VA HB577

Requires applicants for social work licensure (baccalaureate, master's, or clinical social worker) to submit fingerprints and personal information for state and federal criminal background checks through the FBI

Applicants must pay the costs of fingerprinting and the criminal history record search

Amends Virginia's criminal history record dissemination law to prohibit state and local agencies from sharing national criminal background check information obtained for employment or licensing purposes with private entities

Creates a work group led by the Department of State Police to review federal concerns about Virginia's dissemination of national criminal history records and recommend changes by December 1, 2026

The criminal background check requirement for social work licensure takes effect July 1, 2027