From the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Thursday, June 5, 2020
The Council on Sex Offender Treatment is an independent licensing board administratively attached to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The Council, as an independent entity, maintains a management structure and decision-making authority separate from HHSC. This message is an official communication from the Council on Sex Offender Treatment.
June 2, 2020
Council on Sex Offender Treatment
Notice of Emergency Rule Adoption in response COVID-19 disaster, regarding removal of six-hour maximum for online continuing education during a renewal period.
On June 2, 2020: In response to COVID-19, the Council on Sex Offender Treatment convened an emergency meeting and adopted emergency amendment to Council Rules found in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, §810.4 that removes from paragraph (7) the six-hour limit on the number of online continuing education hours a licensee may accrue toward renewal requirements during a renewal period.
The emergency rule became effective upon submission to the Secretary of State on June 2, 2020. The emergency rule is scheduled for publication in the June 19 edition of the Texas Register. A rule adopted under Texas Government Code, §2001.034, concerning Emergency Rulemaking, may be effective for no longer than 120 days and may be renewed one time for no longer than 60 days. The Council will consider renewal of this emergency rule at its Fall 2020 meeting (date to be determined).
22 TAC §810.4 License Issuance and/or Renewal (7) Licensees shall request pre-approval from the council for all online courses and courses taken at an institution of higher learning. [All renewal applicants may count a maximum of 6 online hours per biennial renewal period not including ethic hours.]