COUNSELORS AND THERAPISTS – Amends existing law to provide for the licensure of certain persons who have served as a chaplain in any branch of the United States military.

Idaho's H 545 amends licensing rules to allow military chaplains who served honorably in the U.S. military to become licensed counselors without taking the standard exam or paying fees. Specifically, it creates a pathway for Idaho residents with military discharge papers (DD-214) showing honorable service, four units of clinical pastoral education, and documented counseling experience (1,000 hours for standard licensure or 2,000 hours for clinical licensure under military supervision). The bill directly affects veterans who served as chaplains and wish to practice counseling in Idaho. It streamlines their licensure by waiving typical requirements while maintaining background checks and residency rules. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.