SB 2731 Mississippi Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Psychologists; extend repealer on licensure law related to.

SB 2731 extends the repealer date for Mississippi's psychology licensure laws from 2024 to July 1, 2029, ensuring existing regulations remain in effect. It reenacts Sections 73-31-1 through 73-31-29, which establish the Mississippi Board of Psychology and define "practice of psychology" (including assessment, therapy, and consultation services). The bill adds two members to the Board, increasing it to nine total members, and specifies that appointments must include psychologists from doctoral programs and one non-psychology professional with interest in the field. This directly affects licensed psychologists, psychology programs, and the regulatory oversight of mental health services in Mississippi.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Signed into Law

Apr 2025

Introduced Feb 14, 2025 Signed Apr 2, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Passed the upper → Current version · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill changes the Mississippi psychology licensing law from repealing old sections to reenacting them with important updates. The key changes include extending the repeal date from 2025 to 2029, expanding the Board of Psychology from 7 to 9 members with new appointment terms, and updating various definitions and administrative procedures throughout the code.

Scope change

The bill shifts from repealing psychology licensing sections to reenacting them, which means the existing framework for psychologist licensing remains in effect but with modifications.

TIMELINE

Extended the repeal date of old psychology licensing sections from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2029, keeping the old code in effect longer.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded the Mississippi Board of Psychology from 7 to 9 members, with the Governor now appointing 2 new members starting July 1, 2025.

Changed the renewal requirement for psychologist emeritus status from annual to biennial, reducing administrative burden for retired psychologists.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'practice of psychology' to include internet and telehealth alongside face-to-face and telephone services.

TECHNICAL

Changed language from 'brought forward' to 'reenacted' for most sections, indicating these provisions are being restored rather than newly introduced.

As Introduced → As Passed the upper · 10 edits

MAJOR

This bill amends Mississippi's psychology licensing laws to extend the repeal date of old sections from 2025 to 2029, update definitions and requirements for psychologists, establish a new Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact for out-of-state practice, and strengthen disciplinary procedures. The changes modernize regulations to align with current professional standards while maintaining oversight of the Mississippi Board of Psychology.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope to include interjurisdictional telepsychology practice for out-of-state licensed psychologists and adds provisions for military personnel and spouses seeking licensure.

TIMELINE

Extended the repeal date of sections 73-31-1 through 73-31-29 from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2029, delaying when old psychology licensing rules are removed.

ELIGIBILITY

Added provisions allowing psychologists licensed in other jurisdictions to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology in Mississippi through a new Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact.

Created temporary license and temporary practice certificate options for out-of-state psychologists, including special provisions for military personnel and spouses.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements for fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all applicants seeking licensure.

Updated continuing education requirements to mandate 20 clock hours every odd-numbered year for license renewal.

Created a new psychologist emeritus status for retired psychologists with 20+ years of licensure who work less than 80 hours per month.

ENFORCEMENT

Expanded disciplinary grounds to include substance abuse, mental incompetence, and failure to comply with child support orders.

Added authority for the board to issue nondisciplinary educational letters and require formal assessments for suspected impairment.

DEFINITION

Added comprehensive definitions for 'practice of psychology' including telehealth services and interjurisdictional practice.

FISCAL

Added provision for the board to administer the Mississippi Autism Board functions starting July 1, 2018.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 13, 2025 · House Feb 27, 2025

How they voted

51–0

Passed

Total votes 51

Feb 13, 2025

D Democratic16

16 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican35

35 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 2, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by Governor

executive

Mar 21, 2025

Upper · Passed

Concurred in Amend From House

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed As Amended

lower

Feb 27, 2025

Lower · Passed

Amended

lower

Feb 25, 2025

Lower · Passed

Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

lower

Feb 17, 2025

Committee

Referred To Public Health and Human Services

lower

Feb 14, 2025

Introduced

Transmitted To House

upper

Feb 13, 2025

Upper · Passed

Passed

upper

Feb 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

Title Suff Do Pass

upper

Jan 20, 2025

Committee

Referred To Public Health and Welfare

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors