TX SB716

Requires 22 Texas licensing authorities to issue occupational licenses to out-of-state applicants who hold a current license in good standing for at least one year in another state with a similar scope of practice

Applicants must have no disqualifying criminal history, no license revocations or surrenders due to unprofessional conduct, no ongoing disciplinary actions, and no current complaints or investigations in other states

Covered licensing authorities include boards for nursing, medical, dental, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, chiropractic, veterinary, optometry, acupuncture, plumbing, public accountancy, educators, insurance, and behavioral health professionals

Licensing authorities must verify the applicant met examination or experience/education requirements in their original state, and may require applicants to pass a Texas-specific jurisprudence exam

Each licensing authority must adopt implementing rules by January 1, 2026, with the law applying to applications submitted on or after that date; the Act takes effect September 1, 2025