The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued proposed rules that would create a process to verify certain applicant’s eligibility for initial or renewal licensure based on an individual's citizenship or immigration status. This would affect massage therapists and other wellness-related professionals.
TDLR states the proposed rules are necessary to maintain “the security and integrity of the licensing process.”
TDLR welcomes comments through February 22. You can share your support or opposition here: https://ga.tdlr.texas.gov:1443/form/Ch60_Rule_Making.
More Details on the Proposed Rules
- Random selection means only some applicants will be checked
TDLR would randomly select applicants for an “eligibility verification check” under its internal security procedures.
- Selected applicants must show proof of lawful presence
Before TDLR issues or renews a license, randomly selected applicants would need to provide documentation that proves they are legally allowed to live and work in the US.
Acceptable documents include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID
- US passport or passport card
- US birth certificate along with a valid driver’s license or state ID
- US military ID
- Texas-issued handgun license
- Immigration-related documents from the US Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the US Department of State
Failure to provide acceptable documentation could lead to license application/renewal denial.
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