Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 2016	Senate Author:  Zaffirini et al.
Effective:  Vetoed	House Sponsor:  Goldman

            Senate Bill 2016 amends the Licensed Dietitian Act, Occupations Code, to revise and clarify certain licensing requirements to align with national standards. Under current law, an applicant for a dietician license must possess a baccalaureate or postbaccalaureate degree that meets certain criteria to qualify for the licensing examination. The bill repeals that requirement and instead requires an applicant to possess at least a master's degree accepted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration or another applicable certifying entity. Among other provisions, the bill also requires an applicant to provide evidence of the applicant's compliance with all professional, ethical, and disciplinary standards established by the applicable certifying entity. Further, the bill repeals a provision authorizing the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to waive the examination requirement for a license applicant who is a registered dietician and a provision requiring TDLR to prepare a registry of licensed dietitians and provisional licensed dietitians.

Governor's Reason for Veto: "Removing unnecessary barriers that prevent capable Texans from getting to work has been a priority of mine since I first took office. Senate Bill No. 2016 would impose an unnecessary occupational-licensing limitation that hurts workers and consumers, while straining the economic engine of Texas. A dietitian should not be required to obtain a master's degree to become registered or licensed by the State of Texas."