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HB 1256

RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FOURTH REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greggor Ilagan

House Bill 1256 allows provisional licenses for aspiring counselors and therapists in Arkansas, boosting mental health services by easing entry into the profession.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#appropriation($) #cip #fourthrepresentativedistrict
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Bill Summary · HB 1256

Summary of House Bill 1256

Bill Number: HB 1256
Title: Relating to Capital Improvement Projects for the Benefit of the Fourth Representative District
Status: Referred to FIN, referral sheet 4
Introduced: January 27, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriation ($), CIP, Fourth Representative District

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1256 aims to enhance the licensing process for mental health professionals in Arkansas by requiring the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling to issue provisional licenses for both Licensed Associate Counselors and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. This initiative is designed to facilitate entry into the counseling profession, thereby addressing potential shortages in mental health services.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:

  1. Provisional Licenses:

    • The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling is mandated to issue provisional licenses to applicants who meet specific qualifications for:
      • Licensed Associate Counselors
      • Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapists

  2. License Validity:

    • The provisional license will be valid for one year and allows the holder up to three attempts to pass the required examination.
    • Notably, these provisional licenses cannot be renewed after the one-year period.

  3. Amendments:

    • The bill amends existing Arkansas Code § 17-27-302 and § 17-27-305 to incorporate these new provisions regarding provisional licensing.

Affected Parties

This legislation primarily affects:
- Aspiring Counselors and Therapists: Individuals seeking to enter the counseling field will benefit from a more accessible licensing pathway.
- Mental Health Services: The broader community may experience improved access to mental health services as more professionals enter the field.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 27, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor.
  • February 17, 2025: Amendment No. 1 read and adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • February 19, 2025: Bill passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • February 26, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • February 27, 2025: Bill passed in the Senate; returned to the House as passed.
  • March 4, 2025: Notification that HB 1256 is now Act 231.

Conclusion

House Bill 1256 represents a significant step towards improving the licensing process for mental health professionals in Arkansas. By allowing provisional licenses, the bill aims to increase the number of qualified counselors and therapists available to serve the community, ultimately enhancing mental health support in the Fourth Representative District and beyond.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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