TDLR News
- The Texas Tax Professional Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the 1st Floor Public Meeting Room of TDLR's North Campus Building, located at 1106 Clayton Lane in Austin. Once an agenda has been finalized, it will be posted on TDLR's web site. The meeting will be broadcast and available to view live with RealPlayer.
- TDLR proposes an amendment to a procedural rule regarding license eligibility requirements for persons with criminal histories
- The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is scheduled to meet Tuesday, September 21 at 9:00 a.m. at TDLR's North Campus Building, located at 1106 Clayton Lane in Austin. The agenda will be posted on TDLR's web site as soon as it is finalized. The meeting will be broadcast and available for viewing live with RealPlayer.
- The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation met August 9 in Austin. The agenda is available online. The meeting was archived and is available for viewing with RealPlayer.
- Vacancy on the Polygraph Advisory Committee
- TDLR's Legislative Appropriations Request for FY 2012-2013 (6 MB) is online
- TDLR proposes amendments to existing rules regarding notice requirements using certified mail with electronic return receipt for contractual disputes involving administrative services, the duration of advisory committees/boards/councils governed by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, and notice requirements using certified mail with electronic return receipt for contested cases involving licensees. The proposals were published in the July 23, 2010, issue of the Texas Register (35 TexReg 6420). The Department will accept comments on the proposals until August 23, 2010.
- Justification for administrative rule adoption (regarding license eligibility requirements for persons with criminal histories)
- TDLR's Strategic Plan for FY 2011 - 2015 (1.7 MB download) is online
- Update on TDLR's Plain Talk Initiative
Update on TDLR's Plain Talk Initiative
The TDLR Plain Talk Initiative was rolled out in January 2009. This initiative is one of the ways we intend to put a positive face on government by informing you of what you need to know in a way that is clear and understandable. We know we can’t do it alone because although we know a lot about all the programs we regulate, we are still on the inside looking out. If you see a TDLR document or web page that makes it difficult to understand what exactly it is you are required to do, please bring it to our attention. We would appreciate it if you would not only point out the difficult document but would also like you to make specific suggestions. The more efficient we can be in our efforts by creating documents that you understand the easier it is for you.
The Plain Talk Initiative is based on Plain Language principles. Plain Language is the concept of creating documents with the specific audience in mind for maximum understanding and the goal of being able to accomplish the intended purpose of the document. These are only principles that are being applied. There is no magic formula for creating a Plain Language document. Plain Language is much more than merely replacing difficult words with simple language. Editing a document using Plain Language principles can involve layout, first person language, use of white space, and the elimination of anything that does not support the document's intended purpose. It is a simple concept but not easy in its application. The proof of a good Plain Language document is if it is understood in the first reading and the reader is able to accomplish what has been directed.
See a "before and after" example of Plain Language
Files that have been created using the principles of Plain Language include:
Model Drug Testing Policy
FAQ's - Model Drug Testing Policy
FAQ's - Tow Operator License Renewals
FAQ's - Electricians
Master Electrician's License Application
Combative Sports Contestant Application
Cosmetology School Application and Instructions
Barber School Application and Instructions
More files will be added on a continual basis.
If you see a TDLR document or web page that needs tweaking for better understanding please let us know via email: Plain.Talk@license.state.tx.us.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is a state regulatory agency that currently oversees over twenty types of businesses, industries, trades and occupations. The agency is responsible for issuing licenses, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, assessing penalties, setting rules and standards and holding hearings.