Texas law has always been, just like the state, big and bold. However, sometimes the laws will make you stop and wonder exactly what some of the lawmakers are thinking. Take for example a law that requires a PC repair technician to hold a valid Private Investigator license. If they fail to comply, they can face a $4,000 fine and one year in jail, as well as other civil penalties.

Seriously, there is a law in Texas that requires computer repair shops to ensure that the employees working for them are certified Private Investigators. The PC Techs will need to earn a criminal justice degree or do a three-year apprenticeship under a licensed private investigator. If you perform certain repairs without a private investigator’s license, or if you have your computer repaired by someone without a license, you can be punished by a $4,000 fine and one year in jail as well as a $10,000 civil penalty. Already, some repair shops in Texas have had to close because of this law.

Matt Miller, the executive director of the Institute for Justice Texas Chapter, which is located in Austin, said, “Texas is working hard to bring technology innovators to the state. Laws like this tell computer entrepreneurs that they are not welcome here, and that they must risk jail time in order to continue working in their chosen field.”