The bill, S.B. No. 2531, introduces Chapter 61 to the Occupations Code, focusing on occupational licensing reciprocity agreements in Texas. It defines key terms such as "licensing authority" and "occupational license," and mandates that each licensing authority maximize these reciprocity agreements where legally permissible. The bill requires licensing authorities to identify state laws that hinder the establishment of such agreements and to adopt rules for determining the equivalency of licensing requirements between Texas and other states.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that licensing authorities must report biennially to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board on their efforts to enter into reciprocity agreements, including a summary of their activities and recommendations for legislative action to enhance these agreements. The initial rules must be adopted by January 1, 2026, and the first report is due by December 1, 2027. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

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