TX SB1081

Establishes the Texas Art Therapy Board as a 5-member body (3 licensed professional art therapists, 1 non-art therapist healthcare professional, and 1 public member) appointed by the governor with staggered 6-year terms

Creates two license types: Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) requiring an associate license plus 3,000+ supervised hours over at least 2 years and passage of the Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination, and Licensed Associate Art Therapist (LAAT) requiring a master's/doctoral degree with 700+ supervised internship hours

Expands the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council from 9 to 11 members by adding one professional art therapist member and one public member from the new art therapy board

Sets minimum application fee of $183 for professional art therapist license, with 2-year license terms requiring continuing education including at least 3 hours on ethical practice every 24 months

Makes practicing art therapy without a license or falsely using protected titles a Class B misdemeanor, with licensure requirements taking effect September 1, 2026; provides a waiver pathway until March 1, 2027 for practitioners with 5+ years experience and Art Therapy Credentials Board credentials