| (a) For the purposes of this section only, the definitions
found in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 55 are hereby adopted by
reference.
(b) Notwithstanding any other rule, a military spouse
may practice as a sex offender treatment provider as if licensed in
the State of Texas without obtaining the applicable license in Texas,
if the military spouse:
(1) is currently licensed in good standing by another
jurisdiction that has licensing requirements substantially similar
to the requirements of a license in this state;
(2) notifies the council of the military spouse's intent
to practice in Texas; and
(3) receives from the council a verification letter
that states:
(A) the council has verified the military spouse's
license in the other jurisdiction; and
(B) the military spouse is authorized to engage as
a sex offender treatment provider in accordance with Texas Occupations
Code, §55.0041.
(c) To request a verification letter, the following
must be submitted to the council:
(1) a request for recognition to practice as a sex
offender treatment provider on a form prescribed by the council;
(2) verification from the licensing jurisdiction the
military spouse is currently licensed in good standing;
(3) a copy of the military spouse's military identification
card;
(4) proof of military spouse's residency in this state;
and
(5) proof the military service member to whom the military
spouse is married is stationed at a military installation in Texas.
(d) Upon receipt and verification of the information
required by subsection (c) of this section and documentation showing
the other jurisdiction's license requirements are substantially equivalent
to those for a Texas license, the council shall issue a verification
letter:
(1) verifying the other jurisdiction's license as the
equivalent of a license issued by the council; and
(2) authorizing the military spouse to practice in
Texas in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, §55.0041.
(e) The authorization of the military spouse to practice
in Texas ends on the earliest date one of the following conditions
occurs:
(1) three years from date of issuance of the council's
verification letter;
(2) expiration, suspension, or revocation by another
jurisdiction of the military spouse's license;
(3) the date the military service member to whom the
military spouse is married is no longer stationed at a military installation
in Texas; or
(4) the date of a final divorce decree concerning the
military spouse and military service member.
(f) The verification letter may not be renewed.
(g) The military spouse shall comply with all applicable
laws, rules, and standards of this State, including applicable Texas
Health and Safety Code Chapters, Texas Occupation Code Chapters, and
all relevant Texas Administrative Code provisions.
(h) The council may rescind the verification letter
at its discretion, including the military spouse failing to comply
with subsection (g) of this section.
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