89R1971 BEE-F     By: Allen H.B. No. 2157       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the licensing of a psychologist as a licensed   specialist in school psychology; authorizing a fee.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 501.260, Occupations Code, is amended by   amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (b-1) and (d) to   read as follows:          (b)  The executive council shall set the standards to qualify   for a license under this section.  Except as provided by Subsection   (b-1), [The] standards must include:                (1)  satisfaction of minimum recognized graduate   degree requirements;                (2)  completion of graduate course work at a regionally   accredited institution of higher education in:                      (A)  psychological foundations;                      (B)  educational foundations;                      (C)  interventions;                      (D)  assessments; and                      (E)  professional issues and ethics;                (3)  completion of at least 1,200 hours of supervised   experience;                (4)  receipt of a passing score on a nationally   recognized qualifying examination determined to be appropriate by   the executive council and on any other examination required by the   executive council; and                (5)  satisfaction of the requirements under Sections   501.2525(a)(3)-(9).          (b-1)  The executive council by rule shall provide for the   issuance of a license under this section to a person who:                (1)  is licensed as a psychologist under this chapter;                (2)  has received a passing score on a nationally   recognized qualifying examination determined to be appropriate by   the executive council and on any other examination required by the   executive council;                (3)  applies for the license in the manner prescribed   by the executive council; and                (4)  pays the fee set by the executive council.          (d)  The executive council by rule may establish continuing   education requirements for a psychologist who holds a license   issued under this section in accordance with Subsection (b-1),   including continuing education coursework in an amount and   frequency established by the executive council that is related to:                (1)  the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act   (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.);                (2)  Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.   Section 794);                (3)  special education evaluations; and                (4)  school-based psychological services.          SECTION 2.  The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council   shall adopt rules and fees necessary to implement Sections   501.260(b-1) and (d), Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not   later than January 1, 2026.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.