Senate Bill No. introduced by E. Kerr-Carpenter seeks to adopt the Social Work Licensure Compact, which aims to streamline the interstate practice of regulated social workers by creating a multistate license. This compact is designed to enhance public access to social work services, reduce redundant licensing requirements, and bolster the ability of member states to safeguard public health and safety. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for states and social workers, establishes the authority of the Interstate Compact Commission, and includes provisions for the definitions of key terms related to social work licensure. It also mandates that social workers must hold an active, unencumbered license in their home state and meet educational and competency standards to qualify for a multistate license.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the administration of the compact and is composed of delegates from member states. The commission is empowered to create rules, conduct investigations, and manage finances, while ensuring public access to its meetings. The bill also includes provisions for indemnifying commission members against legal claims arising from their official duties, clarifies that it does not limit the liability of licensees for professional malpractice, and maintains the sovereign immunity of member states. A significant aspect of the bill is the creation of a coordinated data system for managing licensure information and adverse actions, as well as guidelines for licensees providing services in remote states, ensuring compliance with local laws. The bill concludes with a codification instruction indicating that its provisions will be integrated into existing state law as part of Title 37, chapter 39.