BILL ANALYSIS
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Senate Research Center |
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AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The nine-member Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) is responsible for regulating the practice of psychology in this state and comprised of licensed psychologists, psychological associates, and public members.
While licensed specialists in school psychology, or school psychologists, are under the purview of TSBEP, state law does not require that any member of the board be a school psychologist. H.B. 646 seeks to ensure that licensed specialists in school psychology are represented on TSBEP.
H.B. 646 amends current law relating to the requirements for members appointed to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 501.051, Occupations Code, by adding Subsection (a-1), to require one of the members appointed under Subsection (a)(1) (providing that the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) consists of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate to include four psychologist members with certain qualifications) or (a)(2) (providing that TSBEP consists of nine members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate to include two psychologist associate members with certain qualifications) to practice as a licensed specialist in school psychology under Section 501.260 (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology).
SECTION 2. Provides that the changes in law made by this Act in the qualifications of members of TSBEP do not affect the entitlement of a member serving on TSBEP immediately before the effective date of this Act to continue to serve for the remainder of the member's term. Requires the governor, as the terms of TSBEP members expire, to appoint or reappoint a member who has the qualifications required for a member under Section 501.051(a-1), Occupations Code, as added by this Act.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.