The bill establishes an interstate compact for licensed professional counselors in Minnesota, designed to facilitate the practice of counseling across state lines while preserving state regulatory authority. Key objectives of the compact include increasing public access to counseling services, enhancing public health and safety, supporting military spouses, and promoting uniformity in licensure requirements. It allows for the mutual recognition of licenses among member states, enabling licensed counselors to practice in multiple states without needing separate licenses. The compact outlines specific licensing standards, including educational requirements and background checks, and establishes a framework for addressing adverse actions against counselors while ensuring compliance with state laws.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the governance of the Counseling Compact Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the compact. This includes establishing a coordinated data system for maintaining licensure and investigative information, as well as a comprehensive rulemaking process for the commission. Member states can withdraw from the compact with a six-month waiting period, and the bill emphasizes that withdrawal does not exempt states from compliance with investigative and reporting requirements. The compact also includes provisions for construction and severability, ensuring that if any part is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain valid, while also allowing member states to enforce their own laws as long as they do not conflict with the compact.