SB 1080 Expands Occupational Licensing Opportunities for Windham School District Graduates
As Senate Bill (SB) 1080 entered a new phase of implementation on Sept. 1, 2026, the Windham School District strengthened the connection between career and technical education (CTE), occupational licensing and employment for students preparing to return to our communities. Passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, SB 1080 allows eligible individuals incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to be issued an occupational license prior to reentry upon completion of certain CTE programs offered by Windham or a partnering institution of higher education. By affording this opportunity to graduates, the legislation helps reduce barriers between completing career training and entering the workforce. It also supports Goal 10 of Windham’s 2030 Plan, which aims to increase occupational license attainment among graduates in eligible fields of training to 90% by the year 2030.
The law builds on Windham’s longstanding commitment to preparing students for employment through education and workforce-focused programming. Through its CTE programs, Windham provides training opportunities that help students develop technical skills and earn industry-based certifications aligned with high-demand careers across Texas. Windham’s CTE programming is shaped by the workforce needs of Texas employers. The district uses labor market information, employment projections from the Texas Workforce Commission and industry trends to guide decisions on the addition, continuation and modification of CTE programs. This data-driven approach helps align training opportunities with current and emerging workforce demands while supporting pathways to industry certifications, occupational licensing and meaningful employment.
Windham works closely with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to identify and guide students who participate in training for regulated industries through the criminal history evaluation, program enrollment and licensing application process. Through this partnership, staff help students understand licensing requirements, gather necessary documentation and navigate application procedures.
“Windham has long been committed to providing students with education and career training that leads to strong employment opportunities following reentry,” Windham Superintendent Kristina J. Hartman said. “Connections with licensing entities strengthens that work by helping eligible students move more seamlessly from the classroom to the workforce through occupational licensure. Together with our TDLR partners, we are creating clearer pathways to employment that support successful reentry and meet the workforce needs of Texas employers.”
The collaboration reflects years of work among Windham, TDCJ and TDLR. TDLR provides ongoing training for Windham staff on licensing requirements and application procedures, sustaining the district’s ability to support students pursuing careers in regulated professions.
“An occupational license can be the bridge between learning a trade and building a stable future,” Executive Director of TDLR Courtney Arbour said. “By working with Windham and TDCJ, we can help eligible students complete the licensing process before reentry, while upholding the standards that protect Texans.”
Collaborative efforts of this nature represent another step toward strengthening the connection between education in corrections, professional credentialing and workforce participation.
“When individuals leave our facilities equipped with both the skills and the credentials to apply them, they are better positioned to build productive, self-sufficient lives,” TDCJ Executive Director Bobby Lumpkin said. “This partnership demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies work together to reduce barriers to employment while still upholding public safety.”
Through its CTE programs and partnerships with state agencies, entities and employers, Windham School District remains committed to providing students with education and career pathways that support successful reentry while helping meet the workforce needs of Texas communities.
ABOUT WINDHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT
Windham School District (Windham) provides academic, career and technical education and life skills programs to eligible students within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). With 102 campuses located in prison facilities across Texas, Windham strives to equip students with the necessary education and skills to progress to postsecondary education programs and successfully reenter the workforce within their communities. As supported by the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, this article includes utilizing person-first language. The district uses terms such as “student” and “graduate,” to describe people incarcerated in TDCJ facilities, building the foundation for personal and professional growth. For media or partnership inquiries, please contact Danielle Nicholes, Communications Administrator, at danielle.nicholes@wsdtx.org.
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