HB 2261 Summary

• Establishes the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice across multiple member states under a single "Multistate License" issued by their home state, reducing the need for separate licenses in each state.

• Creates the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission to oversee interstate practice, establish rules, maintain a data system tracking licenses and disciplinary actions, and resolve disputes among member states.

• Requires applicants for multistate licenses to pass qualifying national exams, maintain unencumbered home state licenses, and comply with laws and regulations of the state where clients are located; provides exemptions for active military members and their spouses.

• Grants home states authority to take disciplinary action against multistate licenses and remote states authority to restrict practice within their borders; establishes procedures for investigating complaints and reporting adverse actions across member states.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2025, after the seventh state enacts the compact legislation; allows member states to withdraw with 180 days' notice and requires continued recognition of existing licenses for a minimum period after withdrawal or termination.