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Texas Legislative Session Lesson Plan
Experience the legislative process by learning to write bills, debate legislation, and vote on laws that can impact your future career in barbering and cosmetology. Discover how Texas laws are made and advocate for your profession.
Overview of Texas Lawmaking

1

Introduction
Students learn how the legislative process in Texas works and about bills that can impact their chosen career path.

2

Reading and Discussion
Teacher reads "How Texas Laws Are Made" aloud as students highlight interesting information. Class discusses and creates an anchor chart of observations.

3

Independent Analysis
Students do a "second-draft" reading to find text evidence and answer questions on the "THINK-INK/PAIR-SHARE" worksheet.

4

Collaborative Learning
Students pair up to share findings, decide what to present to the class, and participate in a group discussion.
Lesson Plan including Templates (HB 1560)
Although this lesson plan was developed in response to HB 1560, it is still relevant today. Please, print the document and use this to guide students through learning about the Texas Legislative Process and discuss important writing points with your students.
Key Legislative Vocabulary

1

Session - the length of time the legislature meets to address state business and pass laws.
The Texas legislature is usually in session for 140 days.

2

Senate - an assembly of citizens which make up the upper house of the legislature.
One of the two governing bodies of the legislature is the Senate. The other body is the House of Representatives.

3

Adjourn - to end a meeting temporarily with the intention of continuing at a later time.
The legislature has adjourned the meetings until after the MLK Jr. holiday.

4

Majority - the group who has most (over half) of the votes on any particular issue.
The bill regarding bus safety laws is expected to have the majority of votes and pass into law.

5

Yield - to give up one’s opposing opinion to another member’s position on a topic.
Senator Watson yielded the floor to Senator Davis and sat down so that she could speak.

