The bill, S.B. No. 716, introduces Chapter 61 to the Occupations Code, which establishes a framework for the issuance of occupational licenses to certain out-of-state applicants in Texas. It defines a "license" as any form of authorization required to engage in a specific business or occupation and specifies that the chapter applies to various licensing authorities, including the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, the Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Medical Board, among others. However, it explicitly states that the chapter does not apply to licenses required for the establishment or operation of a facility.

Under the new provisions, licensing authorities are mandated to issue licenses to applicants who meet specific criteria, such as holding a current license in good standing from another state, having held that license for at least one year, and passing necessary examinations. Additionally, the bill requires that before issuing a license, the licensing authority must confirm the applicant's qualifications with the other state. Each authority is also tasked with adopting rules to implement these requirements by January 1, 2026, and the provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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