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Policy impacts practice. The Texas Occupational Therapy Association is committed to being proactive relative to legislative issues that impact you, the practitioner, and the clients we serve. We hope that you will find the information here helpful as you advocate for your profession and your future.
89th Regular Session—End of Session Update from our Lobbyists
The 89th Regular Session ended on June 2, the 140th and constitutionally prescribed day after which no more legislative action can take place.
All health care licensure compact bills, which would have created increased efficiencies and portability in the state licensing process failed to pass.
September 1 and December 8: September 1 marks the effective date of most bills that passed this past session, unless a bill received enough votes (2/3 in both chambers) to be “effective immediately.” It also marks the beginning of the state fiscal new year (FY 2026), for which the appropriations made in SB 1 will begin to flow. Bill implementation and any required rulemaking will begin late this summer and continue into the fall and possibly even early next year.
Special session: On June 23rd, Governor Greg Abbott announced a special session of the Texas Legislature on the heels of the 89th Regular Session. The special session to begin on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact)
Unfortunately, HB 932—relating to the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact and authorizing associated fees—has stalled in the Texas Legislature. After its referral to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on May 5, 2025, the bill did not receive a hearing. On May 20, 2025, we received official notice that no licensure compact bills, including HB 932, are expected to pass this session. We deeply appreciate every practitioner and student who contacted their representatives to advocate for this legislation. Your efforts reflect our shared commitment to advancing the profession.
Looking Ahead
This moment calls for reflection. Despite having more than 20,000 licensed OT practitioners in Texas, only about 4% are current TOTA members. With such limited representation, our capacity to influence broad legislative efforts like the Compact is constrained. Therefore, TOTA will shift our legislative focus toward initiatives where our membership strength can make a greater impact. Together, we can prioritize efforts that support the profession and our community in more tangible, achievable ways.
Got Advocacy?
Would you like more information about TOTA's role in state Advocacy?
Would you like quick tips on what you can do today to improve your advocacy for tomorrow?
TOTA is now offering free presentations for students and practitioners via zoom.
If you are interested, email [email protected] to request a presentation for your class, clinic, or department.
TOTA PAC:
The Texas Occupational Therapy Association Political Action Committee (TOTA PAC) is a state bipartisan political action committee. TOTA PAC provides financial support to candidates for state offices that support the profession of occupational therapy.
Other Information:
Texas Register
Texas Legislature Online
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