H.B. No. 1537 proposes the establishment of the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact in Texas, aimed at facilitating the interstate practice of Licensed Professional Counselors while ensuring state regulatory authority for public health and safety. The bill outlines objectives such as mutual recognition of licenses among member states, support for military spouses, and the promotion of telehealth technology. It includes provisions for member states to charge fees for the Privilege to Practice and sets requirements for participation, including licensing, a nationally recognized exam, and criminal background checks. The Compact allows individuals from non-member states to apply for a Single State License, which does not grant the Privilege to Practice in other member states.

The bill also establishes the Counseling Compact Commission, a joint public agency composed of delegates from each member state's licensing board, responsible for overseeing the Compact's implementation and administration. The Commission has the authority to create bylaws, maintain financial records, and conduct public meetings. It is empowered to accept donations, levy assessments, and ensure qualified immunity for its members. The bill emphasizes legal protections for Commission members and outlines a coordinated database for licensure information. Additionally, it details the process for a state’s termination from the Compact, dispute resolution among member states, and the Compact's effective date, set for September 1, 2025.

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