The bill SB61 Engrossed proposes the establishment of the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact in Alabama, adding Article 6, commencing with Section 34-26-100, to Chapter 26 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This compact aims to streamline the practice of school psychology across member states, allowing qualified school psychologists to practice without facing duplicative licensing requirements. The bill introduces new legal language to define key terms and establish operational guidelines for the compact, including provisions for the recognition of equivalent licenses, requirements for licensees, and the establishment of a compact commission to oversee compliance and administration. Notably, the bill does not indicate any deletions from current law but focuses on creating a comprehensive framework for interstate cooperation in school psychology.

Additionally, the bill outlines the governance structure of the compact commission, including the formation of an executive committee and the authority to levy fees and conduct meetings. It emphasizes financial accountability through annual reviews and mandates the exchange of information among member states while ensuring the protection of sovereign immunity. The bill also details the rulemaking process, compliance enforcement, and the legal framework for member states to initiate actions against the commission. The compact will take effect once enacted by seven member states, with provisions for withdrawal and amendment, and is set to become effective on October 1, 2025.