SJR0038 - Social Work Alternative Licensure Path and Barriers to Access Task Force

• Creates the Social Work Alternative Licensure Path and Barriers to Access Task Force to study alternative licensing processes for clinical social workers and address barriers to licensure in Illinois.

• Task Force will examine the effectiveness of alternative examination processes, current supervision requirements and improvements, barriers to licensure and diversity among social workers, bias in the licensing process, and funding sources to address access and diversity issues.

• Task Force composition includes 24 members: four legislators (one from each party in both chambers), agency representatives, academic deans, licensed social workers, students, and representatives from various statewide and national organizations serving minority communities, veterans, people with disabilities, and other stakeholder groups.

• Members serve without compensation; the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation provides administrative support and the Task Force must meet a minimum of four times.

• Task Force must submit its final report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2024, after which the Task Force is dissolved.