Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Licensure Fingerprinting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee backs bill to make fingerprinting discretionary for counselor licenses
Summary
Senate Bill 1018, which clarifies that fingerprinting is not automatically required for counselor and therapist licensure and allows the division to require criminal background checks when necessary, was recommended for passage by the Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee.
The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee voted to send Senate Bill 1018 to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation. The measure amends statutory language about fingerprinting in licensure statutes covering counselors and therapists to clarify that fingerprinting is not mandatory in every instance and that the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses may require a criminal background check under the authority specified in statute.
Senator Mark Harris (Legislative District 35) presented the bill and said the changes respond to administrative questions after the legislature earlier added fingerprinting language in anticipation of an interstate counselors compact that did not pass. “This change does not alter any authority related to rulemaking, licensing, or scope of practice, discipline, or supervision,” Harris said, and he told the committee the change has no general‑fund fiscal impact.
Committee members asked whether licensees or boards objected; Harris said no negative comments were raised. No public testimony was offered. Senator Guthrie moved the bill to the floor with a do‑pass recommendation; Senator Ward Engle King seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote.
The bill’s language, as presented to the committee, adds consistent phrasing across related statutes so fingerprinting is authorized when the division determines it is necessary rather than being mandatory in every case. The measure will next be considered by the full Senate.
