WA HB2466

Establishes a new seven-member Board of Governors for Licensed Social Workers in Washington state, consisting of four licensed independent clinical social workers, two licensed advanced social workers, and one public member appointed by the governor for five-year terms

Separates social worker licensing from the existing mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists advisory committee, giving the new board authority over licensure requirements, examinations, continuing education, ethics rules, and disciplinary functions for social workers

Implements a three-year transition period with key milestones: initial board appointments within six months of July 1, 2026; first meeting within nine months; initial rules within 18 months; and full regulatory authority within 36 months

Cites the social work profession's $1,310,000 surplus fund balance as of fiscal year 2024 as evidence of financial sustainability to support an independent regulatory board

Requires the department of health to provide annual fiscal reports to the legislature on the social work licensing program and board operations, while maintaining existing rules and chapter 18.225 RCW during the transition period