S.B. No. 498 establishes the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact within the Texas Occupations Code, aimed at facilitating the interstate practice of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). The compact promotes public access to counseling services while maintaining state regulatory authority. It includes provisions for mutual recognition of licenses among member states, support for military spouses, and the use of telehealth technology. Member states must meet specific criteria, such as requiring a nationally recognized exam and conducting criminal background checks for applicants. The bill also clarifies that a Single State License does not grant a Privilege to Practice in other member states and does not alter existing Single State License requirements.

The legislation creates a Counseling Compact Commission to oversee the implementation and compliance of the Compact, consisting of delegates from each member state's Licensing Board. The Commission has the authority to establish bylaws, maintain financial records, and conduct public meetings. It is also empowered to accept donations, levy assessments, and provide legal protections for its members against civil actions related to their official duties. Additionally, the bill outlines a coordinated data system for maintaining licensure and adverse action information across member states, establishes a framework for dispute resolution, and specifies the responsibilities of states that have been terminated from the Compact. The Compact will take effect once enacted by the tenth member state, with provisions for withdrawal and amendments requiring enactment by all member states.

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