Relating to the licensing of marriage and family therapists, marriage and family therapist associates, professional counselors, professional counselor associates, and social workers, including certain out-of-state applicants.

HB 4721 updates Texas licensing requirements for mental health professionals, including marriage and family therapists, their associates, professional counselors, and social workers. It adds a new requirement that full license applicants must complete two years (3,000 hours) of supervised work experience after earning their degree, and specifies that applicants cannot have certain felony convictions or drug/alcohol use affecting professional competency. The bill also clarifies rules for out-of-state applicants and establishes criteria for criminal history limitations, continuing education, and ethical practice standards. These changes directly affect current and prospective licensees seeking to practice in Texas.