The bill amends the Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors Act of July 9, 1987, by establishing the Future Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors Grant Program. This program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, aims to provide financial support to individuals pursuing licensure in these fields. Eligible applicants can receive a grant of $5,000 to assist with the completion of required supervised clinical experience hours. The agency is tasked with developing an application process and establishing eligibility criteria, which include residency requirements and specific educational qualifications.

Additionally, the bill outlines the agency's responsibilities, including the acceptance of funding from various sources to support the grant program and the requirement to report on the program's operations annually. The report will detail the number of applicants and grants awarded, categorized by the type of licensure sought. The bill also specifies that grant payments will not be considered taxable income under the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2200 (Aug 10, 2025): P.L.220, No.39