BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2598
	By: Button et al. (Zaffirini)
	Education K-16
	5/21/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Current law refers to school-based mental health professionals as "licensed specialists in school psychology," a term that can be unclear to families and school staff. This current title is often misunderstood and may make it more difficult for persons to recognize the role these professionals play in supporting student mental health. H.B. 2598 would change the title used in state law from "licensed specialist in school psychology" to "school psychologist," making edits across the Education Code, Government Code, and Occupations Code. What's more, the bill does not change licensing rules or job responsibilities. H.B. 2598 improves clarity and public understanding without altering qualifications or services regarding licensed specialist in school psychology.

H.B. 2598 amends current law relating to a school psychologist licensed under the Occupations Code.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority previously granted to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is modified in SECTION 9 (Section 501.260, Occupations Code) of this bill.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 38.303(a), Education Code, to provide that the Collaborative Task Force on Public School Mental Health Services is composed of certain persons, including certain additional members appointed by the commissioner of education, including one person who is a school psychologist, rather than a licensed specialist in school psychology, as defined by Section 501.002 (Definitions), Occupations Code.

SECTION 2. Amends Section 61.601, Education Code, to redefine "mental health professional."

SECTION 3. Amends Section 61.607(b), Education Code, to make conforming changes.

SECTION 4. Amends Section 411.12502(a), Government Code, to make conforming changes.

SECTION 5. Amends Section 548.0203(a), Government Code, as effective April 1, 2025, to redefine "health professional."

SECTION 6. Amends Section 501.002(2), Occupations Code, to define "school psychologist," rather than "licensed specialist in school psychology."

SECTION 7. Amends Section 501.051(a-1), Occupations Code, to make conforming changes.

SECTION 8. Amends the heading to Section 501.260, Occupations Code, to read as follows:

Sec. 501.260. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST.

SECTION 9. Amends Sections 501.260(a) and (c), Occupations Code, to make conforming changes.

SECTION 10. Effective date: September 1, 2025.