The bill, H.B. No. 1660, proposes amendments to the Occupations Code regarding the licensing of education professionals as licensed specialists in school psychology. It introduces new subsections (b-1) and (b-2) to Section 501.260, which mandate the executive council, in consultation with the commissioner of education and the State Board for Educator Certification, to establish rules for issuing licenses to individuals who have been employed in specific educational roles, including educational diagnosticians, occupational therapists, school counselors, social workers, special education teachers, and speech language pathologists.

Additionally, the bill requires the executive council to work with the Texas Education Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification to determine the necessary skills, training, and education for these professionals to effectively provide psychological services in school districts. The rules must also outline a process for identifying any further education and training required for applicants before they can obtain their licenses. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is tasked with adopting these rules as soon as practicable after the bill's effective date. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 501.260 (Occupations Code 501)