FRAUDULENT, SUBSTANDARD, OR FICTITIOUS DEGREE

(a) In this section, "fraudulent or substandard degree" has the meaning assigned by Section 61.302, Education Code. (b) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) uses or claims to hold a postsecondary degree that the person knows: (A) is a fraudulent or substandard degree; (B) is fictitious or has otherwise not been granted to the person; or (C) has been revoked; and (2) uses or claims to hold that degree: (A) in a written or oral advertisement or other promotion of a business; or (B) with the intent to: (i) obtain employment; (ii) obtain a license or certificate to practice a trade, profession, or occupation; (iii) obtain a promotion, a compensation or other benefit, or an increase in compensation or other benefit, in employment or in the practice of a trade, profession, or occupation; (iv) obtain admission to an educational program in this state; or (v) gain a position in government with authority over another person, regardless of whether the actor receives compensation for the position. (c) An offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor. (d) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section or the other law.