CHAPTER 110. COUNCIL ON SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT

OCCUPATIONS CODE

TITLE 3. HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SUBTITLE A. PROVISIONS APPLYING TO HEALTH PROFESSIONS GENERALLY

CHAPTER 110. COUNCIL ON SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 110.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:

(1) "Board" means the Texas Board of Health.

(2) "Council" means the Council on Sex Offender Treatment.

(3) "Department" means the Texas Department of Health.

(3-a) "Executive director" means the executive director of the

council.

(4) Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1089, Sec. 31(1), eff.

September 1, 2005.

(5) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1219, Sec. 11,

eff. September 1, 2007.

(6) "Sex offender" means a person who:

(A) is convicted of committing or adjudicated to have committed

a sex crime under state or federal law;

(B) is awarded deferred adjudication for a sex crime under state

or federal law; or

(C) is convicted of, adjudicated to have committed, or awarded

deferred adjudication for an offense that is based on sexually

motivated conduct.

(7) "Sex offender treatment provider" means a person, licensed

by the council and recognized based on training and experience to

provide assessment and treatment to adult sex offenders or

juveniles with sexual behavioral problems who have been

convicted, adjudicated, awarded deferred adjudication, or

referred by a state agency or a court, and licensed in this state

to practice as a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist,

psychological associate, provisionally licensed psychologist,

licensed professional counselor, licensed professional counselor

intern, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed marriage

and family associate, licensed clinical social worker, licensed

master social worker under a clinical supervision plan approved

by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, or advanced

practice nurse recognized as a psychiatric clinical nurse

specialist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, who

provides mental health or medical services for rehabilitation of

sex offenders.

(8) "Sexually motivated conduct" has the meaning assigned by

Section 841.002, Health and Safety Code.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 31(1), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1219, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1219, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 110.002. APPLICATION OF CHAPTER. (a) This chapter does not

apply to a person licensed to practice in this state who provides

adjunct therapy.

(b) This chapter does not apply to the prescribing of a drug,

remedy, or clinical supply by a physician licensed under Subtitle

B.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1219, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER B. COUNCIL ON SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT

Sec. 110.051. COUNCIL; MEMBERSHIP. (a) The council is within

the department.

(b) The council consists of seven part-time members, appointed

by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as

follows:

(1) three representatives of the public; and

(2) four members each of whom meets the requirements for a

license as a sex offender treatment provider under this chapter.

(c) Appointments to the council shall be made without regard to

the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national

origin of the appointee.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.052. PUBLIC MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY. A person is not

eligible for appointment as a public member if:

(1) the person meets the requirements for a license as a sex

offender treatment provider under this chapter; or

(2) the person or the person's spouse:

(A) is registered, certified, or licensed by an occupational

regulatory agency in the field of sex offender treatment;

(B) is employed by or participates in the management of a

business entity or other organization regulated by the council or

receiving funds from the council;

(C) owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more than a 10

percent interest in a business entity or other organization

regulated by the council or receiving funds from the council; or

(D) uses or receives a substantial amount of tangible goods,

services, or funds from the council, other than compensation or

reimbursement authorized by law for council membership,

attendance, or expenses.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.053. MEMBERSHIP AND EMPLOYEE RESTRICTIONS. (a) In

this section, "Texas trade association" means a nonprofit,

cooperative, and voluntarily joined association of business or

professional competitors in this state designed to assist its

members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual

business or professional problems and in promoting their common

interest.

(b) An officer, employee, or paid consultant of a Texas trade

association in the field of sex offender treatment may not be a

member of the council and may not be an employee of the council

who is exempt from the state's position classification plan or is

compensated at or above the amount prescribed by the General

Appropriations Act for step 1, salary group A17, of the position

classification salary schedule.

(c) A person who is the spouse of an officer, manager, or paid

consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of sex

offender treatment may not be a member of the council and may not

be an employee of the council who is exempt from the state's

position classification plan or is compensated at or above the

amount prescribed by the General Appropriations Act for step 1,

salary group A17, of the position classification salary schedule.

