BILL NUMBER: S9125
SPONSOR: SUTTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to enacting the "licen-
sure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"
 
PURPOSE:
This bill authorizes the State Education Department (SED) to issue
limited work permits to graduate students enrolled in a registered
master of social work (MSW) program who have completed a substantial
portion of their required fieldwork, allowing such students to continue
providing services under appropriate supervision following graduation.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill provides the title.
Section 2 of the bill adds a new section 7711 to the education law to
require the State Education Department to establish a social work licen-
sure examination voucher program. Under the program, eligible low-income
individuals may receive vouchers to cover the cost of the examination
required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed
clinical social worker.
Section 3 of the bill provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Social workers play a critical role in providing mental health services
and community-based care across New York State. However, the cost of
required licensure examinations can present a financial barrier for many
aspiring social workers, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
This legislation seeks to promote access within the profession by easing
the financial burden associated with licensure. By establishing an exam-
ination voucher program, the state can help ensure that qualified candi-
dates are not deterred from entering or advancing within the social work
workforce due solely to cost.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPACT ON THE STATE:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law.