Senate Bill 74 aims to ratify and enter Wisconsin into the Social Work Licensure Compact, which facilitates the practice of social work across member states. The bill establishes a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, composed of representatives from each member state's licensure authorities, which will oversee the compact's operations, including the establishment of bylaws and the collection of fees to support its activities. The compact allows social workers licensed in their home states to obtain a multistate license, enabling them to practice in other compact states, provided they meet specific criteria. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a coordinated data system to track licensure and disciplinary actions, as well as mechanisms for resolving disputes among member states.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing statutes, primarily updating the definitions of social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists to align with the new compact. Notably, it replaces references to "certified under subchapter I of chapter 457" with "as defined in s. 457.01," thereby clarifying the qualifications for these professionals. Other amendments address the regulatory authority of member states over social workers practicing under the compact and outline the conditions under which a state may withdraw from the compact. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the mobility of social workers while ensuring regulatory compliance across states.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 46.90(4)(ab)4, 46.90, 48.56(2), 48.56, 48.561(2), 48.561, 49.45(30j)(a)1, 49.45, 51.03(6)(a), 51.03, 55.043(1m)(a)4, 55.043, 146.81(1)(hg), 146.81, 146.89(1)(r)6, 146.89, 146.89(1)(r)7, 146.997(1)(d)11, 146.997, 252.14(1)(ar)7, 252.14, 252.15(1)(er), 252.15, 253.10(2)(f), 253.10, 303.08(1)(f), 303.08, 440.03(13)(b)(intro.), 440.03, 440.15, 446.01(1v)(m), 446.01, 450.10(3)(a)10, 450.10