What are the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes:

• Create a pathway to licensure as a journeyman electrician through a Journeyman Electrician Education Program;
• Require these programs to meet certain standards and be approved by the Department;
• Generally award program graduates 3,000 hours of credit toward the required 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and allow them to take the required examination upon graduation; and
• Clarify the current policy of allowing other applicants to take the examination after completing 7,000 hours of on-the-job training, and make other clarifying changes to the existing rules.

When and where can I review the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes will be published in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register on April 10, 2026. To locate these proposed rule changes on or after that date just follow these steps:

1. Click this link to the Texas Register.
2. Select html or pdf format for the “Current Issue” if the date shown is the date published, or under “Previous Issues” if more than a week has passed since publication. (The Texas Register is published each Friday.)
3. Scroll down and click on “Proposed Rules.”
4. Look for the heading “Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation” and click the subheading “Electricians.”

How and where can I submit comments and information on the proposed rule changes?

Comments and information on the proposed rule changes may be submitted online; by facsimile to (512) 475-3032; or by mail to Shamica Mason, Legal Assistant, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711.

Any information that is submitted must include an explanation of how and why the submitted information is specific to the proposed rule changes. Please do not submit copyrighted, confidential, or proprietary information.

The Department will accept comments and information on the proposed rule changes until May 11, 2026.

Spanish Language Summary

The emergency order was issued after TDLR found reasonable cause to believe the school engaged in serious violations of state law and rules, including falsifying student records and failing to meet required education and attendance standards. A TDLR inspection revealed that the school failed to terminate students who had not accrued any clock hours for months, granted academic credit before students obtained required Massage Student Permits, and submitted records showing attendance and hours for time periods that had not yet occurred. TDLR determined that immediate action was necessary to protect public health and safety.

The Department also identified broader public safety concerns. The school’s practices enabled individuals to obtain massage therapy licenses without completing required training. TDLR further identified connections between individuals associated with the school and illicit massage businesses, including establishments where evidence of human trafficking was observed.

TDLR is proactively working to assist legitimate students impacted by the closure by providing guidance on how to verify completed education hours and continue the licensure process.

“Massage therapy is a respected profession that plays an important role in the health and wellness of Texans,” said TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour. “We will not tolerate fraudulent conduct that undermines that profession or puts the public at risk. At the same time, we are committed to supporting students who followed the law and holding bad actors accountable.”

This action is part of TDLR’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and shut down illicit massage businesses operating under the guise of legitimate establishments.

Under the emergency order, the school must immediately cease operations and may not provide massage education services in Texas unless otherwise authorized.

“I was proud to sign House Bill 11 to encourage TDLR to pursue occupational licensure reciprocity agreements with other states,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “This agreement with the State of Alabama ensures that Texas has the master electricians needed to spur economic growth and offer good quality, high-paying jobs. Texas will remove barriers to employment and cut red tape, so every Texan can earn a living free from unnecessary government intrusion.”

“The demand for licensed electricians continues to grow nationwide, and Texas is taking action to meet it. These new agreements remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining our high licensing standards,” TDLR Executive Director Courtney Arbour. “By recognizing comparable credentials, we’re opening doors for skilled electricians and supporting continued economic growth across our state.”

To qualify for licensing by reciprocity, applicants must hold a journeyman electrician license or master electrician license in good standing issued by either state and have held the license for at least one year before applying for licensing by reciprocity.

House Bill 11, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025, directed TDLR and other state agencies to pursue reciprocity agreements with other states to expand economic opportunities for Texans.

TDLR continues to pursue reciprocity agreements with other states that have similar licensing requirements as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Texas workforce while preserving public safety and professional standards. The state currently has master electrician reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, and North Carolina and journeyman agreements with Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Electricians interested in applying for licensure through reciprocity may do so at www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/out-of-state.htm

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 7120).

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 7120).

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 7120).

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1720).

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 1720).

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 7120).

The readoption notice was published in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 7120).