#TXLEGE: Freedom Caucus takes lead to repeal Latest act of Licensing Larceny....

"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1

A couple weeks ago, we discussed Texas' absurd 'enforcement mechanism' that permits the state to suspend occupation licenses for those who are behind on student loan payments.  This means people in debt can't work to pay off the debt.  Well, it looks like the Freedom Caucus is stepping up to address the issue:

State lawmakers, including some of the most conservative members of the Texas House, say changes should be made to a state statute that bars workers from renewing their professional licenses if they are in default on their student loans.

“Next session the Legislature needs to address this issue head on and ensure that Texans who can’t pay student loans aren’t further crippled by government actions,” the conservative House Freedom Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, said in a statement Tuesday. “Students should be responsible for repaying their debts, but taking away one’s ability to earn money in a licensed profession only exacerbates the problem.”

State Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Baytown, a member of the caucus, called the provision "harmful to our economy and the lives of Texans."

"If Texas is going to live up to its reputation as a business-friendly state, we must remove barriers like this and others that prevent Texans from working," he said.

....

The reaction follows a report published in The Texas Tribune that found thousands of nurses, teachers and other professional license-holders in the state are at risk of losing their license each year because they’re in default on their student loans.

Bottom Line: Honestly, Governor Abbott should call a special session to repeal this monstrosity.  And the bill to repeal it should pass 181-0.  That being said, it's good to see the Freedom Caucus take the lead on this issue.