be impacted by this bill prepare notification processes and document the distribution of the notification. Failure to notify can lead to the licensing authority  requiring the entity to repay to the individual all tuition paid and  any application or examination fees.