Part 30. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
Chapter 681. PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS
The Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (board) adopts amendments to §681.14 and §681.125, concerning the licensing and regulation of professional counselors. Specifically, the amendments cover late renewal fees and renewal of inactive status. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 6, 2007, issue of the Texas Register (32 TexReg 1990), and the sections will not be republished.
The amendment relating to late renewal fees is required by statutory changes to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 503, by House Bill 1283, passed during the 79th Legislature, Regular Session, 2005. The amendment relating to the renewal of inactive status conforms that status to the two-year licensing period in effect for licenses in regular status.
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The amendment to §681.14 reflects the change in the method of calculating the late renewal fee in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 503, specifically §503.354(c) - (d). The statute provides that a person whose license has been expired for 90 days or less may renew the license by paying to the board a fee that is equal to 1-1/4 times the amount of the renewal fee. The statute further provides that if a person's license has been expired for more than 90 days, but less than one year, the person may renew the license by paying to the board a fee that is equal to 1-1/2 times the amount of the renewal fee. The late renewal fees adjustment in the amendment complies with the statutory directive.
The amendment to §681.125 requires the renewal of inactive status biennially instead of annually. There is not an increased cost to a person who chooses to place a license on inactive status.
COMMENTS
The board did not receive any comments regarding the proposed rules during the comment period.
Subchapter A. THE BOARD
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The amendment is authorized by Occupations Code, §503.203, which authorizes the board to adopt rules necessary for the performance of the board's duties.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 16, 2007.
TRD-200702988
Judy Powell
Chairperson
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Effective date: September 1, 2007
Proposal publication date: April 6, 2007
For further information, please call: (512) 458-7111 x6972
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The amendment is authorized by Occupations Code, §503.203, which authorizes the board to adopt rules necessary for the performance of the board's duties.
This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 16, 2007.
TRD-200702989
Judy Powell
Chairperson
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Effective date: September 1, 2007
Proposal publication date: April 6, 2007
For further information, please call: (512) 458-7111 x6972