| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Negative | Neutral | Neutral | Negative | Negative |
Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 2473, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted : a POSITIVE impact of $58,425 through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
HB 2473 would establish a Music Therapist Advisory Board
within the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to provide technical
assistance in the issuance of a Music Therapist License. Such a license would
be required in order for a person to use the title of "licensed
professional music therapist" or any other designation that would imply
that person is a music therapist.
HB 2473 then would establish many regulations upon this
license. This would include limits on the scope of Music Therapist work,
introduce an examination, require fees, and pass certification/accreditation
processes with independent agencies.
HB 2473 would not apply to:
However, these individuals would not be allowed to represent themselves as a music therapist.
HB 2473 grows the government to interfere with the operations of music therapists in Texas. Independent accreditation agencies already offer licensure and legitimacy to Music therapists, it is not the role of government to interfere.
HB 2473 limits those who could utilize this service, and provides an effective barrier to the practice. It removes the choice of people seeking music therapy and therapists who could use music therapy as a tool within their treatment. Therefore, HB 2473 violates individual liberty, limited government, and the free market. Texas Action opposes 2473.