The bill establishes the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, designed to facilitate the practice of school psychology across state lines, thereby improving access to psychological services in educational settings. It allows school psychologists to obtain equivalent licenses in member states without redundant requirements, promoting professional mobility and addressing workforce shortages. The compact maintains each state's authority to regulate practice and ensure public safety while ensuring that only qualified professionals provide services. Key provisions include the creation of the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's implementation, set criteria for state membership, and manage licensing and disciplinary processes.
Additionally, the bill outlines the operational structure of the commission, including an executive committee and requirements for public meetings and financial transparency. It provides qualified immunity and indemnification for commission members and employees, ensuring protection from liability for actions taken within their official duties. The bill also details the process for information exchange among member states, oversight mechanisms, and the ability for states to withdraw from the compact with a 180-day notice. It emphasizes the severability of its provisions, allowing for the validity of remaining sections if any part is deemed unconstitutional, and clarifies that member states can enforce their own non-conflicting laws. The compact will take effect upon publication in the statute book.