West VirginiaSB 4432025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Authorizing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board of Examiners to conduct criminal background checks for licensing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Background checks for speech and hearing professionals

Effective upon passage, West Virginia’s speech and hearing licensing board can require state and national criminal background checks for license applicants. Checks are mandatory for applicants seeking their first permission to practice in another state under the interstate compact. The law covers speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and their assistants. Applicants must submit fingerprints and authorize the board, West Virginia State Police, and FBI to use records for license screening. They must complete checks as soon as possible after applying and pay the actual fingerprinting and background-check costs. These records are not public. Results cannot be shared with private entities except with the person checked, with that person’s written permission, or by court order. The board can propose rules for legislative approval or issue emergency rules to carry out the law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Tarr
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 2

House vote • 3/13/2025

Passed House (Roll No. 77)

Yes: 95 • No: 1

House vote • 3/13/2025

Effective from passage (Roll No. 78)

Yes: 95 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

Effective from passage (Roll No. 38)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2025

Passed Senate (Roll No. 37)