H.B. No. 2598 amends various sections of the Education and Occupations Codes to update the terminology and licensing requirements for school psychologists in Texas. The bill replaces the term "licensed specialist in school psychology" with "school psychologist" throughout the relevant legal texts. This change is reflected in multiple sections, including the definitions of mental health professionals and the composition of task forces related to mental health services in schools. The amendments also clarify that a school psychologist is defined as a person who holds a license to practice psychology under Section 501.260.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities and qualifications for members of task forces and the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, ensuring that at least one member must practice as a school psychologist. The changes aim to streamline the language and improve the clarity of the legal framework governing school psychologists, thereby enhancing the provision of mental health services in educational settings. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 38.303, Occupations Code 501.002, Occupations Code 501.260 (Education Code 38, Occupations Code 501)
House Committee Report: Education Code 38.303, Occupations Code 501.002, Occupations Code 501.260 (Education Code 38, Occupations Code 501)
Engrossed: Education Code 38.303, Education Code 61.601, Education Code 502.002, Government Code 411.12502, Occupations Code 501.002, Occupations Code 501.260 (Education Code 38, Occupations Code 501, Education Code 61, Government Code 411, Education Code 502)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 38.303, Education Code 61.601, Education Code 502.002, Government Code 411.12502, Occupations Code 501.002, Occupations Code 501.260 (Education Code 38, Occupations Code 501, Education Code 61, Government Code 411, Education Code 502)
Enrolled: Education Code 38.303, Education Code 61.601, Education Code 502.002, Government Code 411.12502, Occupations Code 501.002, Occupations Code 501.260 (Education Code 38, Occupations Code 501, Education Code 61, Government Code 411, Education Code 502)