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SB 227

Authorizing Division of Forestry to administer certain exchange program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Woodrum

Allows school psychologists licensed in one member state to obtain an equivalent license in other member states, easing multi-state practice and addressing shortages.

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Bill Summary · SB 227

SB 227 — School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact (BDR 34‑531)

Main purpose

SB 227 would adopt the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact — a reciprocal licensure agreement that allows school psychologists licensed in one member state (“home state license”) to obtain an equivalent license to practice in other member states without repeating full re‑licensure. The Compact is intended to increase mobility of school psychologists, support workforce flexibility (including military families), and help address shortages in school psychology services.

Key provisions

  • Creates the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact and a joint interstate agency (the Compact Commission) to administer it, adopt rules and bylaws, and oversee implementation.
  • Home‑state license portability:
    • A school psychologist holding a home‑state license in a Compact member state may obtain an “equivalent license” in any other member state provided they meet Compact conditions and any limited state‑specific requirements.
  • Minimum eligibility standards for a state to issue a home‑state license under the Compact:
    • Passage of a qualifying national examination (as defined by the Compact Commission).
    • Completion of at least 1,200 hours of supervised internship prior to licensure, with a minimum of 600 hours completed in a school setting.
    • Graduation from a qualifying school psychology education program (per Commission rules).
  • Requirements for an individual to obtain/maintain an equivalent license:
    • Maintain the home‑state license in good standing.
    • Satisfy background check requirements; complete Compact/administrative application steps and fees; comply with renewal processes (renewal under the Compact generally requires application, background check, renewal fees, and maintaining the home license).
  • Administrative provisions:
    • Compact Commission authority to adopt rules, hold meetings, set fees, and handle dispute resolution.
    • Sharing of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among member states as necessary for public protection.
    • Confidentiality protections for information exchanged under the Compact.
  • Special provisions for active‑duty military members and spouses (mobility accommodations).
  • Compact becomes operative once ratified by seven states. (At the time the bill text notes Colorado and West Virginia had ratified.)

Who is affected

  • Primary: school psychologists seeking multi‑state practice rights (including those who relocate or serve in multi‑state telepractice arrangements).
  • Secondary: state education agencies/licensing boards (will need to adopt implementing regulations), school districts and LEAs (hiring & staffing flexibility), students and families (potentially improved access to services), and military families.
  • Licensing boards will participate in Compact data exchanges (including disciplinary reports) and may be subject to Compact Commission rules and dues.

Procedural / implementation notes

  • The bill requires the state’s education licensing authority to adopt regulations to implement Compact obligations and to permit licensure under the Compact.
  • The Compact only takes effect nationally after a threshold (seven) states ratify; an individual state joining can begin implementing its Compact obligations earlier at the state level.
  • States will incur administrative costs (background checks, regulatory amendments, Compact membership assessments/fees), and licensees may incur costs (criminal background checks, application/renewal fees).

Potential impacts / considerations

  • Pros: faster interstate mobility for qualified practitioners; may mitigate local shortages; easier portability for military families; promotes shared protective oversight across states.
  • Cons / implementation issues: states must align existing licensure standards with Compact minimums; administrative and IT costs for data exchange; careful protection of confidential disciplinary information; potential variation in “state‑specific requirements” that remain after issuing an equivalent license.

If enacted, SB 227 would make Nevada (and its licensing body) a Compact member and require regulatory changes to implement the Commission’s rules and the Compact’s information‑sharing and licensure procedures.

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

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