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HB 2284

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Suleman Lalani and 1 co-sponsor

Texas HB 2284 requires music therapists to obtain state occupational licenses and authorizes licensing fee collection to establish regulatory oversight of the profession.

Received from the House
#arts&humanities(i0042) #criminalrecords(s0008) #licensing&regulation #texascommissionof(v0383) #texasdepartmentof(v8529) #musictherapistadvisoryboard(vg4p4) #musictherapistlicensingact(p859e) #musictherapy(s0270) #occupationalregulation--othertrades&professions(i0541) #stateagencies #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773)
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Bill Summary · HB 2284

Legislative bill overview

HB 2284 establishes a new occupational licensing requirement for music therapists in Texas, creating a regulatory framework that requires practitioners to obtain a state license before providing music therapy services. The bill authorizes the state to collect licensing fees to administer and enforce these requirements.

Why is this important

Music therapy is a clinical healthcare practice using music to treat physical, emotional, and cognitive conditions, yet currently operates without state regulation in Texas. Licensure could protect consumers by establishing minimum competency standards, preventing unqualified practitioners from offering services, and creating accountability mechanisms—though it may also increase costs and barriers to entry for practitioners.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definition disputes: Disagreement over what constitutes "music therapy" versus general music instruction or entertainment, potentially affecting who must be licensed
  • Cost burden on practitioners: New licensing fees and compliance requirements may disproportionately impact smaller practices or independent therapists with limited resources
  • Regulatory scope: Concerns about whether licensing should be overseen by a new board, an existing health profession regulator, or existing music therapy credentialing bodies, affecting implementation costs and complexity

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

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