H.B. No. 5421 aims to enhance the regulation of certain mental health professions in Texas, specifically focusing on the licensing of marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers. The bill amends various sections of the Occupations Code, including Sections 502.151 and 502.1515, to clarify the powers and duties of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and the board responsible for proposing rules regarding licensing qualifications, ethical standards, and continuing education requirements. Notably, the bill introduces new language that specifies the board's authority to determine qualifications and fitness for license applicants, as well as the requirement for applicants to pay examination fees and pass relevant tests.

Additionally, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for obtaining a marriage and family therapist associate license, including the removal of certain felony conviction restrictions and the specification of supervised clinical service hours. It also establishes provisions for reciprocal licensing agreements with other jurisdictions, allowing for the issuance of licenses based on comparable requirements. The bill repeals several existing provisions and clarifies that the new regulations will apply only to applications filed after the effective date of the Act, which will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 502.151, Occupations Code 502.252, Occupations Code 502.2545, Occupations Code 502.259, Occupations Code 502.301 (Occupations Code 502)