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West VirginiaSB 7032026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Adopting Social Work Licensure Compact

Sponsored By: Jack Woodrum (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§30-30-3§30-30-5§30-30A-1§30-30A-2§30-30A-3§30-30A-4§30-30A-5§30-30A-6§30-30A-7§30-30A-8§30-30A-9§30-30A-10§30-30A-11§30-30A-12§30-30A-13§30-30A-14§30-30A-15§30-30A-16

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Moving states? Rules for your license

If you move between member states, you must apply right away in your new home state to reissue your multistate license, pay fees, and complete criminal‑history steps. Your old home‑state multistate license is then deactivated. If you move between a member and a non‑member state, you must meet the new state’s single‑state licensing rules. You may hold only one home‑state multistate license at a time. Active‑duty service members and spouses may pick and keep a home state during active duty. Your home state issues the multistate license and all member states recognize it.

Rules and discipline when practicing across states

When you serve a client in another member state, you must follow that state’s laws and standards. That state can remove your authorization to practice there and may fine you. If your multistate license is encumbered, your ability to practice in other states is turned off until the issue is fixed. Licensing boards can issue subpoenas that courts in other member states enforce. Only your home state can act against the multistate license itself.

Who qualifies for a multistate license

The law creates multistate social work licenses at bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical levels. You must have an accredited social work degree and pass a national exam or meet an accepted equivalent. Clinical applicants must complete at least 3,000 hours or two years of post‑graduate supervised clinical practice. You must hold an active, unencumbered home‑state license, meet continuing‑competence rules, and tell your board within 30 days of any adverse action. Fingerprints or other biometrics for background checks may be required.

How the Compact runs and shares data

The law creates the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, with one delegate from each member state. The Commission makes binding rules, runs a central data system, and shares licensure and discipline information among states. Member states must require national exams, do fingerprint‑based checks, report adverse actions, and follow Commission rules. Courts and states enforce the Compact; states can sue the Commission, and the Commission can act against states in default. A state can withdraw with 180 days’ notice, and the Compact takes effect once seven states enact it.

Fees and background checks for multistate license

If you apply for a multistate license, the board can require fingerprints and FBI/state background checks. You pay the actual fingerprinting and background‑check costs. Your home state may also charge a license fee. The Compact Commission can charge fees to licensees to help run the program.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jack Woodrum

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 392)

Yes: 95 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/18/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 118)

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  3. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  4. To Governor 3/13/2026

    3/13/2026Senate

  5. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  6. Read 3rd time

    3/11/2026House

  7. Passed House (Roll No. 392)

    3/11/2026House

  8. Communicated to Senate

    3/11/2026House

  9. Completed legislative action

    3/11/2026House

  10. House Message received

    3/11/2026Senate

  11. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/10/2026House

  12. Read 2nd time

    3/10/2026House

  13. Do pass

    3/9/2026House

  14. Immediate consideration

    3/9/2026House

  15. Read 1st time

    3/9/2026House

  16. House received Senate message

    2/19/2026House

  17. Introduced in House

    2/19/2026House

  18. To Government Organization

    2/19/2026House

  19. To House Government Organization

    2/19/2026House

  20. On 3rd reading

    2/18/2026Senate

  21. Read 3rd time

    2/18/2026Senate

  22. Passed Senate (Roll No. 118)

    2/18/2026Senate

  23. Ordered to House

    2/18/2026Senate

  24. On 2nd reading

    2/17/2026Senate

  25. Read 2nd time

    2/17/2026Senate

Bill Text

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