Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
4 additional bills that modify the Occupations Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 3824 - Limited ability of dentist to delegate local anesthetic administering.
HB 4069 - Disclosure of treatment and cost options for injured and ill pets
HB 4316
HB 4416
4 additional bills that modify the Occupations Code
Published: 2026-03-03
Multiple short modifications
HB 3824 - 6 pages
Dentist may not delegate administering a local anesthetic to a dental hygienist. There is an exception if the hygienist is administering it for a procedure they are authorized to perform; they have passed board certification; have completed board approved study or authorized by the US armed forces or another state; and comply with any minimum requirements for doing so. The dentist must also be present and aware of the patient's status and well-being. The patient must be at least 18 and not sedated.
HB 4069 - 2 pages
Veterinarians must disclosed proposed treatment and cost estimates before treating ill or injured animals. They must be permitted time to assess the animal's condition and develop proposed options for treatment.
Interesting because for the multitude of times when we had to take one of our dogs in due to illness or injury, I do not recall not being provided information concerning the proposed treatment and cost estimates. Perhaps the only time may have been when one of our dogs was struck by a vehicle, and the veterinarian was working furiously to ensure the dogs survival. But then that vet took such great care in explaining everything to us once she was able, and her and her staff were so caring and kind that we changed to her clinic.
HB 4316 - 5 pages
Makes some information that the department collects confidential so that it cannot be released under a general request for information.
HB 4416 - 14 pages
Auctioneers and associate auctioneers must be licensed. An associate auctioneer must be a citizen of the US or legal alien; and work under the direct supervision of an auctioneer.
A nonresident applicant must issued written irrevocable consent to service of process. Must state that any action relating to a transaction in Texas can be held in a proper court of any county in Texas where the event arose or where the plaintiff resides. Applicants must pass an exam.
Auctioneers must provide written contracts. The contract must state the itemized inventory to be sold or offered for sale. Funds must be held in escrow by the department. If the balance on August 31 is less than 350,000 then each license holder must pay the larger of $50 or their pro rata portion of the difference between 350,000 and the fund balance. This use to be as of December 31.
Guidelines for disciplinary actions are modified as well.
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