BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3331

By: Coleman

Human Services

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Social work departments at institutions of higher education draw from a breadth of expertise  outside of the social work field, such as psychology and history scholars, to bring depth to the holistic approach of social work education.  Though the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners does not require social work faculty to be licensed in order to teach, conduct research, or publish scholarly articles, statutory law does not adequately address this issue.  Requiring such faculty to obtain a social work license would be a great burden to schools of social work across Texas.

H.B. 3331 seeks to ensure that social work faculty at institutions of higher education who do not engage in the practice of social work are able to teach, do research, and publish scholarly articles without a social work license. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3331 amends the Occupations Code to exempt a person who teaches social work at an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, to the extent the person confines the person's activities to teaching and does not otherwise engage in the practice of social work, from the licensing requirements for social workers.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2011.