Here is an email I received today regarding a state law that applies to you.
The information below will be emailed to all currently enrolled students today (CE, DE and Credit). This notice relates to those programs where successful completion may require a background check for licensure. If your program does not require such licensure, it is not directly relevant to your program however, may raise questions from your students. Please review the following and forward to your team as appropriate.
NOTE: This notice is being sent to ALL currently enrolled students as required by law.
Under Texas Occupations Code 58.001, licensing authorities may have guidelines concerning prior criminal convictions that would make an individual ineligible for issuance of a given license. Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements related to degrees resulting in a license.
-An individual who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of an occupational license.
-Licensing authorities must establish and make available guidelines explaining why a particular offense is considered a basis for ineligibility for a particular license and other criterion that may affect the decision to grant or withhold a license.
-Local or county licensing authorities may establish additional guidelines related to criminal history. Applicants should contact their local or county licensing authority for more information.
-An individual has the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter regarding their eligibility for a license issued under Texas Occupations Code 53.102
Questions related to eligibility requirements should be directed to the department chair of program of interest and/or individual licensing authorities.
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Click here for info about the bill from College of the Mainland.
Here are the program that they claim are impacted by it, presumably these are occupations people cannot be licensed for if they have a criminal record:
• Barber to Cosmetology Crossover (SCH)
• Certified Nursing Aid (CE)
• Cosmetology Instructor (SCH)
• Cosmetology Operator (SCH)
• Emergency Medical Services (SCH)
• Esthetic Specialty (SCH)
• Fire Academy (SCH and CE)
• Health Information Management (SCH)
• Licensed Vocational Nurse (SCH)
• Massage Therapy (CE)
• Medical Assisting (SCH)
• Medication Aide (CE)
• Pharmacy Technician (SCH)
• Phlebotomy Technician (CE)
• Real Estate (CE)
• Registered Nurse (SCH)
• Teacher Preparation (SCH)
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For even more info:
- TLO: House Bill 1508.
- Texas Occupations Code 58.001.
- Texas Occupations Code 53.102.
