According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), SB 1080 is not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the State of Texas. The analysis concludes that any administrative costs incurred by state agencies to implement the provisions of the bill—such as issuing provisional licenses or revoking licenses based on specified felony convictions—can be absorbed within existing agency resources. This suggests that the bill’s operational adjustments do not require additional appropriations or major restructuring within the agencies involved.

The fiscal note also states that there will be no significant fiscal implications for units of local government. Since the bill focuses on state licensing authorities and their interaction with applicants and inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, local governments are not expected to bear any new administrative or enforcement burdens.

In essence, SB 1080 expands access to provisional occupational licenses for certain individuals with criminal records and strengthens revocation standards without necessitating new funding streams. The involvement of multiple licensing and regulatory bodies—including the Texas Medical Board, Department of Licensing and Regulation, and the Department of Criminal Justice—has been accounted for in the fiscal review. Their ability to manage these responsibilities using existing resources further reinforces the bill’s cost-neutral stance.

SB 1080 presents a forward-looking reform that improves access to occupational licensing for individuals with prior criminal convictions. It supports public safety while promoting rehabilitation and workforce reintegration, offering formerly incarcerated individuals a structured opportunity to rebuild their lives through lawful employment. The bill is particularly focused on those who have completed or are enrolled in educational programs, creating a path toward self-sufficiency and reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

The legislation modernizes existing law by refining automatic revocation rules and granting discretion to licensing authorities. Instead of requiring license revocation for all felony convictions, SB 1080 targets only serious offenses—such as those directly related to the occupation or categorized under Article 42A.054 or as sexually violent. This shift allows for case-by-case evaluations and prevents blanket disqualification of individuals whose convictions may have no bearing on their professional duties. Moreover, the bill establishes a 12-month provisional licensing pathway for incarcerated individuals and parolees who demonstrate a commitment to rehabilitation through education.

Crucially, SB 1080 does not increase the licensing or regulatory burden on Texans. On the contrary, it reduces barriers for a specific population by streamlining the eligibility process and expanding access. It does not impose new fees, requirements, or obligations on the general public or existing license holders. From a fiscal perspective, the Legislative Budget Board has confirmed that the bill will have no significant cost to state or local governments, with any implementation handled within current resources.

This legislation aligns with all five core liberty principles—enhancing individual liberty, promoting personal responsibility, encouraging free enterprise, respecting limited government, and indirectly supporting property rights. It reflects a balanced approach that fosters opportunity, protects the public, and improves governmental efficiency. For these reasons, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on SB 1080.

• Individual Liberty: The bill strengthens individual liberty by removing unnecessary and overly broad licensing restrictions that penalize people with criminal records, even when their past offenses have no direct bearing on their professional responsibilities. By allowing qualified individuals—including those still incarcerated or on parole—to obtain occupational licenses (either full or provisional), the bill affirms their right to pursue meaningful work and reenter society with dignity. This recognizes the potential for personal change and reduces systemic barriers that can trap people in cycles of poverty and recidivism.
• Personal Responsibility: The bill encourages and rewards personal responsibility by tying provisional licensure to participation in educational programs. Incarcerated individuals or parolees who enroll in or complete training through the Windham School District or a Texas institution of higher education can qualify for a provisional license. This requirement promotes self-improvement and accountability, offering a clear, merit-based pathway for reentry into the workforce. It also sends a strong message that rehabilitation, not perpetual punishment, is the public policy priority.
• Free Enterprise: The bill removes regulatory barriers that hinder qualified individuals from entering licensed professions, thus supporting the principle of free enterprise. It expands the pool of potential workers—especially in skilled trades and service sectors—by enabling people with records to compete in the marketplace based on their skills and qualifications. This increased labor force participation enhances economic productivity and entrepreneurship without compromising consumer protection.
• Private Property Rights: While the bill does not directly alter laws around private property, it indirectly supports this principle by ensuring that individuals are not unjustly denied the ability to earn a living and engage in economic activity. By enabling access to lawful work, including in fields that may involve entering clients’ homes (e.g., plumbing, electrical work), the bill respects the right of individuals to engage in voluntary, contract-based relationships—an essential element of property rights in a market economy.
• Limited Government: The bill limits the scope of government intervention by narrowing the circumstances under which licenses must be revoked and reducing arbitrary disqualification from state-regulated professions. It also improves efficiency in the administration of occupational licensing by requiring case-specific analysis rather than applying blanket prohibitions. Importantly, the bill does not create new licensing requirements or expand regulatory reach, and the Legislative Budget Board determined it imposes no significant fiscal or administrative burden.