Bill

HB 1311

86(R) - 2019
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Senate Business & Commerce
Read Bill & Check Bill Status
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Senate Business & Commerce
Occupational Licensing

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Senfronia Thompson
Dan Flynn
Stan Lambert
Poncho Nevarez
Chris Paddie

Sponsor(s)

Kirk Watson

Bill Caption

Relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1311 is the sunset review legislation for the Texas Board of Geoscientists. The bill would extend the board's existence until 2025 and make a variety of changes to the operation of the board, including changing required training materials, repealing the requirement for submitting reference letters to apply for a license, increasing the maximum administrative penalty from $100 to $1,500 and requiring the Governor to appoint a member of the board as the Presiding Officer.  

Vote Recommendation Notes

The Texas Board of Geoscientists should be allowed to expire and occupational licensure for this profession should be abolished. This bill continues the existence of an unnecessary licensing board and substantially increases administrative penalties. This offends the principles of limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. For these reasons we oppose HB 1311.