What are the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes:

• Require first-time renewal applicants for hearing instrument fitter and dispenser licenses to complete 20 hours of continuing education;
• Remove the requirement that the Department Commission adopt rules with assistance from both the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board and Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Board;
• Eliminate the exception that allowed renewal for licensees who did not meet continuing-education requirements within their first 24 months of licensure;
• Allow hearing instruments to be sold to a minor with a written statement signed by any licensed physician, not only one specializing in ear diseases;
• Remove language that would require the six-year terms of three members of the advisory board to expire on February 1 of each odd-numbered year;
• Change the advisory board’s presiding officer’s term from one year to two years.

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 May 8, 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 “Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers.”

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 Monica Nuñez, 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 June 8, 2026.

Spanish Language Summary

What are the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes:

• Remove the definition of “Provisional Licensee,” since provisional licenses are no longer needed with the jurisprudence exam now always available.
• Eliminate the requirement for speech-language pathology assistant applicants to submit verification of 25 clinical observation hours and 25 clinical assisting hours.
• Require that if any of the required 25 hours of clinical observation and 25 hours of clinical assisting necessary for speech-language pathology assistant license were completed during training, then verification of those hours must be provided to the assistant’s supervisor after the license is issued.
• Allow audiologist license applicants to qualify with a master’s degree in audiology awarded on or before December 31, 2007.
• Require an audiologist license applicant with the equivalent of a master’s degree in audiology from a foreign university awarded on or before December 31, 2007, to obtain an evaluation proving their degree is equivalent to one from an accredited U.S. program.
• Repeal the requirement that the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopt rules for selling hearing instruments with joint input from the Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Board and the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board.
• Remove language that would require the six-year terms of three members of the advisory board to expire on February 1 of each odd-numbered year.
• Change the advisory board’s presiding officer’s term from one year to two years.

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 May 8, 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 “Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.”

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 Monica Nuñez, 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 June 8, 2026.

Spanish Language Summary

The adoption justification was published in the April 24, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 2762). The updated rule chapter will be available in the Texas Administrative Code upon its effective date of May 1, 2026.

Effective immediately, all elevator and escalator accidents, incidents and reportable conditions, which includes entrapments, must be reported to the Department using this new department-approved form ELE216N  within 24 hours of its occurrence. When reporting accidents, incidents, and reportable conditions for wheelchair lifts, please use this new department-approved form ELE217N. Completed forms should be submitted via email to elevator@tdlr.texas.gov.

As a reminder, under §74.69. Responsibilities of the Owner – Accidents and Reportable Conditions, the owner must:

• Report all accidents involving equipment to the department using a department-approved form within 24 hours of the accident.
• The equipment must be removed from service and may not be moved except as necessary to extricate an injured party, used or returned to service until a department representative determines and issues written approval to return the unit to service.
• If any equipment is determined to have a reportable condition by inspection or other means, the owner must notify the Department in writing within 24 hours and remove the unsafe equipment from operation until the condition is corrected. After repairs are completed, the owner must have the equipment re-inspected, re-certified, and submit written verification to the Department that the reportable condition has been corrected before returning the equipment to service.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain safety and compliance across all elevator and escalator operations. If you have any questions, please contact us at elevator@tdlr.texas.gov.

What are the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes:

• Implement changes to the program statute resulting from Senate Bill (SB) 968, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025).
• Repeal a rule regarding provisional licenses and remove references to provisional licenses throughout the program rules since provisional licenses were eliminated by SB 968. Provisional licenses were repealed because they are unnecessary due to the ability to take the exam required for licensure quickly, and no provisional licenses have been issued in the past five years.
• Replace references to “temporary residency licenses” and replace with “residency licenses” to reflect changes made by SB 968 and more accurately describe current licensing practices.
• Repeal the advisory board training requirements unique to this program and make them more uniform with the Department programs. SB 968 repealed a statutory provision that imposed these requirements.

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 May 1, 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 “Podiatric Medicine Program.”

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 June 1, 2026.

Spanish Language Summary

Acceptable documentation to meet this requirement includes one of the following:

1. A statement on company letterhead confirming that the violations have been corrected for each piece of equipment that was inspected, which includes the following information:
   • ELBI number,
   • Decal Number(s),
   • List of violation(s) corrected,
   • Date violation(s) were corrected,
   • Building owner’s contact information,
   • Contractor’s name & contact information, and
   • Building owner’s signature.
2. A statement on company letterhead that all violations cited in each inspection report are under contract for correction, which includes the following information:
   • ELBI number,
   • Decal Number(s),
   • List of violation(s) to be corrected,
   • Date violation(s) are scheduled to be corrected,
   • Building owner’s contact information,
   • Contractor’s name & contact information, and
   • Building owner’s signature.
3. Application for Elevator or Escalator Delay or Waiver.

Inspection reports that reflect violations but do not include the required supporting documentation may be considered incomplete and could delay processing which may result in the accrual of late fees or enforcement actions being taken.

Safe and reliable operations of elevators, and related equipment across the state of Texas is a top priority for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

For questions regarding this requirement, contact the Elevator Program at Elevator@tdlr.texas.gov for further assistance.

During the period covered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waiver, TDLR will allow the sale of gasoline with an RVP of up to 9.0 psi, or 10.0 psi when blended with 9 to 15 percent ethanol, to be sold throughout Texas.

This enforcement discretion is limited to RVP-related requirements only. All other applicable fuel quality, labeling, and measurement standards under Texas law and TDLR rules remain in effect.

Following the expiration of the EPA waiver, TDLR will continue this enforcement discretion for 45 days to allow suppliers time to readjust.

Read the full memorandum.

Only Proposers that employ or subcontract individuals to perform internal audit services who are qualified in accordance with Texas Government Code §2102.006, including certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and a minimum of three (3) years of auditing experience and meet certification and licensing requirements of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy certified public accounting (CPA) will be considered.

View request for proposal

View current ESBD postings

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.