6

Term - a period of time something can last to which limits have been set.
Texas Senators serve 4-year terms, and then their seat is open for election of a replacement.
How Texas Laws Are Made
1
Bill Introduction
A legislator introduces a bill in either the House or Senate. The bill can be introduced by any member of the legislature. A bill may be introduced at any time during the 140-day legislative session.
2
Committee Review
The bill is then sent to a committee for review. Committees are groups of legislators who are experts in specific topics. They hold public hearings where citizens and experts can give testimony on the bill. Committees may make changes to the bill and recommend it to the full chamber.
3
Chamber Votes
Once the bill passes committee review, both the House and Senate must pass the bill. If the House and Senate pass different versions of the bill, a conference committee is formed to create a compromise. Both chambers must then vote on the final version of the bill.
4
Governor's Decision
The governor has 10 days to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without signature. The governor can veto a bill and send it back to the legislature, but the legislature can override the governor's veto.
Writing to Your Legislators
Identify Your Representatives
Use the official Texas website to find your elected officials, including House Representatives, Senators, and the Governor.
Craft Your Message
Explain that you're a student and future voter. Clearly state the bill number and your position. Describe how the bill would impact you and your community.
Follow Proper Format
Use the correct form of address for each official. Keep your letter concise, respectful, and focused on a single issue.
Request a Response
Ask the legislator to explain their position on the issue. Follow up if you receive a response to continue the dialogue.
Sample Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Legislator's Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Legislator's Name],
We hope this letter finds you well. We are students at [Your School/Institution] and are writing to express our collective concerns regarding the mismanagement of the cosmetology and barber industry by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). As future professionals in this field, we are deeply invested in the proper regulation and oversight that ensures both the integrity of our industry and the safety of the public.
Over the past few years, we have observed several issues that have caused significant distress among students, professionals, and consumers alike. These issues include, but are not limited to, reduction of the hours required for licensure, abolishing the instructor license, removing the general education or requirement to demonstrate the ability to benefit from training, and TDLR's lack or ability to manage the administration of these changes. This has resulted in delays in processing a student eligibility to sit for the licensure exam, mass confusion about licenses types, and a lack of adequate support and resources for educational programs or professional licensees.
Firstly, TDLR has not met with the Barber and Cosmetology Advisory board since 2022. During this time, they have restructured the technical requirements for all barbering and cosmetology education programs. We are left with a structure that requires a student to repeat previously mastered content. We are no longer allowed to use hours from a previous specialty license in the cosmetology operator or barber license, which means that as a student I am forced to pay again for instruction that I have already been tested over.
Secondly, the TDLR's oversight and support for educational programs in cosmetology and barbering have been insufficient. Our institutions often struggle to receive timely updates on regulatory changes, and the support provided for implementing these changes is minimal. This lack of communication and support undermines the quality of education we receive, which is critical for our future success and the safety of our clients. TDLR has said many times that they are not an education agency. Their primary function is to protect the health and safety of the public. As a student who has invested thousands of dollars in an educational program and years of my life, it is discouraging to hear that the state of Texas is leaving the regulation and administration of an education program to an agency without the internal capacity to do so.
As seen in the screenshot attached to this letter, you will note that the system TDLR utilizes for my school to submit hours has been closed for the entire month of September. This is the second time the system was shut down in two months to take care of legislative changes that happened well over TWO years ago.
Some legislative changes happened over FOUR years ago that were also mismanaged. The Barber and Cosmetology Instructor License was no longer required to gain employment in that position as of September 1, 2021. TDLR continued to allow schools to enroll students in the instructor education program, AND continued to issue the license that was no longer needed all the way through September 1, 2023! Those who held the instructor license were told they would be issued a "comparable" license. However, this was not well defined in the statute. The license instructors received was NOT comparable. It is the same license ALL cosmetology operators or Class A Barbers receive and lacks any indication of the credential that was formerly required BY law to obtain employment as an instructor. Why was this credential not grandfathered for individuals who held the license?? The renewal requirements were the same!!
We believe that the TDLR must take immediate actions to address these issues. We respectfully request that you, as our representative, consider the following recommendations to improve the management of our industry:
  1. Increase Transparency and Communication: The TDLR should provide clear, consistent, and timely updates on regulatory changes and licensing processes to all stakeholders, including students, educators, and professionals.
  1. Streamline Licensing Processes: Implement measures to comply with Federal Perkins V requirements that career pathways are attainable, stackable, and increase in rigor.
  1. Enhance Support for Educational Programs: Provide more resources and support to cosmetology and barbering educational programs to ensure that institutions can effectively train students in compliance with current regulations.
  1. Regular Audits and Evaluations: Conduct regular audits and evaluations of TDLR processes and performance to identify areas for improvement and ensure accountability.
  1. Issue Comparable Credential for Instructors: Individuals who held Barber, Cosmetology, Manicuring, Esthetics, or any other kind of instructor license should be issued the credential they earned when it was required BY LAW to gain employment as an educator. It is understood the license is no longer required. However, TDLR allowing students to take loans or pay for enrollment in programs leading to an abolished credential, and issuing NEW instructor licenses AFTER the time the were no longer required BY LAW led to the reasonable expectation that the license WOULD be eligible for renewal. If they issued a useless license after the time is was no longer required under the law then, why can't they issue it now?
Our goal is to see the cosmetology and barber industry thrive under fair and efficient regulation, benefiting both professionals and the public. We kindly urge you to take these concerns seriously and advocate for the necessary reforms within the TDLR.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and are hopeful for positive changes that will support our future careers and the overall health of our industry.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Names of Other Students]
[Your School/Institution]
Copy of Student Letter for Google Docs
Taking Action
Write Letters
Craft personalized letters to your representatives expressing your views on cosmetology legislation.
Spread Awareness
Share information about important bills with classmates and on social media to increase engagement.
Attend Hearings
Participate in public committee hearings to voice your opinion on bills affecting your future profession.
Prepare to Vote
Research candidates' positions on cosmetology issues and register to vote when eligible.