The bill CS/HB 27 2025 establishes the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, designed to facilitate the practice of regulated social workers across state lines while enhancing public access to competent social work services. It aims to reduce duplicative licensing requirements, improve public health protection, and promote cooperation among member states. The compact allows for mutual recognition of licenses, enabling social workers to practice in different states while adhering to local laws. The bill also outlines the requirements for state participation, including the need for states to have mechanisms for licensing, regulating social work, and addressing complaints against licensees.

Additionally, the bill introduces several amendments to existing laws governing the commission's operations, including provisions for special meetings, financial operations, and rulemaking processes. It grants the commission authority to take adverse actions against licensees and establishes a framework for evaluating applicants' criminal histories. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining compliance with both the compact's provisions and the laws of member states, while also ensuring transparency and public participation in the rulemaking process. Significant changes include exemptions from licensure requirements for practitioners licensed in other states and the establishment of grounds for disciplinary action against clinical social workers. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 27 Filed: 456.076, 491.005, 491.009
H 27 c1: 456.073, 456.076, 491.005, 491.009