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SB 703

Adopting Social Work Licensure Compact

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Woodrum

SB 703 creates a multistate social work license via the SWLC, allowing practice across member states under a single multistate license and centralized regulation.

Chapter 251, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 703

Summary of SB 703 (Session 2026) – West Virginia

Purpose and overall intent

SB 703 adopts the Social Work Licensure Compact (SWLC) for West Virginia. The primary goals are to facilitate interstate practice of regulated social workers, improve public access to competent services, reduce duplicative licensing requirements, and enhance public protection through coordinated regulation and information sharing among member states. The bill creates a framework in which a licensed social worker in one state (the Home State) may practice in other member states (Remote States) under a multistate license, subject to the compact’s rules and the laws of the state where care is delivered.

Key provisions and changes

  • New Article: Social Work Licensure Compact (Article 30A) establishes:

    • A national Compact Commission and related governance, data system, and rulemaking processes.
    • Definitions of terms used across the compact (Home State, Multistate License, Remote State, Adverse Action, etc.).
    • Requirements for state participation, including licensing scope, education, supervised practice, complaint mechanisms, and use of the Commission’s data system.

  • Multistate Licensing and Practice:

    • Licenses issued by a Home State authorize practice in all member states under Multistate Authorization to Practice.
    • Categories of licensure (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Clinical) are recognized, with category-specific competency and practice-hour requirements.
    • Home State may charge a fee for issuing Multistate Licenses; renewal follows Home State requirements.

  • Criminal History Checks:

    • The Board of Social Work may require state and national criminal history checks (fingerprints) for multistate licensure applicants.

  • Adverse Action and Enforcement:

    • Remote States may take certain Adverse Actions against Multistate Licenses but typically only within their own state; Home State retains the authority to take Adverse Action in relation to the multistate license.
    • If a license is encumbered, Multistate Authorization is deactivated in Remote States.

  • Data System and Information Sharing:

    • Creation of a centralized data system to store licensure data, adverse actions, significant investigative information, and other relevant data, accessible to member states.

  • Military Provisions:

    • Provisions to support military families, including Home State designation and retention during active duty.

  • Commission Structure and Oversight:

    • Establishes the SWLC Commission and an Executive Committee, with rules, budgets, audits, immunity provisions, dispute resolution, and enforcement mechanisms.
    • Data system identifiers and uniform reporting standards across states.

Who is affected

  • Licensed social workers seeking multistate practice.
  • West Virginia’s Board of Social Work (state regulator).
  • Other SWLC member states that choose to participate.
  • State Licensing Authorities, which will designate delegates to the SWLC.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The Compact becomes effective once enacted into law by the seventh member state.
  • Charter Member States are reviewed for material differences from the model statute after effectiveness.
  • The bill provides for withdrawal with a 180-day notice and transitional provisions to protect licensees.
  • Rules and bylaws established by the SWLC Commission have the force of law in member states, subject to state law conflicts.
  • The bill includes standard rulemaking procedures, public notice, and opportunities for comment.

Overall, SB 703 establishes a comprehensive interstate framework to streamline social work licensure, promote mobility, and maintain public protection through coordinated regulation and information sharing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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