Healthcare
Texas Legislature Shamefully Ends Session Without Passing Popular Interstate Health Compact Licensure Bills
06.04.2025
As Texas Legislators end a 140-day regular session, neurodivergent Texans and their families lose out due to their inability to act on popular legislation such as the Counseling Compact.
AUSTIN, TEX. – On Monday, June 2, 2025, the Texas Legislature concluded its 140-day regular session. Notably, during this period, state legislators did not pass key interstate health compact legislation.
- Counseling Compact HB 1537/SB 498
- Social Work Licensure Compact – HB 3503/SB 1726
- Audiology, Speech Language Pathology Interstate Compact HB 4409/SB 1843
A bipartisan majority in the Texas House of Representatives approved the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (HB 932) on May 1, 2025, on a bipartisan vote of 116-19. HB 932 did not reach the Texas Senate floor for a vote before the legislative session adjourned on June 2nd.
Americans for Autism Advocacy issues the following comment:
“The Texas Legislature greatly disappointed neurodivergent Texans and their families by neglecting to pass popular interstate licensure compacts for healthcare professionals. This failure exacerbates existing shortages of qualified personnel, such as counselors and social workers, needed to serve neurodivergent Texans. By prioritizing special interests in Austin, the Legislature has abandoned its duty to the state’s neurodivergent population. This inaction means these individuals will now face a two-year delay before any potential legislative progress, a truly shameful outcome. Shame on the leadership of the Texas Legislature.”
