Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
9 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
SB 159 - Changes to CPA certificate requirements
SB 246
SB 415 - Physician with direct patient practices must take a certified course in how to identify and assist trafficked people.
SB 422
SB 500
SB 533
SB 643 - Modification for rules around charitable bingo
SB 825
SB 876 - Changes what is considered a dog or cat breeder
9 bills that modify the Occupations Code
Published: 2026-03-10
SB 159 - 4 pages
CPA's are now required to complete at least 150 semester hours or their equivalents in board-recognized courses to receive a certificate. To take the uniform CPA exam they must have at least 120 (previously 150) semester hours with at least 24 in accounting or equivalent.
SB 246 - 17 pages
A multitude of definition changes for terms related to automotive fuel and dealers or distributors. The term weight is removed throughout the section and gallon or gallon equivalent is used.
The department can issue a stop order if they believe that the motor fuel is being sold improperly, and they must flag dispensers. There are appeallate proceedings if a stop order is issued.
SB 415 - 4 pages
Physicians that have direct patient care practices must complete at least 1 hours of continuing medical education regarding the identification and assistance of trafficked persons. This must be done after the first renewal, and if there are more than one course, then every third renewal period. The board shall ensure that there is an accredited continuing medical education course covering this topic.
SB 422 - 5 pages
If a state agency requires residency requirements, there must be rules adopted for applicants who are military service members or spouse's thereof.
If a military service member or their spouse holds a license in good standing with a state that has substantially equivalent requirements for licensing, then they are not required to be license in Texas. They must still submit proof to the proper agency before practicing. If the party divorces, the one using the license may continue to do so for 3 years after the confirmation of the license use in Texas.
SB 500 - 2 pages
A dwelling that is awarded as a prize at a charitable raffle may not exceed $750,000 (previously $250,000).
SB 533 - 3 pages
Minimum curriculum requirements for peace officers must include training on responding to, reporting, and investigating child fatalities. This includes the differences between sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome. This must be completed by the officers 2nd anniversary.
SB 643 - 13 pages
A charitable business that holds a regular license shall receive 48 temporary licenses for each 12 month period for the license. Each unused temporary license expires when the regular license expires. The temporary license is for bingo, and before using the commission must be notified of the date, time and location for the bingo.
The aggregate value of a single bingo occasion prize cannot exceed $5,000. The exceptions are for pull-tab bingo and those that offer individual prizes of $50 or less.
SB 825 - 2 pages
Petition for recount have to be submitted by 5pm on the 3rd business day after the canvass of the returns is done.
SB 876 - 3 pages
Licensing and regulation of cat and dog breeders is being modified. A breeder possesses 5 or more (previously 11 or more) adult intact female animals and is in the business of sale or exchange for consideration. This does not apply to some special purposes breeds of dog. This now also includes breed or conformation shows.
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