89R1971 BEE-F
By: Allen H.B. No. 2157
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the licensing of a psychologist as a licensed
specialist in school psychology; authorizing a fee.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 501.260, Occupations Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (d) to
read as follows:
(b) The executive council shall set the standards to qualify
for a license under this section. Except as provided by Subsection
(b-1), [The] standards must include:
(1) satisfaction of minimum recognized graduate
degree requirements;
(2) completion of graduate course work at a regionally
accredited institution of higher education in:
(A) psychological foundations;
(B) educational foundations;
(C) interventions;
(D) assessments; and
(E) professional issues and ethics;
(3) completion of at least 1,200 hours of supervised
experience;
(4) receipt of a passing score on a nationally
recognized qualifying examination determined to be appropriate by
the executive council and on any other examination required by the
executive council; and
(5) satisfaction of the requirements under Sections
501.2525(a)(3)-(9).
(b-1) The executive council by rule shall provide for the
issuance of a license under this section to a person who:
(1) is licensed as a psychologist under this chapter;
(2) has received a passing score on a nationally
recognized qualifying examination determined to be appropriate by
the executive council and on any other examination required by the
executive council;
(3) applies for the license in the manner prescribed
by the executive council; and
(4) pays the fee set by the executive council.
(d) The executive council by rule may establish continuing
education requirements for a psychologist who holds a license
issued under this section in accordance with Subsection (b-1),
including continuing education coursework in an amount and
frequency established by the executive council that is related to:
(1) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.);
(2) Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
Section 794);
(3) special education evaluations; and
(4) school-based psychological services.
SECTION 2. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
shall adopt rules and fees necessary to implement Sections
501.260(b-1) and (d), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not
later than January 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.