(d) A person may not serve as a member of the council or act as

the general counsel to the council if the person is required to

register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code,

because of the person's activities for compensation on behalf of

a profession related to the operation of the council.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.054. TERMS. Members of the council serve staggered

six-year terms. The terms of two or three members expire on

February 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

728, Sec. 15.004(b), eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.055. PRESIDING OFFICER. The governor shall designate a

member of the council as the presiding officer of the council to

serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the governor.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.056. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for

removal from the council that a member:

(1) does not have at the time of appointment the qualifications

required by Sections 110.051(b) and 110.052;

(2) does not maintain during service on the council the

qualifications required by Sections 110.051(b) and 110.052;

(3) does not complete the training program as required by

Section 110.059;

(4) violates a prohibition established by Section 110.053;

(5) cannot because of illness or disability discharge the

member's duties for a substantial part of the member's term; or

(6) is absent from more than half of the regularly scheduled

council meetings that the member is eligible to attend during a

calendar year unless the absence is excused by majority vote of

the council.

(b) The validity of an action of the council is not affected by

the fact the action is taken when a ground for removal of a

council member exists.

(c) If the executive director has knowledge that a potential

ground for removal exists, the executive director shall notify

the presiding officer of the council of the potential ground. The

presiding officer shall then notify the governor and the attorney

general that a potential ground for removal exists. If the

potential ground for removal involves the presiding officer, the

executive director shall notify the next highest ranking officer

of the council, who shall notify the governor and the attorney

general that a potential ground exists.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.057. MEETINGS. (a) The council shall meet at least

four times each year.

(b) The council may hold additional meetings at the call of the

presiding officer or as provided by council rule.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.058. COMPENSATION; REIMBURSEMENT. (a) A council

member may not receive compensation for performing the duties of

the council.

(b) A council member is entitled to reimbursement for travel and

other necessary expenses incurred in performing official duties

at the rate provided in the General Appropriations Act for state

employees.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.059. TRAINING. (a) To be eligible to take office as a

member of the council, a person appointed to the council must

complete at least one course of a training program that complies

with this section. If the person has not completed the training

course at the time of the appointment, the person must complete

the training program not later than six months after the date of

appointment.

(b) The training program must provide information to a person

regarding:

(1) the enabling legislation that created the council;

(2) the programs operated by the council;

(3) the role and functions of the council;

(4) the rules of the council, with an emphasis on the rules

relating to disciplinary and investigatory authority;

(5) the current budget for the council;

(6) the results of the most recent formal audit of the council;

(7) the requirements of Chapters 551, 552, and 2001, Government

Code;

(8) the requirements of the conflict of interest laws and other

laws relating to public officials; and

(9) any applicable ethics policies adopted by the council or the

Texas Ethics Commission.

(c) A person appointed to the council is entitled to

reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in attending the

training program, as provided by the General Appropriations Act,

as if the person were a member of the council.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER C. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF

Sec. 110.101. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The commissioner of public

health shall employ an executive director, chosen with the advice

and consent of the council, who is the executive head of the

council and performs its administrative duties.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.102. STAFF. The executive director shall employ staff

necessary to administer the council's duties.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.103. DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The council shall

develop and implement policies that clearly separate the

policymaking responsibilities of the council and the management

responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the

council.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.104. QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

INFORMATION. The executive director or the executive director's

designee shall provide, as often as necessary, to council members

and employees information regarding their:

(1) qualifications for office or employment under this chapter;

and

(2) responsibilities under applicable laws relating to standards

of conduct for state officers or employees.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER D. COUNCIL POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 110.151. TREATMENT FOR SEX OFFENDERS. The council shall:

(1) develop treatment strategies for sex offenders by evaluating

in-state and out-of-state programs for sex offender treatment;

(2) set standards for treatment of sex offenders that must be

met by sex offender treatment providers to be eligible for a

license under this chapter; and

(3) recommend to licensing and regulatory boards and to the

directors of current programs methods of improving programs to

meet council standards.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.152. LIST AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS. The council shall:

(1) maintain a list of sex offender treatment providers under

Section 110.161; and

(2) develop and implement by rule under Subchapter G:

(A) license requirements; and

(B) procedures for sex offender treatment providers.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 8, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.153. COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION. The

council shall collect and disseminate information about available

sex offender treatment programs to:

(1) judicial officers;

(2) community supervision or parole workers;

(3) appropriate state and municipal agencies; and

(4) the public.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.154. DISTRIBUTION OF MONEY. The council shall

distribute money appropriated to the council by the legislature

for that purpose to political subdivisions, private

organizations, or other persons to be used for the development,

operation, or evaluation of sex offender treatment programs.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.155. AGENCY ASSISTANCE. The council shall advise and

assist agencies in coordinating procedures to provide treatment

services. The treatment services may include community-based

programs.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.156. ADJUDICATION INFORMATION. (a) The council shall

establish a uniform method of obtaining adjudication information.

