Week 27 | Building Bridges: A Look at the Social Work Licensure Compact

Dear Family,

Welcome to Week 27 of our newsletter, "Building Bridges: A Weekly Look at the Social Work Licensure Compact."

This week's edition explores the profound significance of the Social Work Licensure Compact for social workers nationwide. As we continue our journey in advocacy and service, it's crucial to take the time to cherish moments with our loved ones. Recently, I had the pleasure of spending quality time with my children, engaging in a simple yet delightful activity - making slime. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the importance of capturing life's essence in moments of togetherness. It brought into focus the preciousness of life and underscored the value of treasuring every moment.

These moments of joy reinforce the vital role of our work and provide a source of inspiration as we navigate the challenges we face. I also want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication of social workers nationwide during this pivotal time. Together, let's continue to build bridges and uplift one another as we strive to make a positive impact in our communities.

Structure

Section 1: Current Members Update: This section provides 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 crucial approval from their respective governors.?

Section 3: States Where Decision Processes are Underway: Discover the states where legislators are delicately reviewing and deciding upon legislation.?

Section 4: States Where the Legislation is Stuck: This section delves into the states where the legislation is facing challenges and experiencing delays.?

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.?

Section 6: Opportunities to Present Legislation: Lastly, explore the potential opportunities for presenting the legislation in states that have yet to initiate the process.?

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 (HB543 & S193). 4/25/2024
11. Georgia (SB195), 5/2/2024
12. Iowa (HF2512), 5/3/2024
13. Alabama (SB 208), 5/9/2024
14. Connecticut (HB05197), 5/21/2024
15. Colorado (HB 1002), 6/3/2024 (Colorado also recently passed Senate Bill 24-115, eliminating the entry-level social work exam)
16. Arizona (SB 1036), 6/21/2024
17. Rhode Island (S2184), 6/25/2024*
18. Louisiana (HB 888), 6/25/2024*
19. Tennessee (SB 2134), 5/31/2024
20. Ohio (SB90), 8/9/2024

Section 2: Pending Governor’s Approval

There are no bills pending a Governor’s approval.

?Section 3: Pending Legislators Decisions

1. ?New Hampshire (HB 1190) – Under Review [Senate]
2. New Jersey (AS813/ S2688) – Under Review [Senate]

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]

?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
5. Maryland (HB 34) – Dead, 2/26/24
6. Maryland (SB 204) – Dead, 4/8/2024
7. South Carolina (H3310) – Dead, 5/9/2024
8. South Carolina (H4365) – Dead, 5/9/2024
9. Hawaii (SB 322) – Dead, 5/3/2024
10. Minnesota (HF 4049) – Dead, 5/20/2024
11. Minnesota (SF 4076) – Dead, 5/20/2024
12. Illinois (HB 5375) – Dead, 5/24/2025

Section 6: Opportunities to Introduce the Social Work Compact Legislation

1. Alaska
2. Arkansas
3. California
4. Delaware
5. Idaho
6. Massachusetts – Representative Adrian C. Madaro and his team are currently looking into this.
7. Michigan
8. Mississippi
9. Nevada
10. Montana
11. New Mexico
12. New York
13. North Dakota
14. Oklahoma – They have a similar bill for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (HB2723).
15. Oregon
16. Texas
17. West Virginia
18. Wyoming

With gratitude and appreciation for each of you,

~ Dr. Daniels

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