Week 18: Building Bridges: A Weekly Look at the Social Work Licensure Compact journey

Dear Social Work Colleagues,

As a passionate advocate for the unity of our profession, I am thrilled to present this weekly letter updating you on the progress of the Social Work Licensure Compact Bill. This bill, which aims to allow social workers to practice across various states represented by the compact, has made significant strides toward uniting social workers across states. However, there lies an opportunity for us to push further and create a more cohesive community. Each section of this letter is dedicated to shedding light on the legislation's current status and potential future.

Section 1: Current Members Update:

In this section, you will find details about the current members who officially joined the compact. Their commitment to unity, which we can all be proud of, serves as a beacon of hope for the future of social work licensure.

Section 2: Members Pending the Governor's Approval:

Discover which states are preparing to join the compact, pending the crucial approval from their respective governors. Let's rally behind these states, as their potential to join us in a more integrated social work community is a cause for optimism.

Section 3: States Where Decision Processes are Underway:

Discover the states where legislation is being delicately reviewed and decided upon by legislators. Let us stay informed and engaged as we navigate these crucial stages together.?

Section 4: States Where the Legislation is Stuck:

This section delves into the states where the legislation is facing challenges and experiencing delays. By acknowledging these roadblocks, we can better understand the shared struggles and work towards overcoming them together.

Section 5: States Where the Bill is Dead:

While setbacks are inevitable, it is essential to acknowledge the states where the bill has faced opposition and did not progress. Let this serve as a reminder of the hurdles we must overcome to achieve our goal of unity.

Section 6: Opportunities to Present Legislation:

Lastly, explore the potential opportunities for presenting the legislation in states that have yet to initiate the process. Let's seize these opportunities to advocate for the expansion of the compact and strengthen our profession.

Section 1: Current Members of Compact

1. Missouri (SB670 & SB157), 7/7/2023
2. South Dakota (HB1015), 2/6/2024
3. Utah (HB0044), 3/13/2024
4. Washington State (HB1939), 3/19/2024
5. Kentucky (HB56), 4/5/2024
6. Virginia (HB326 & SB239), 4/8/2024
7. Kansas (HB2484), 4/12/2024
8. Maine (LD2140), 4/12/2024
9. Nebraska (LB932), 4/18/2024
10. Vermont (H 543), 4/23/2024
11. Georgia (HB 839) – 5/2/2024
12. ?Iowa (HF 2512) – 5/3/2024

Section 2: Pending Governor’s Approval

1. Ohio (SB 90) – Pending Governor’s approval
2. Tennessee (SB 2134) – Pending Governor’s approval

Section 3: Pending Legislators Decisions

1. Alabama (SB 208/ HB 318) – Under Review [In Committee]
2. Arizona (SB 1036) – [Senate Health and Social Services Committee: Vote to Pass]
3. Colorado (HB 1002) – Passed [Senate & House]
4. Connecticut (HB 517) – Passed [House]
5. Louisiana (HB 888) – Passed [House]
6. Maryland (HB 34/ SB 204) – Under Review [House Budget and Finance Committee/ Senate Finance Committee]
7. Illinois (HB 5375) – Under Review [House Rules Committee]
8. Minnesota (HF 4049/ SF 4076) – Under Review [House Health & Social Services Committee/ Senate Health and Human Services Committee]
9. New Hampshire (HB 1190) – Under Review [Senate]
10. New Jersey (AS813/ S2688) – Under Review [Senate]
11. South Carolina (H3310 & H4365) – Under Review.

?Section 4: Stuck

1. North Carolina (S718) – Under Review (4/2023) [Rules and Operations of Senate Committee]
2. Pennsylvania (HB 1841) – Under Review (11/2023) [Professional Licensure Committee]
3. Rhode Island (H7350 & S2184) – Held for further Study [House Corporations Committee & Health and Social Services Committee]
4. Hawaii (SB 322) – Under Review (12/2023) [ Business and Industry, Health and Social Services]

Section 5: Dead

1. Florida (H99) – Dead, 3/2024
2. Florida (S68) – Dead, 3/2024
3. Indiana (SB 110) – Dead, 3/2024
4. Wisconsin (AB 382) – Dead

Section 6: Opportunities to Introduce The Social Work Compact Legislation

1. Alaska
2. Arkansas
3. California
4. Delaware
5. Idaho
6. Massachusetts
7. Michigan
8. Mississippi
9. Nevada
10. Montana
11. New Mexico
12. New York
13. North Dakota
14. Oklahoma
15. Oregon
16. Texas
17. West Virginia
18. Wyoming

With gratitude and appreciation for each of you,

~ Dr. Daniels

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