The uniform method must require that:

(1) a complete set of fingerprints, the complete name of the

person being investigated, or other information necessary to

conduct a criminal history background check be submitted to the

Department of Public Safety or another law enforcement agency;

and

(2) if fingerprints are submitted, the fingerprints be submitted

to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for further information if

a relevant disqualifying record or other substantive information

is not obtained from a state or local law enforcement agency.

(b) A law enforcement agency may provide to the council

information about the conviction or deferred adjudication of a

person being investigated only if the information:

(1) is relevant to the person's current or proposed

registration; and

(2) was collected in accordance with this section.

(c) The council is not entitled to adjudication information that

is not relevant. Adjudication information is relevant only if it

relates to a conviction or deferred adjudication for:

(1) a sexual offense;

(2) murder, assault, battery, or any other offense involving

personal injury or threat to another person; or

(3) a felony not listed in Subdivision (1) or (2).

(d) All adjudication information received by the council is

privileged information and for the exclusive use of the council.

The information may be released or otherwise disclosed to any

other person or agency only:

(1) on court order; or

(2) with the consent of the person being investigated.

(e) The council by rule shall establish a method to collect and

destroy adjudication information after the council makes a

decision on the eligibility of the person for registration who is

the subject of the information. The council shall destroy the

adjudication information not later than the first anniversary of

the date of the council's decision on the person's eligibility

for registration.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.157. CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS. The council shall

design and conduct continuing education programs for sex offender

treatment providers.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.158. RULEMAKING. (a) The council may adopt rules

consistent with this chapter. In adopting rules, the council

shall:

(1) consider the rules and procedures of the board and the

department; and

(2) adopt procedural rules consistent with similar existing

rules and procedures of the board or the department.

(b) A sex offender treatment provider licensed under this

chapter is subject to the rules of the council, in relation to

the person's provision of sex offender treatment, rather than the

rules of the licensing entity by which the provider is licensed

or otherwise regulated. A sex offender treatment provider who

acts in conformance with the rules, policies, and procedures of

the council is not subject to any administrative sanction

against the provider by the licensing entity by which the

provider is licensed or otherwise regulated.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1219, Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 110.159. COLLECTION OF FEES. (a) The council shall:

(1) charge and collect reasonable fees in amounts necessary to

cover the costs of administering this chapter; and

(2) send all fees collected under this section to the

department.

(b) Fees charged and collected by the council under this section

may include:

(1) sex offender treatment provider license and renewal fees;

(2) training fees;

(3) publication fees; and

(4) fees for providing continuing education and other services

to sex offender treatment providers.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 9, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.160. BIENNIAL REPORT. (a) The council shall file

biennially a report with the governor, lieutenant governor, and

speaker of the house of representatives about the activities of

the council. The council shall include in the report:

(1) any recommendation made under Section 110.151; and

(2) any other recommendation the council considers appropriate.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.161. PUBLICATION OF LIST. (a) The council shall

prepare annually a list of sex offender treatment providers.

(b) The council by rule shall establish procedures for

developing and distributing the list of sex offender treatment

providers.

(c) The council, on request, shall make the list of sex offender

treatment providers available on payment of a reasonable fee in

an amount sufficient to cover the costs of printing and

distribution.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 10, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.162. CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIRED. The council and the

staff and consultants employed by the council shall keep

confidential any record relating to the identity, examination,

diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of a sex offender.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.163. GRANTS AND DONATIONS. The council may apply for

and accept on behalf of the state a grant or donation from any

source to be used by the council to perform its duties.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.164. DYNAMIC RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL. (a) The council

shall develop or adopt a dynamic risk assessment tool to be used

in determining the likelihood that a person who is confined in a

penal institution and will become subject to Chapter 62, Code of

Criminal Procedure, on being released from the institution will

commit an offense described by Article 62.001(5), Code of

Criminal Procedure, after being released from the institution.

