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, which will include representatives from each member state's licensure authorities. This commission will have the authority to create bylaws, enforce rules, and manage the operations of the compact, including the ability to levy fees on member states and licensees. The compact allows social workers licensed in their home state to obtain a multistate license, enabling them to practice in other compact states, provided they meet specific criteria. Additionally, the bill outlines provisions for a coordinated data system to track licensure and disciplinary actions, as well as mechanisms for resolving disputes among member states.

The bill includes several amendments to existing statutes, primarily updating the definitions and references related to social work licensure. Notably, it replaces the term "certified under" with "as defined in" for various social work-related terms, ensuring consistency with the new compact's definitions. The amendments also clarify the roles and responsibilities of social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists within the context of the compact. Furthermore, the bill introduces new sections to accommodate the compact's requirements, including provisions for multistate licenses and the deactivation of licenses in case of disciplinary actions. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize Wisconsin's approach to social work licensure and enhance the mobility of social workers across state lines.

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