Bill Caption

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

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3626 would reduce requirements for marriage and family therapists, professional counselors and their associates to transfer or move to the state of Texas and still work.

HB3626 would allow therapists from other states, who are in good standing, to come to Texas and count their experience toward the Texas experience requirements and exempt professional counselors or therapists from other states from the supervisory hour requirements of the Texas license. HB 3626 then would allow the executive council to waive the requirement that applicants pass a license examination.

HB 3626 would also allow temporary licenses to be given to associates as a new associate license. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council would be empowered to make rules regarding this new license. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 3626 would reduce licensure burdens for qualified professionals moving to Texas from out of state and increase the choices available to Texans. This benefits individual liberty, limited government, and the free market. Texas Action supports HB 3626.