Bill
HB 218
86(R) - 2019
House Higher Education
House Higher Education
Companion Bill
SB 37
Vote Recommendation
Yes
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Neutral
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Neutral
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Positive
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Positive
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Positive
Author(s)
Matt Krause
Cesar Blanco
Ana Hernandez
Tom Oliverson
Matt Shaheen
Co-Author(s)
Briscoe Cain
Craig Goldman
Cody Harris
Mike Lang
John Raney
Jonathan Stickland
Ed Thompson
Tony Tinderholt
Gene Wu
Bill Caption
Relating to the abolition of student loan default or breach of a student loan
repayment or scholarship contract as a ground for nonrenewal or other
disciplinary action in relation to a professional or occupational license and to
certain duties of state agencies and political subdivisions in relation to
delinquent or defaulted student loans.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
HB 218 would eliminate defaulting on a student loan debt as a reason to deny someone an occupational or professional license in certain professions. The bill would also repeal requirements that relate to the communication of a state agency and a political subdivision for the purposes of tracking loan defaults.
Vote Recommendation Notes
Texas Action recommends supporting HB 218 because it supports our principles of limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. This bill helps promote individual liberty by eliminating a barrier to entry in the relevant licensed professions and allows those professionals struggling under the weight of student loan debt the ability to do continue to earn a living. HB 218 promotes personal responsibility by allowing those in debt or default on their loans to earn money to pay their loan off.
To be clear, we believe people should pay their student loan debts. We do not believe default on loan debt should have any bearing on occupational licensure. Denying or suspending a professional license based on student loan default is self-defeating because it makes people less able to repay their debt.
Organizations Supporting
Center for Public Policy Priorities
Texas Association of Manufacturers
Texas Conservative Coalition
National Association of Social Workers/Texas