(b) The dynamic risk assessment tool must enable the assignment

to a person of a risk level of low, medium, or high.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1308, Sec. 46, eff. June 15, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER E. INTERAGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sec. 110.201. INTERAGENCY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The interagency

advisory committee shall advise the council on administering the

council's duties under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.202. ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP. (a) The executive

head of each of the following agencies or that person's

designated representative shall serve as a member of the

interagency advisory committee:

(1) Texas Department of Criminal Justice;

(2) Texas Juvenile Probation Commission;

(3) Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation;

(4) Texas Youth Commission;

(5) Sam Houston State University;

(6) Department of Protective and Regulatory Services; and

(7) Texas Council of Community Mental Health and Mental

Retardation Centers.

(b) The director of each of the following divisions of a state

agency or that person's designated representative shall serve as

a member of the interagency advisory committee:

(1) the criminal justice division of the governor's office; and

(2) the sexual assault prevention and crisis services division

of the office of the attorney general.

(c) The council may appoint additional members to the

interagency advisory committee as the council determines is

necessary. An additional member appointed by the council must be

a representative of a public or private nonprofit entity that has

a demonstrated interest in improving the treatment of sex

offenders.

(d) If the executive head of a state agency or the director of a

division designates a representative as a member of the

interagency advisory committee, the representative must be, at

the time of the designation and during the time of service on the

committee, an officer or employee of the agency or division.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.203. MEETINGS. The interagency advisory committee

shall meet at the call of its presiding officer or at the request

of the council.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.204. AGENCY COOPERATION. Each state agency or division

of an agency represented on the interagency advisory committee

shall cooperate with the council at the request of the council.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER F. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION AND COMPLAINT

PROCEDURES

Sec. 110.251. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION. (a) The council

shall prepare information of public interest describing the

functions of the council and the procedures by which complaints

are filed with and resolved by the council.

(b) The council shall make the information available to the

public and appropriate state agencies.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.252. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. (a) The council shall

develop and implement policies that provide the public with a

reasonable opportunity to appear before the council and to speak

on any issue under the council's jurisdiction.

(b) The executive director shall prepare and maintain a written

plan describing how a person who does not speak English may be

provided reasonable access to the council's programs and

services.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.253. COMPLAINTS. The council by rule shall establish

methods by which consumers and service recipients are notified of

the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the council

for the purpose of directing complaints to the council. The

council may provide for that notice:

(1) on each license form, application, or written contract for

services of a person regulated under this chapter;

(2) on a sign prominently displayed in the place of business of

each person regulated under this chapter; or

(3) in a bill for service provided by a person regulated under

this chapter.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 11, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.254. RECORD OF COMPLAINTS. (a) The council shall keep

an information file about each written complaint filed with the

council that the council has authority to resolve. The

information file must include:

(1) the name of the person who filed the complaint;

(2) the date the complaint is received;

(3) the subject matter of the complaint;

(4) the name of each person contacted in relation to the

complaint;

(5) a summary of the results of the review or investigation of

the complaint; and

(6) for a complaint for which the council took no action, an

explanation of the reason the complaint was closed without

action.

(b) The council shall provide to a person filing a complaint and

to each person who is the subject of the complaint a copy of the

council's policies and procedures relating to complaint

investigation and resolution.

(c) The council, at least quarterly and until final disposition

of a complaint, shall notify the person filing the complaint and

each person who is the subject of the complaint of the status of

the complaint unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover

investigation.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.255. COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION; SUBPOENAS. (a) In an

investigation of a complaint filed with the council, the council

may request that the commissioner of public health or the

commissioner's designee approve the issuance of a subpoena. If

the request is approved, the council may issue a subpoena to

compel the attendance of a relevant witness or the production,

for inspection or copying, of relevant evidence in this state.

The council may delegate the authority granted under this

subsection to the executive director of the council.

(b) A subpoena may be served personally or by certified mail.

(c) If a person fails to comply with a subpoena, the council,

acting through the attorney general, may file suit to enforce the

subpoena in a district court in Travis County or the county in

which a hearing conducted by the council may be held.

(d) On finding that good cause exists for issuing the subpoena,

the court shall order the person to comply with the subpoena. The

court may punish a person who fails to obey the court order.

(e) The council shall pay a reasonable fee for photocopies

subpoenaed under this section in an amount not to exceed the

amount the council may charge for copies of its records.

