This bill establishes a social worker scholarship program in Michigan, aimed at supporting individuals seeking to become licensed social workers. The program will be administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which will award scholarships to eligible individuals who have failed the qualified examination on their first attempt. The bill defines key terms such as "eligible costs," "licensed social worker," and "qualified individual," and outlines the criteria for scholarship eligibility, including residency requirements and a commitment to serve in health professional shortage areas or with medically underserved populations.

Additionally, the bill creates a social worker scholarship fund within the state treasury, allowing the state treasurer to receive and manage funds for the program. The department is tasked with publicizing the scholarship program, establishing rules for its implementation, and providing annual reports on the program's outcomes, including the number of scholarships awarded and examination passage rates. The maximum scholarship amount is set at $1,000, and recipients must demonstrate progress toward passing the qualified examination within six months of receiving the award.