A rule that’s been in place for decades was just changed and the new one could cost thousands of licensed workers their jobs in El Paso and all over Texas.

It’s not the “all CDL holders, (truckers), must speak English” law that went into effect in June of 2025. This one has to do with anybody who works at any job, in any field, that requires licensing. At the moment, it would put 18,000 folks out of work in El Paso and throughout the state of Texas.

The new rule requires all people who work in a licensed profession to have a social security number, changing the previous rule set back in 2001. License holders that don’t, (currently), have a social security number amount to almost 20,000 people.

What Rule Changed For License Holders?

The rule, which originated when then-AG John Cornyn issued an opinion in 2001, allows for undocumented immigrants to get occupational licenses. On Feb. 10, current AG Ken Paxton, who’s challenging Cornyn’s U.S. Senate seat in an upcoming runoff, issued a new opinion requiring Social Security numbers for such licenses. – fox4news.com

How Many Current Licenses Are In Violation

State data shows that about 18,000 licenses, or about 2 percent, are not attached to a Social Security number. – fox4news.com

What Jobs Require A License In Texas?

A bunch. Jobs in Texas that require licenses include electricians, commercial drivers, hairdressers/barbers, cosmetologists, massage therapists and many more.

READ MORE: Need A New Driver License? Forget Texas DPS 

Fun Fact – While researching this article, I found out that Weather Modifiers need licenses. Yes, people who change the weather … not report about it or predict it; people who actually change it … need licenses too. Now you know.

10 Real Texas Laws You Won’t Believe Are On The Books

These Texas laws seem pretty weird, but they must be there for a reason, right? What on earth led to these having to be passed?

Gallery Credit: Piggie

See if You Can Pass this Practice Texas State Driver’s License Test

So, what do you think? If you had to go to the DMV today and take a driving test, would you be able to pass?