Last page revision- October 13th, 1999

TDLR Home Page

About TDLR

The Beginning...
The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) emerged as the state's occupational and professional licensing agency in September 1989. This change represents another episode in the agency's long and productive history in state government.

The agency started in 1909 as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At that time, the agency primarily concerned itself with labor issues --enforcing labor laws, inspecting factories and encouraging the growth of Texas industry.

During the 1930s the agency's role began changing. As more laws were added to its jurisdiction, the agency's emphasis began shifting from labor to industry regulation. In 1973, the agency's name was changed to the Texas Department of Labor and Standards to better reflects its dual role.

TDLR Today...
In 1989, the Texas Legislature transferred the agency's remaining labor functions to the Texas Employment Commission, created a six-member commission to act as the governing body, and changed the agency's name to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation.

TDLR now ensures public safety and welfare in many diverse areas. Issuing licenses, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, issuing penalties, setting rules and standards, and holding hearings, names just a few of the agency's activities.

The Future...
The next decade holds the possibility of a broader regulatory scope for the agency. The 72nd Legislature envisioned placing other industries under TDLR jurisdiction as those industries become regulated or as the agencies now regulating them undergo Sunset Review. Whether or not that happens remains to be seen. But in the meantime, TDLR has a diverse and demanding role to play for the people of Texas.

In Perspective...
TDLR's governing body, the Texas Commission of Licensing & Regulation, is made up of six members appointed by the Governor. The Commission appoints the executive director, develops policy direction for the agency, sets fees, assesses administrative penalties, and approves the agency's operating budget and legislative appropriation requests.

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