Sec. 55.004. ALTERNATIVE LICENSING FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS, MILITARY VETERANS, AND MILITARY SPOUSES. (a) A state agency that issues a license shall adopt rules for the issuance of the license to an applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse and:
(1) holds a current license issued by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for the license in this state; or
(2) within the five years preceding the application date held the license in this state.
(b) The executive director of a state agency may waive any prerequisite to obtaining a license for an applicant described by Subsection (a) after reviewing the applicant's credentials.
(c) In addition to the rules adopted under Subsection (a), a state agency that issues a license may adopt rules that would establish alternate methods for a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse to demonstrate competency to meet the requirements for obtaining the license, including receiving appropriate credit for training, education, and clinical and professional experience.
(d) A state agency that issues a license that has a residency requirement for license eligibility shall adopt rules regarding documentation necessary for an applicant who is a military service member or military spouse to establish residency for purposes of this subsection, including by providing to the agency a copy of the permanent change of station order for the applicant or the applicant's spouse.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 930 (S.B. 1733), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 586 (H.B. 3742), Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1193 (S.B. 1307), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2015.
Reenacted by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 14.001, eff. September 1, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 46 (H.B. 139), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2021.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1061 (S.B. 422), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.