SECTION 60.512. Expedited Alternative Licensing Requirements--Substantially Equivalent License

(a) This section implements Texas Occupations Code §§55.004, 55.005, 55.006, and 55.009, as they relate to an applicant who holds a "substantially equivalent" license.

(b) This section applies to a military service member, a military veteran, and a military spouse, as defined under §60.501.

(c) An applicant under this section is eligible to obtain a license issued by the department if the applicant holds a current license issued by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the Texas licensing requirements.

(d) The department will determine whether the licensing requirements of the other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to the Texas requirements as prescribed under §60.34.

(e) The following documentation must be submitted to apply for a license under this section:

(1) completed license application and any supporting documents associated with the specific department license;

(2) completed Military Service Member, Military Veteran, or Military Spouse Supplemental Application and supporting documents including;

(A) copy of the military orders or documents showing proof of active duty status (for service member and spouse);

(B) copy of the military orders or documents showing proof of veteran status (for veteran); and

(C) copy of document showing proof of status as a spouse; and

(3) copy of the applicant's current occupational license from another jurisdiction.

(f) The applicant who qualifies for a license under this section is not required to take and pass any applicable examination required for obtaining that specific license.

(g) The initial license application fees paid to the department are waived for an applicant under this section.

(h) The applicant under this section must pass a criminal history background check.

(i) An application under this section shall be expedited in accordance with Texas Occupations Code §55.005.

(j) Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code §55.004(b), the executive director may waive any prerequisite to obtaining a license for an applicant under this section after reviewing the applicant's credentials.

(k) A service member, veteran, or spouse who obtains a license under this section must comply with all the license renewal requirements including fees for the specific license obtained.

Source Note: The provisions of this §60.512 adopted to be effective January 1, 2016, 40 TexReg 9119; amended to be effective May 1, 2022, 47 TexReg 2127; amended to be effective January 1, 2024, 48 TexReg 8354