(f) The reimbursement of the expenses of a witness whose

attendance is compelled under this section is governed by Section

2001.103, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Sec. 110.256. CONFIDENTIALITY. (a) Except as provided by

Subsection (b), all information and materials subpoenaed or

compiled by the council in connection with a complaint and

investigation are confidential and not subject to disclosure

under Chapter 552, Government Code, and not subject to

disclosure, discovery, subpoena, or other means of legal

compulsion for their release to anyone other than the council or

its employees or agents involved in the complaint and

investigation.

(b) The information described by Subsection (a) may be disclosed

to:

(1) persons involved with the council in a complaint and

investigation;

(2) professional sex offender treatment provider licensing or

disciplinary boards in other jurisdictions;

(3) peer assistance programs approved by the board under Chapter

467, Health and Safety Code;

(4) law enforcement agencies; and

(5) persons engaged in bona fide research, if all

individual-identifying information is deleted.

(c) The filing of formal charges by the council against a person

under this chapter, the nature of those charges, the council's

disciplinary proceedings, and final disciplinary actions,

including warnings and reprimands, by the council are not

confidential and are subject to disclosure in accordance with

Chapter 552, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER G. SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT PROVIDER LICENSE

Sec. 110.301. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not provide

sex offender treatment or act as a sex offender treatment

provider unless the person is licensed under this chapter.

(b) A person may not claim to be a sex offender treatment

provider, or use the title "sex offender treatment provider" or a

similar title or an abbreviation that implies the person is a sex

offender treatment provider, unless the person is licensed under

this chapter.

(c) This section does not apply to a physician whose treatment

of a sex offender is limited to prescribing medication to the sex

offender.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 13, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1219, Sec. 4, eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 110.302. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS. (a) The council by rule

shall develop procedures and eligibility and other requirements

for issuance of a license under this chapter, including, if

appropriate, requirements related to clinical practice experience

and assessment, continuing education, and supervision.

(b) In developing the rules, the council shall coordinate with

the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Texas Youth

Commission, and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission.

Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

263, Sec. 61

(c) The Texas Board of Criminal Justice may vote to exempt

employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from a

specific licensing requirement imposed under this section if the

board determines that the requirement causes financial or

operational hardship on the agency. The Texas Youth Commission

may not exempt any employee of the commission from a licensing

requirement imposed by this section for any reason.

Text of subsection as amended by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1308, Sec. 47

(c) The governing board of the Texas Youth Commission may vote

to exempt employees of the Texas Youth Commission from a specific

licensing requirement imposed under this section if the board

determines that the requirement causes financial or operational

hardship on the agency. The Texas Board of Criminal Justice may

not exempt any employee of the Texas Department of Criminal

Justice from a licensing requirement imposed by this section for

any reason.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 14, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

263, Sec. 61, eff. June 8, 2007.

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.

1308, Sec. 47, eff. June 15, 2007.

Sec. 110.303. LICENSE OF OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS. The council

may waive any prerequisite to a license for an applicant after

reviewing the applicant's credentials and determining that the

applicant holds a valid license from another state that has

license requirements substantially equivalent to those of this

state.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 15, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.304. CONVICTION OR DEFERRED ADJUDICATION INFORMATION.

The council may receive from a law enforcement agency information

about the conviction or deferred adjudication of a person who has

applied for a license or renewal of a license.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 16, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.305. LICENSE EXPIRATION. (a) The council by rule may

adopt a system under which licenses expire on various dates

during the year.

(b) For the year in which the license expiration date is

changed, license fees shall be prorated on a monthly basis so

that each person pays only that portion of the license fee

allocable to the number of months during which the license is

valid.

(c) On renewal of a license on the new expiration date, the

total license renewal fee is payable.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 17, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.306. LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIRED. A person whose license

has expired may not engage in activities that require a license

until the license is renewed.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 18, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.307. PROCEDURE FOR RENEWAL. (a) Not later than the

30th day before the expiration date of a person's license, the

council shall send written notice of the license expiration to

the person at the person's last known address according to the

records of the council.

(b) A person who is otherwise eligible to renew a license may

renew an unexpired license by paying the required license fee to

the council before the license expiration date.

