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SB 498

Relating to the Licensed Professional Counselors Compact; authorizing fees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by César Blanco and 3 co-sponsors

Texas joins multi-state Licensed Professional Counselors Compact to allow reciprocal interstate practice, with authorization to collect administrative fees.

Co-author authorized
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Bill Summary · SB 498

Legislative bill overview

SB 498 authorizes Texas to participate in the Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows LPCs to practice across state lines under reciprocal licensure. The bill also permits the state to collect fees necessary to administer this compact arrangement.

Why is this important

This compact addresses professional mobility for mental health counselors, potentially reducing licensing barriers for practitioners who want to serve clients in multiple states and expanding access to mental health services in underserved areas. It could also simplify interstate practice for telehealth and remote counseling services, which have grown significantly post-pandemic.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory standards variation: Different states maintain different educational requirements and continuing education standards; the compact must balance reciprocity with consumer protection
  • Fee structure concerns: Questions may arise about what fees are charged, how they're used, and whether they create additional burden on LPCs already managing multiple state licenses
  • Consumer liability and oversight: Unclear jurisdictional authority if complaints or malpractice issues arise across state lines; the agreement's enforcement mechanisms merit scrutiny

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

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