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MarylandSB 00182026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Board of Social Work Examiners - Provisional License to Practice Social Work - Established

Sponsored By: Mary Washington (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsApplicants and ApplicationsCertificationsCommittees and CommissionsEmergency BillsEvaluations and ReviewsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Higher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Job Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsManagers and SupervisorsReportsRules and RegulationsSocial WorkersTimeWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Start supervised social work before exam

Beginning November 1, 2026, if you meet the education and experience rules but have not passed the exam, you can get a provisional license to start supervised social work. The Board issues a full license once you pass the exam, or after you complete at least 1,500 supervised hours during the provisional period. A Board‑approved supervisor and an accredited college verify the hours. Hours you earn on a provisional license count toward independent practice approval, but they do not count toward the clinical license.

Rules and fees for provisional licenses

Beginning November 1, 2026, provisional license holders must work under a Board‑approved supervisor and within their license category. The license lasts 12 to 24 months, cannot be renewed, and ends on that date or when you get a full license. Only first‑time applicants can get a provisional license, and it does not grant multistate practice under the Social Work Licensure Compact. The Board sets supervision and reporting rules and charges a reasonable fee to cover costs. The law also adds provisional licenses to the definition of “license,” so standard rules apply.

Law in effect now; licenses start 2026

The law takes effect upon enactment. The new provisional license program begins November 1, 2026. Beginning in 2026, the Board reports each year on how many provisional licenses it issued, how many became full licenses, and any recommendations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mary Washington

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 278 • No: 79

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 14

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 29 • Other: 7

House vote • 4/2/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 98 • No: 36 • Other: 8

Senate vote • 3/5/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 226

    4/28/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (105-29)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Conference Committee Report {173328/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (33-14)

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Conference Committee Report {173328/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Cullison, White Holland and Reilly)

    4/7/2026Senate

  8. House Refuses Recede

    4/7/2026Senate

  9. House Conference Committee Appointed (Delegates Cullison, White Holland and Reilly)

    4/6/2026House

  10. House Refuses Recede

    4/6/2026House

  11. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Hayes, Ready and Lam)

    4/6/2026House

  12. Senate Requests House Recede

    4/6/2026House

  13. Senate Refuses Concur House Amendments

    4/6/2026House

  14. Senate Conference Committee Appointed (Senators Hayes, Ready and Lam)

    4/3/2026Senate

  15. Senate Requests House Recede

    4/3/2026Senate

  16. Senate Refuses Concur House Amendments

    4/3/2026Senate

  17. Third Reading Passed (98-36)

    4/2/2026House

  18. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/1/2026House

  19. Favorable with Amendments {823426/1 Adopted

    4/1/2026House

  20. Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

    4/1/2026House

  21. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/17/2026House

  22. Referred Health

    3/6/2026House

  23. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    3/5/2026Senate

  24. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/3/2026Senate

  25. Favorable with Amendments {373420/1 Adopted

    3/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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