MS HB129

Expands eligibility for licensed professional counselor licensure in Mississippi to include applicants who pay property taxes in the state, in addition to existing residency and income tax requirements.

Requires the State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors to adopt regulations by January 1, 2017, establishing a reciprocity procedure for licensing individuals already licensed as professional counselors in other states.

Maintains existing licensure requirements including completion of application with $100 fee, minimum age of 21, good moral character, appropriate graduate degree, passage of board-approved examination, and two years of supervised counseling experience.

Requires first-time applicants to undergo state and national background checks through the Department of Public Safety, including sex offender registry consultation.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.