The bill proposes the establishment of the Texas Mental Health Profession Pipeline Program by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This program aims to facilitate a structured pathway for students from public junior colleges to transfer to participating institutions, allowing them to pursue degrees or certificates that lead to licensure in various mental health professions, including psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists. The bill outlines specific requirements for participating institutions, such as partnering with junior colleges, ensuring credit transferability, and providing a streamlined process for students to continue their education.

Additionally, the bill mandates that participating institutions submit annual reports to the board detailing the number of students in their pipeline programs, the success rates of transfers, and the resources allocated to support these programs. The board is also tasked with maintaining an online resource that lists all pipeline programs and participating institutions, along with relevant data. The rules for implementing this program are to be adopted by the board as soon as practicable, with the act set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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