CA SB1101

Establishes the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Professional Bureau within the Department of Consumer Affairs to regulate and license alcohol and drug counselors.

Prohibits use of the title "licensed alcohol and drug counselor" without obtaining a license from the bureau; requires applicants to have a master's degree in addiction-related field with 21+ semester units, pass a master's level exam, and hold current advanced alcohol and drug counselor credentials.

Licenses are valid for 2 years and require 36 hours of continuing education for renewal, including 6 hours in ethics and law, 6 hours in cooccurring disorders, and 3 hours in cultural competency.

Bureau must review state and federal criminal history before issuing licenses and may deny or suspend licenses for convictions substantially related to the counselor role, though waivers are available for certain older felonies and misdemeanors if specified conditions are met.

Establishes license fees not to exceed $200 for initial and renewal licenses; does not prohibit existing state-licensed facilities or county-contracted programs from employing certified (non-licensed) alcohol and drug counselors.