The bill, S.B. No. 1401, proposes the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Profession Pipeline Program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This program aims to create a structured pathway for students from public junior colleges to transfer to participating institutions, allowing them to pursue degrees and certifications that lead to licensure in various mental health professions, including psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and advanced practice registered nurses, among others. The bill outlines the responsibilities of participating institutions, which include partnering with public junior colleges, ensuring credit transferability, and facilitating timely degree completion.

Additionally, the bill mandates that participating institutions submit annual reports to the board detailing student enrollment in the pipeline program, transfer statistics, degree completion rates, and resources allocated to support students. The board is tasked with promoting the program and maintaining an online resource that provides information about the pipeline programs, participating institutions, and relevant data. The provisions of this act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and the board is required to adopt necessary rules for implementation as soon as practicable after the effective date.

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