(c) A person who is otherwise eligible to renew a license and

whose license has been expired for:

(1) 90 days or less, may renew the license by paying to the

council a fee equal to one and one-half times the required

renewal fee; and

(2) longer than 90 days but less than one year, may renew the

license by paying to the council a fee equal to two times the

required renewal fee.

(d) Except as provided by Section 110.308, a person whose

license has been expired for one year or longer may not renew the

license. The person may obtain a new license by submitting to

reexamination and complying with the requirements and procedures

for obtaining an original license.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 19, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.308. RENEWAL OF EXPIRED LICENSE BY OUT-OF-STATE

PRACTITIONER. A person whose license has been expired for one

year or longer may renew the license without complying with the

requirements of Section 110.307(d) by paying to the council a fee

equal to two times the required renewal fee if the person:

(1) was licensed in this state;

(2) moved to another state; and

(3) has been licensed and in practice in the other state for two

years preceding the date of application for renewal.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 20, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.309. DENIAL OF LICENSE. The council may deny an

application for a license if:

(1) the council determines that a previous criminal conviction

or deferred adjudication indicates the applicant is not qualified

or suitable; or

(2) the applicant fails to provide the information described by

Section 110.156(a)(1).

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 21, eff. September 1, 2005.

SUBCHAPTER H. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Sec. 110.351. DISCIPLINARY POWERS OF COUNCIL. The council shall

revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a license, place on probation

a person whose license has been suspended, or reprimand a person

who is licensed under this chapter if the person violates this

chapter or a rule of the council.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 22, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.352. PROBATION. If the suspension of a person's

license is probated, the council may require the person to:

(1) report regularly to the council on matters that are the

basis of the probation;

(2) limit the person's practice to the areas prescribed by the

council; or

(3) continue or review professional education until the person

attains a degree of skill satisfactory to the council in those

areas that are the basis of the probation.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.353. DISCIPLINARY HEARING. (a) If the council

proposes to revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a person's

license, the person is entitled to a hearing conducted by the

State Office of Administrative Hearings.

(b) Disciplinary proceedings are governed by Chapter 2001,

Government Code.

(c) Rules of practice adopted by the council under Section

2001.004, Government Code, applicable to the proceedings for a

disciplinary action may not conflict with rules adopted by the

State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 24, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.354. EMERGENCY SUSPENSION. (a) The council or a

three-member committee of council members designated by the

council shall temporarily suspend the license of a person

licensed under this chapter if the council or committee

determines from the evidence or information presented to it that

continued practice by the person would constitute a continuing

and imminent threat to the public welfare.

(b) A license may be suspended under this section without notice

or hearing on the complaint if:

(1) action is taken to initiate proceedings for a hearing before

the State Office of Administrative Hearings simultaneously with

the temporary suspension; and

(2) a hearing is held as soon as practicable under this chapter

and Chapter 2001, Government Code.

(c) The State Office of Administrative Hearings shall hold a

preliminary hearing not later than the 14th day after the date of

the temporary suspension to determine if there is probable cause

to believe that a continuing and imminent threat to the public

welfare still exists. A final hearing on the matter shall be

held not later than the 61st day after the date of the temporary

suspension.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2005.

SUBCHAPTER I. CRIMINAL PENALTIES

Sec. 110.401. OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the

person violates Section 110.301.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 27, eff. September 1, 2005.

Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.402. OFFENSE: RELEASE OF ADJUDICATION INFORMATION. (a)

A person commits an offense if the person releases or discloses

in violation of Section 110.156 adjudication information received

by the council.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 14.005(a), eff.

Sept. 1, 2003.

SUBCHAPTER J. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY

Sec. 110.451. IMPOSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY. The council

may impose an administrative penalty on a person licensed under

this chapter who violates this chapter or a rule or order adopted

under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.452. AMOUNT OF ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY. (a) The amount

of the administrative penalty may not be less than $50 or more

than $5,000 for each violation. Each day a violation continues

or occurs is a separate violation for the purpose of imposing a

penalty.

(b) The amount shall be based on:

(1) the seriousness of the violation, including the nature,

circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation;

(2) the economic harm caused by the violation;

(3) the history of previous violations;

(4) the amount necessary to deter a future violation;

(5) efforts to correct the violation; and

(6) any other matter that justice may require.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.453. REPORT AND NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND PENALTY. (a)

If the executive director determines that a violation occurred,

the executive director may issue to the council a report stating:

(1) the facts on which the determination is based; and

(2) the executive director's recommendation on the imposition of

an administrative penalty, including a recommendation on the

amount of the penalty.

