House Bill No. 3677 proposes the addition of Chapter 61 to the Occupations Code, which establishes guidelines for the issuance of occupational licenses to certain out-of-state applicants. The chapter defines a "license" as any form of authorization required to engage in a specific business or occupation. It specifies that the new provisions apply 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 clarifies that the chapter does not apply to licenses required for the establishment or operation of a facility.

The bill outlines the criteria under which a licensing authority must issue a license to an out-of-state applicant, provided they meet specific requirements, such as holding a current license in good standing in another state and not having a disqualifying criminal history. Additionally, the licensing authority must confirm that the applicant meets the necessary requirements from the other state before issuing the license. The bill mandates that each licensing authority adopt rules to implement these provisions by January 1, 2026, and it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()