The bill, HB214 Engrossed, seeks to establish the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact in Alabama by adding Article 6, commencing with Section 34-26-100, to Chapter 26 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This compact is designed to enhance the interstate practice of school psychology, allowing qualified school psychologists to practice in member states without facing duplicative licensing requirements. The bill introduces new legal language that outlines the definitions relevant to the compact, the requirements for states to join, and the operational framework for the compact, including the establishment of the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission. The commission will oversee the administration of the compact, maintain a list of equivalent licenses, and ensure compliance with the compact's provisions while protecting public health and safety.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for active military members and their spouses, allowing them to hold a home state license in multiple locations. It outlines the governance structure of the commission, including the formation of an executive committee, and establishes financial mechanisms for the commission's operations, such as levying assessments on member states and imposing fees on licensees. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by requiring accurate financial records and annual reviews. It also introduces amendments related to enforcement and compliance, allowing member states to initiate legal action against the commission and clarifying the processes for withdrawal and amendment of the compact. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.