The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation ("Commission") provides this public notice that, at their regularly scheduled meeting held September 26, 2012, the Commission adopted the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's ("Department") updated Criminal Conviction Guidelines pursuant to Texas Occupations Code, §53.025(a). These guidelines describe the process by which the Department determines whether a criminal conviction renders an applicant an unsuitable candidate for the license, or whether a conviction warrants revocation or suspension of a license previously granted. The guidelines present the general factors that are considered in all cases and the reasons why particular crimes are considered to relate to each type of license issued by the Department.

House Bill 1451, 82nd Legislature, Regular Session (2011), created a new chapter under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 802, regarding licensed dog or cat breeders.

The updated Criminal Conviction Guidelines includes Licensed Dog or Cat Breeders and will become a part of the overall guidelines that are already in place for other Department programs. The Department presented the guidelines applicable to licensed dog or cat breeders to the Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee at their meeting of August 21, 2012, and received the Committee's recommendation of approval.

A copy of the updated Criminal Conviction Guidelines is posted on the Department's website and may be downloaded at www.license.state.tx.us. You may also contact the Enforcement Division at (512) 539-5600 or by email at enforcement@license.state.tx.us to obtain a copy of the updated guidelines.

TRD-201205380

William H. Kuntz, Jr.

Executive Director

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Filed: October 16, 2012