(b) Within 14 days after the date the report is issued, the

executive director shall give written notice of the report to the

person. The notice must:

(1) include a brief summary of the alleged violation;

(2) state the amount of the recommended administrative penalty;

and

(3) inform the person of the person's right to a hearing on the

occurrence of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.454. PENALTY TO BE PAID OR HEARING REQUESTED. (a)

Within 20 days after the date the person receives the notice, the

person in writing may:

(1) accept the determination and recommended administrative

penalty of the executive director; or

(2) make a request for a hearing on the occurrence of the

violation, the amount of the penalty, or both.

(b) If the person accepts the determination and recommended

penalty of the executive director, or fails to respond in a

timely manner to the notice, the council by order shall approve

the determination and impose the recommended penalty.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.455. HEARING. (a) If the person requests a hearing,

the executive director shall set a hearing and give written

notice of the hearing to the person.

(b) An administrative law judge of the State Office of

Administrative Hearings shall hold the hearing.

(c) The administrative law judge shall make findings of fact and

conclusions of law and promptly issue to the council a proposal

for a decision about the occurrence of the violation and the

amount of a proposed administrative penalty.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.456. DECISION BY COUNCIL. (a) Based on the findings

of fact, conclusions of law, and proposal for decision, the

council by order may determine that:

(1) a violation occurred and impose an administrative penalty;

or

(2) a violation did not occur.

(b) The notice of the council's order given to the person must

include a statement of the right of the person to judicial review

of the order.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.457. OPTIONS FOLLOWING DECISION: PAY OR APPEAL. (a)

Within 30 days after the date the council's order becomes final,

the person shall:

(1) pay the administrative penalty; or

(2) file a petition for judicial review contesting the

occurrence of the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both.

(b) Within the 30-day period prescribed by Subsection (a), a

person who files a petition for judicial review may:

(1) stay enforcement of the penalty by:

(A) paying the penalty to the court for placement in an escrow

account; or

(B) giving the court a supersedeas bond approved by the court

that:

(i) is for the amount of the penalty; and

(ii) is effective until all judicial review of the council's

order is final; or

(2) request the court to stay enforcement of the penalty by:

(A) filing with the court a sworn affidavit of the person

stating that the person is financially unable to pay the penalty

and is financially unable to give the supersedeas bond; and

(B) giving a copy of the affidavit to the executive director by

certified mail.

(c) If the executive director receives a copy of an affidavit

under Subsection (b)(2), the executive director may file with the

court, within five days after the date the copy is received, a

contest to the affidavit.

(d) The court shall hold a hearing on the facts alleged in the

affidavit as soon as practicable and shall stay the enforcement

of the penalty on finding that the alleged facts are true. The

person who files an affidavit has the burden of proving that the

person is financially unable to pay the penalty and to give a

supersedeas bond.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.458. COLLECTION OF PENALTY. (a) If the person does

not pay the administrative penalty and the enforcement of the

penalty is not stayed, the penalty may be collected.

(b) The attorney general may sue to collect the penalty.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.459. DETERMINATION BY COURT. (a) If the court

sustains the determination that a violation occurred, the court

may uphold or reduce the amount of the administrative penalty and

order the person to pay the full or reduced amount of the

penalty.

(b) If the court does not sustain the finding that a violation

occurred, the court shall order that a penalty is not owed.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.460. REMITTANCE OF PENALTY AND INTEREST. (a) If the

person paid the administrative penalty and if the amount of the

penalty is reduced or the penalty is not upheld by the court, the

court shall order, when the court's judgment becomes final, that

the appropriate amount plus accrued interest be remitted to the

person.

(b) The interest accrues at the rate charged on loans to

depository institutions by the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

(c) The interest shall be paid for the period beginning on the

date the penalty is paid and ending on the date the penalty is

remitted.

(d) If the person gave a supersedeas bond and the penalty is not

upheld by the court, the court shall order, when the court's

judgment becomes final, the release of the bond.

(e) If the person gave a supersedeas bond and the amount of the

penalty is reduced, the court shall order the release of the bond

after the person pays the reduced amount.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 110.461. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE. A proceeding under this

subchapter is a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government

Code.

Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.

1089, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2005.