The bill, S.B. No. 51, amends various sections of the Occupations Code related to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers in Texas. Key changes include the clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the executive council and the board, with the executive council now tasked with determining qualifications and fitness for license applicants, while the board proposes rules regarding licensing qualifications, scope of practice, and continuing education requirements. The bill also introduces provisions for out-of-state applicants, allowing those licensed in good standing in another state to count their experience towards Texas licensing requirements, and waiving examination requirements for certain applicants based on their qualifications and experience.

Additionally, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for licensed marriage and family therapist associates and licensed marriage and family therapists, specifying that applicants must meet certain educational and experiential requirements. It also allows for the issuance of associate licenses to individuals who meet academic requirements and enter into supervisory agreements. The changes aim to streamline the licensing process, enhance the qualifications of practitioners, and ensure that applicants from other states can transition more easily into Texas's regulatory framework. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to applications submitted after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 502.151, Occupations Code 502.252, Occupations Code 502.2545, Occupations Code 502.259, Occupations Code 503.201, Occupations Code 503.2015, Occupations Code 503.302, Occupations Code 503.3025, Occupations Code 503.308, Occupations Code 505.3575 (Occupations Code 502, Occupations Code 505, Occupations Code 503)