Bill > HB253

This bill amends the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act in Mississippi to specifically exempt the practices of marriage and family therapy and psychology from the law's provisions. The Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act generally allows professionals with valid out-of-state licenses to more easily obtain a license in Mississippi by meeting certain conditions, such as having a license in good standing for at least one year, meeting education and experience requirements, and having no disqualifying criminal record. By adding two new exemption categories (paragraphs (g) and (h)) to the existing law, this bill ensures that marriage and family therapists and psychologists cannot use this streamlined licensing process and must instead follow the traditional licensing requirements specific to their professions. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving licensing boards and professionals time to prepare for the change. This modification appears designed to maintain more stringent professional standards for these specific mental health-related occupations by requiring them to go through the standard, more comprehensive licensing process.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0253.xml