Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB51

Filed

11/12/24

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

Impact

The implications of SB51 on state laws are significant as it introduces greater flexibility and recognition of out-of-state professionals, thereby potentially enhancing the availability of mental health services in Texas. By waiving certain examination requirements for these professionals, the bill intends to streamline the licensing process and reduce barriers for qualified candidates hoping to enter the Texas market. As a result, this legislation may alleviate current shortages in counseling and therapy services, promoting access to mental health resources across the state.

Summary

SB51 seeks to amend the current statutes concerning the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, and social workers in Texas. The primary focus lies in creating a more inclusive framework for applicants licensed in other states, facilitating the movement and practice of professionals across state lines. Notably, the bill proposes that individuals who are licensed in good standing in another state may be exempted from certain licensing examinations provided they meet specific experience requirements in their respective fields. This is aimed at addressing workforce shortages and ensuring that qualified professionals can practice in Texas with agility.

Contention

However, SB51 does raise points of contention, particularly around the potential implications for professional standards and public safety. Critics of the bill might argue that reducing the licensing requirements could compromise the quality and accountability of mental health care practitioners entering the state. Discussions among stakeholders highlighted the need for maintaining rigorous standards to protect consumer interests, while proponents assert that the benefits of increased access to qualified professionals outweigh these concerns. The ongoing debates around this legislation reflect broader tensions between the need for accessible mental health services and the commitment to maintaining high professional standards.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Occupations Code

Chapter 502. Marriage And Family Therapists
- Section: 151
- Section: New Section

Chapter 503. Licensed Professional Counselors
- Section: 201
- Section: 2015
- Section: 3025
- Section: 308

Chapter 505. Social Workers
- Section: 3575

Companion Bills

TX HB4721

Identical Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

Similar Bills

MI SB0668

Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy. Amends secs. 17801, 17820 & 17824 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17801 et seq.) & repeals sec. 17819 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17819).

MI SB0144

Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy. Amends secs. 17801, 17820, 17822, 17824 & 17825 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17801 et seq.) & adds sec. 17825a.

PA SB786

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.