Provide for licensure of specialists in educational psychology

2025 Regular Session

Establishes a state licensure pathway for educational psychology specialists to safeguard public welfare by setting eligibility, exams, renewals, and practice standards.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

#professionsandoccupationso-z #schoolsandeducation

LC 3172 — Provide for licensure of specialists in educational psychology

Overview

LC 3172 is a bill introduced on December 13, 2024, with the goal of establishing a licensure framework for specialists in educational psychology. The bill is classified under Professions and Occupations (O-Z) and Schools and Education. The status indicates the draft died in process, with the latest action showing the draft as having died as of May 27, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

The bill would create a formal licensure pathway for specialists in educational psychology.

The intended aim is to regulate the practice to safeguard public welfare by ensuring practitioners meet established standards of competency.

Key Provisions (Notes)

The exact text and provisions are not provided in the summary. As a licensure bill, typical elements often include:

Definitions of “educational psychology specialist” and related terms.
Eligibility requirements for licensure (educational background, supervised experience, and possibly state-approved programs).
Examinations or competency assessments required for licensure.
Licensure categories or scope of practice (what activities licensed specialists may perform).
License renewal requirements ( continuing education, renewal cycles, fees ).
Supervision or practice setting requirements (e.g., supervision hours for new graduates).
Enforcement provisions (unlicensed practice penalties, disciplinary processes).
Reciprocity or endorsement provisions for out-of-state licensees.
Administrative body responsible for licensure (e.g., a state board or department within the education/professions apparatus).

Because the bill text is not included here, the above are illustrative of common elements in licensure bills and may not reflect LC 3172’s exact language.

Who Would Be Affected

Individuals who would seek licensure as educational psychology specialists.

Educational employers (schools, districts, and educational service providers) that hire or contract with licensed specialists.

Regulatory and oversight bodies responsible for professional licensure within the state.

Postsecondary programs preparing educational psychology specialists (as licensure requirements interact with program accreditation and admissions).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: December 13, 2024 (Drafter Assigned).

Action: 2024-12-13 Drafter Assigned; 2025-05-27 Draft Died in Process.

Status indicates no enacted passage or further committee advancement under this draft.

Potential Impact and Considerations

If enacted, the bill could raise standards for educational psychology services and provide clearer public accountability.

Possible impacts include requirements for new applicants (education, supervised experience, exams) and ongoing requirements (CE, renewals) that could affect practitioners and hiring practices.

Stakeholders might consider implications for current practitioners, licensure portability, and costs associated with licensure and renewal.

Next Steps

For a precise understanding of LC 3172, the full bill text and any fiscal notes or committee analyses would be required. If revived, future actions would likely include committee hearings, amendments, and potential floor votes.