**Anyone NOT a Texas CCLS, please sign the other petition: Supporters for Licensure of Texas CCLSs. **UPDATE-The Texas CCLS Licensure Task Force is re-strategizing and preparing for the 90th legislative session in 2027. Our efforts start now and we need your support. We will make it to the finish line--with your help! As one of the 645 Texas Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), I am deeply troubled by the current state of our field in Texas. Our beloved state is facing a concerning issue - a staffing shortage of CCLSs who are dedicated to providing emotional support to children and families experiences healthcare stressors. This staffing deficit has opened a dangerous loophole allowing unqualified individuals to fill spots that should only be held by trained, dedicated professionals. This growing issue has the potential to affect countless Texas families who may not receive the comprehensive, vetted, and qualified support a trained and licensed CCLS can offer. A licensure process for CCLSs would serve two essential roles. Firstly, it will protect Texas children and families by ensuring that all working CCLSs have the necessary qualifications to provide appropriate psychosocial support. The license can assure the quality of professionals and advocate for the children we serve. Secondly, a licensure process will provide an oversight tool to promote the continuous learning of CCLSs in Texas. Standardized licensure could also create a well-structured pathway for billing and reimbursement. Now is the time and we must strongly advocate for Licensure of Certified Child Life Specialists in Texas. By doing so, we can close this loophole, protect our most vulnerable population, and ensure that our profession is respected and valued as it should be. Please, sign this petition to support these necessary changes for Texas families and to demonstrate your support for the Texas Certified Child Life Specialist Practice Act, for our Texas Certified Child Life Specialists.