Bill > HB1135

This bill establishes new requirements for individuals seeking licensure in Mississippi as behavioral health professionals, such as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs), or Licensed Psychologists, who are moving to Mississippi from another state and using their prior work experience for licensure. These individuals must undergo state and federal criminal background checks, provide at least two forms of documentation to prove they are bona fide Mississippi residents, and demonstrate they meet the state's minimum professional standards for education and supervised practice before receiving a full license. The bill also clarifies that out-of-state recruiters or companies without a physical office in Mississippi cannot sponsor more than five temporary licensees per year, and it allows for disciplinary action, including denial or revocation of a license, if an applicant misrepresents their residency, educational credentials, supervised practice records, or criminal history. This new section is added to existing Mississippi law concerning occupational licensing, with amendments to ensure it is considered alongside the "Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act."

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1135.xml