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Signed Into Law
Signed May 27, 2025Effective 2025-09-01
SB1080

Regular Session

Relating to the revocation of an occupational license from certain license holders and the issuance of an occupational license to certain applicants with criminal convictions.

Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis

SB1080: Government Affairs Overview

SB1080 fundamentally alters workforce risk management by mandating the revocation of occupational licenses for employees imprisoned for specific violent or occupation-related crimes, while granting agencies broad discretionary power to revoke licenses for any felony imprisonment. Simultaneously, it establishes a new labor pipeline by authorizing the issuance of provisional licenses to inmates completing educational programs prior to their release. This affects all businesses employing state-licensed professionals, from skilled trades to healthcare.

Sen. Royce West·Senate Bill·Regular Session

Moderate
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

All State Licensing Authorities (e.g., TMB, TREC, TSBP, etc.) • Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) • Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

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SB1080
Moderate
Relating to the revocation of an occupational license from certain license holders and the issuance of an occupational license to certain applicants w...
Moderate Compliance Urgency
Requires near-term attention
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
All State Licensing AuthoritiesTDCJTDLR
Primary Author: Sen. Royce West
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
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Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025.
  • Compliance Deadline: September 1, 2025. You must have updated termination protocols in place by this date to handle immediate revocations.
  • Agency Rulemaking: Licensing agencies (TDLR, TMB, etc.) will likely engage in rulemaking between September 2025 and January 2026 to define the enforcement matrix for *discretionary* revocations. Expect a "regulatory gray zone" regarding non-violent felony imprisonments during this period.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Audit Employee Roster: Identify every employee requiring a state license to perform their job.
  • Update Handbooks: Revise employee handbooks to state that maintaining a valid license is a condition of employment and that imprisonment resulting in revocation is considered voluntary resignation/termination for cause.
  • Establish Monitoring: Subscribe to automated license monitoring services where available; do not rely on employees to self-report arrests or revocations.
  • Review Insurance: Consult your broker to ensure your General Liability and Fidelity Bond policies cover employees working under the new "Provisional License" classification.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

  • Employment Agreements: Update "Termination for Cause" clauses immediately. Explicitly include "revocation of occupational license" and "imprisonment following a felony conviction" as grounds for immediate termination without severance.
  • Vendor MSAs: Amend Master Service Agreements to require vendors to certify continuous license monitoring. You must ensure third-party technicians entering your premises have not had licenses revoked under the new mandatory standards.

Hiring/Training

  • Recruitment Pipeline: Direct HR to engage with the Windham School District to identify candidates holding the new "Provisional License."
  • Onboarding Protocols: Implement a hard-stop review for any new hire presenting a Provisional License. These are valid for only 12 months; you must track the expiration date and the requirements for conversion to a standard license.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Move from annual license verification to continuous monitoring. You must know immediately if a licensed employee is imprisoned, as their legal right to work may be revoked instantly.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

  • Revocation Documentation: If terminating an employee under this statute, retain the specific agency notice. You must distinguish between mandatory revocation (violent/related crimes) and discretionary revocation (other felonies) to defend against potential wrongful termination or unemployment claims.
  • Provisional License Tracking: Create a specific registry for employees on provisional licenses to ensure they do not lapse after the 12-month statutory window.

Fees & Costs

  • No State Fee Increases: The bill does not increase licensing fees.
  • Operational Costs: Budget for increased administrative time regarding license verification and potential increases in Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) premiums if engaging heavily in the provisional license program.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

The statute grants licensing authorities the power to revoke a license based on imprisonment for *any* felony conviction (Section 2(a-2)), even if not directly related to the occupation.

  • The Risk: Inconsistent enforcement across different boards. The Texas Medical Board may apply a stricter standard than the Board of Plumbing Examiners.
  • What to Watch: Monitor your specific industry regulator's meeting minutes starting September 2025. You need to know if they intend to use this discretionary power aggressively for non-violent felonies (e.g., felony DWI).

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

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Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Feb 4, 2025
Passed Senate
Apr 16, 2025
Passed House
May 8, 2025
Signed
May 27, 2025
Effective
Sep 1, 2025
TopicsCorrectionsCorrections--jails & PrisonsOccupational RegulationOccupational Regulation--other Trades & ProfessionsCorrections--parole, Probation & PardonsCrimesCrimes--against PersonsCrimes--against Persons--sexualCriminal RecordsCriminal Justice, Texas Department ofWindham School District
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Senate Authors

Sen. Royce WestDemocrat · Primary Author
Coauthors (4)

House Sponsors

Rep. David CookRepublican · Primary Sponsor
Joint Sponsors
Cosponsors (138)

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

Related Legislation

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More from Sen. Royce West

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Related by Topic

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Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about SB1080

Q

What does Texas SB1080 do?

SB1080 fundamentally alters workforce risk management by mandating the revocation of occupational licenses for employees imprisoned for specific violent or occupation-related crimes, while granting agencies broad discretionary power to revoke licenses for any felony imprisonment. Simultaneously, it establishes a new labor pipeline by authorizing the issuance of provisional licenses to inmates completing educational programs prior to their release. This affects all businesses employing state-licensed professionals, from skilled trades to healthcare.

Q

Who authored SB1080?

SB1080 was authored by Texas Senator Royce West during the Regular Session.

Q

When was SB1080 signed into law?

SB1080 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 27, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce SB1080?

SB1080 is enforced by All State Licensing Authorities (e.g., TMB, TREC, TSBP, etc.), Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Q

How significant are the changes in SB1080?

The regulatory priority for SB1080 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.

Q

What is the cost impact of SB1080?

The cost impact of SB1080 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does SB1080 address?

SB1080 addresses topics including corrections, corrections--jails & prisons, occupational regulation, occupational regulation--other trades & professions and corrections--parole, probation & pardons.

Q

What are the key dates for SB1080?

Key dates for SB1080: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.

Q

What are the penalties under SB1080?

SB1080 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of License Revocation for Mandatory revocation of an existing occupational license upon imprisonment for: (1) a felony directly related to occupational duties; (2) a violent offense listed in Art. 42A.054; (3) a sexually violent offense; or (4) revocation of parole/mandatory supervision.; administrative penalty of License Revocation (Discretionary) for Licensing authorities now have discretionary power to revoke a license based solely on imprisonment following any felony conviction, even if not mandatorily required.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.

Need Strategic Guidance on This Legislation?

JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: January 11, 2026