The bill, H.B. No. 4721, proposes amendments to the licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers in Texas, including provisions for out-of-state applicants. Key changes include the clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the executive council and the board, with the executive council now tasked with determining qualifications and fitness for applicants, while the board will propose rules regarding licensing qualifications, scope of practice, and continuing education requirements. Notably, the bill introduces new provisions allowing applicants licensed in good standing in other states to count their out-of-state experience towards Texas licensing requirements, thereby streamlining the process for qualified professionals relocating to Texas.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Occupations Code to reflect these changes, including the removal of references to the executive council in favor of the board in certain contexts. It also establishes criteria under which the executive council may waive examination requirements for applicants with equivalent experience from other states. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to applications submitted after that date, ensuring a smooth transition for current applicants under the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 502.151, Occupations Code 502.252, Occupations Code 502.2545, Occupations Code 502.259, Occupations Code 503.201, Occupations Code 503.2015, Occupations Code 503.302, Occupations Code 503.3025, Occupations Code 503.308, Occupations Code 505.3575 (Occupations Code 503, Occupations Code 502, Occupations Code 505)