SB 716 would require 22 Texas licensing boards (including nursing, dental, engineering, and pharmacy boards) to issue licenses to out-of-state applicants who meet specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must hold a current, active license in another state with similar practice scope, have held that license for at least one year, meet original exam/education requirements, have no disqualifying criminal history, and not face recent disciplinary action. The bill streamlines licensing for qualified professionals moving to Texas, reducing barriers for those already licensed elsewhere. It applies only to individual occupational licenses - not facility permits - and mandates this process for all listed licensing authorities.
SB 2531 requires Texas occupational licensing agencies to actively pursue mutual recognition agreements with other states. It mandates agencies to compare licensing standards (including training, testing, and scope of practice) to identify states with equivalent requirements and report progress annually to the governor and legislature. The bill directs agencies to eliminate barriers preventing reciprocity and recommend legislative changes to reduce Texas licensing requirements where possible. This primarily affects licensed professionals seeking to work across state lines and the state agencies that issue occupational licenses.
HB 794 requires Texas licensing authorities to review all occupational regulations by September 1, 2026, to ensure they are limited to demonstrably necessary public health, safety, or welfare objectives. The bill mandates that each review must specify the purpose of every regulation and analyze its effects on worker opportunities, consumer costs, unemployment, and market competition. This applies to all occupational licenses, specialty medical reimbursement licenses, and related requirements issued by state or local agencies. The law aims to prevent unnecessary barriers to entry in professions while maintaining protections for public health and safety, as defined in Section 2.001(6) of the new Chapter 2.
HB 3677 requires Texas licensing boards for professions like nursing, law, architecture, and healthcare to issue licenses to out-of-state applicants who hold current, active licenses in another state. To qualify, applicants must have held their out-of-state license for at least one year, met similar education/exam requirements, and have no disqualifying criminal history or recent disciplinary actions. The bill applies specifically to 22 licensing authorities, including the Texas Medical Board and State Board of Nursing, but excludes facility licensing. This policy directly affects licensed professionals seeking to practice in Texas without retaking exams or meeting redundant requirements.
