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Bill

HB 2498

Relating to the consequences of a criminal conviction on a person's eligibility for an occupational license.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Jeff Leach and 1 co-sponsor

Texas bill limits criminal conviction barriers to occupational licenses by establishing standards for when convictions can disqualify applicants from professional licensing.

Referred to Business & Commerce
#criminalrecords(s0008) #crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #occupationalregulation--healthoccupations(i0540) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541)
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Bill Summary · HB 2498

Legislative bill overview

HB 2498 modifies Texas law regarding how criminal convictions affect a person's ability to obtain or maintain occupational licenses. The bill appears to create standards or limitations on when licensing boards can deny, suspend, or revoke licenses based solely on criminal history. This addresses the tension between public safety concerns and occupational mobility for individuals with prior convictions.

Why is this important

Criminal records create significant barriers to employment and economic stability, even for non-violent or remotely-related offenses. This bill could impact thousands of Texans seeking to re-enter the workforce in licensed professions (cosmetology, construction, healthcare, etc.), affecting both individual economic opportunity and labor market availability in key industries.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of offenses: Disagreement over which crimes should remain permanent disqualifications versus those where rehabilitation should allow licensure after time/conditions are met
  • Public safety vs. redemption: Tension between protecting consumers from convicted individuals and recognizing that not all convictions are relevant to all occupations
  • Licensing board discretion: Whether boards retain judgment to evaluate individual circumstances or face mandatory rules that constrain decision-making

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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