Enrolled Bill Summary

Senate Bill 589	Senate Author:  Lucio et al.
Effective:  See below	House Sponsor:  Simmons et al.

            Senate Bill 589 amends the Occupations Code to enact the Behavior Analyst Licensing Act and to create the Behavior Analyst Advisory Board. The bill establishes the board's duties and the activity that constitutes the practice of applied behavior analysis. The bill establishes license requirements for behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts and establishes the authority and duties of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, and the executive director of TDLR relating to such licenses. Effective September 1, 2018, the bill prohibits a person, with certain exceptions, from engaging in the practice of applied behavior analysis using certain titles unless the person holds a license under the bill's provisions and provides for enforcement procedures. Except as otherwise provided, the bill takes effect September 1, 2017.