According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), the fiscal implications of HB 932, which enacts the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, cannot be determined at this time. While the bill authorizes Texas to join the Compact and collect fees to support its implementation, significant uncertainty remains regarding the costs and revenues associated with these changes​.

The Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE) notes that it would need to modify its licensing database to participate in the Compact, but it cannot currently estimate the costs for these technological changes. Additionally, ECPTOTE is unable to predict the investigative expenses that may arise from its participation in Compact-related enforcement actions and investigations.

Similarly, the Comptroller of Public Accounts reports that the amount and timing of fee revenue generated from Compact participation are unknown. Therefore, although the bill could eventually create a new revenue stream through assessments and fees, the overall fiscal impact is presently indeterminate.

Importantly, the bill does not make an appropriation itself but could provide the legal foundation for future appropriations. No significant fiscal impact on local governments is anticipated.

HB 932 would enact the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact in Texas, enabling licensed occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants in Texas to practice across member states without needing separate licenses. This legislation addresses longstanding barriers that hinder professional mobility and patient continuity of care, especially for military families and those in underserved areas, and provides a legal framework for streamlined cross-state practice.

The bill is consistent with key liberty principles. It enhances individual liberty and personal responsibility by giving licensed professionals more freedom to practice while ensuring they remain accountable to both their home state and the state where the service occurs. It advances free enterprise by reducing artificial barriers to competition and encouraging more efficient delivery of services, particularly via telehealth.

Concerns about the growth of government are minimal. HB 932 does assign additional administrative duties to the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, including participation in a national data system and enforcement coordination. However, it does not create a new state agency or significantly expand regulatory authority beyond the occupational therapy profession. These new duties fall squarely within the board’s existing mandate and do not reflect meaningful growth in the size or scope of government.

Importantly, the bill does not increase the burden on taxpayers. While implementation costs are uncertain, primarily related to database upgrades and joint investigations, HB 932 allows the board to collect fees from licensees to cover associated expenses. The Legislative Budget Board confirms that no significant fiscal impact to local governments is anticipated, and any new costs are to be borne by those directly benefiting from Compact membership.

Finally, the bill does not increase the regulatory burden on individuals or businesses. On the contrary, it reduces that burden for most practitioners by eliminating redundant licensure requirements across states. Although compliance with another state's laws is still required when practicing under the Compact, this is a standard aspect of professional licensure and does not constitute an increased burden under Texas law.

In summary, HB 932 responsibly improves access to care and occupational mobility while preserving state sovereignty and financial prudence. Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on HB 932.

• The bill empowers licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in Texas to practice across state lines without obtaining multiple licenses, provided they meet Compact requirements. This significantly enhances individual professional freedom and mobility. It is especially beneficial to military families, traveling professionals, and telehealth providers, who would otherwise be restricted by state-by-state licensing requirements.
• While it expands practice rights, the bill does not reduce accountability. Practitioners operating under the Compact must comply with the laws of the state where the patient is located. If they violate those laws, disciplinary action can be taken both by the home state and the remote state. This reinforces the idea that with broader privileges comes the obligation to uphold high standards of care across jurisdictions.
• By lowering bureaucratic barriers and allowing broader professional participation, the bill promotes competition and service delivery flexibility. It reduces administrative licensing costs for professionals working across multiple states and enables businesses employing OTs to expand services across jurisdictions, especially through telehealth. This makes it easier for providers to meet market demand while reducing entry costs.
• The bill does not alter land use, asset ownership, or property regulation in any way and is therefore neutral on this principle.
• While the bill does delegate Compact administration duties to the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, it does not create new agencies or regulatory bodies within the state. The Compact structure itself is a cooperative agreement among states to streamline regulation, not to centralize power. It limits duplicative bureaucratic functions and does not impose broader government control beyond occupational therapy licensing. Thus, any growth in administrative duties is narrow in scope and consistent with limited government values​.