WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6017

Michigan HB 6017 (2025-2026) – Education: all other employees; school psychologist licensure compact; enact

Purpose and overall aim

  • Creates the Michigan participation in the Interstate Licensure Compact for School Psychologists.
  • The goal is to facilitate the interstate practice of school psychology in educational settings, improve access to School Psychological Services, and provide a streamlined pathway for licensed school psychologists to practice in other member states.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishes the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact Commission (a joint government agency) to govern participation, rules, and oversight among member states.
  • Defines a broad set of terms (e.g., Home State License, Equivalent License, Active Military Member, Practice of School Psychology, School Psychologist, etc.) to standardize eligibility, licensing, discipline, data sharing, and practice standards across states.
  • Eligibility and licensure:
    • Michigan would recognize an Equivalent License issued by another member state to practice School Psychology in Michigan, provided applicants meet core criteria.
    • To obtain an Equivalent License in a Remote State, applicants must hold an active Home State License, satisfy any state-specific requirements, complete Commission-established administrative steps, renew in the Home State, and undergo a criminal background check.
    • Renewal for an Equivalent License in a Remote State requires renewal application, background check, and payment of applicable renewal fees; no full licensure process repeated in the Remote State.
  • Education and credentials:
    • Home State licensure would require passing a Qualifying National Exam, completing at least 1200 hours of supervised internship (at least 600 in a school), and graduating from a Qualifying School Psychologist Education Program.
  • Military provisions:
    • Active military members or spouses are treated as holding a Home State License in specified situations and locations (permanent residence or state of primary practice or PCS relocation).
  • Scope of practice and compliance:
    • Licensees practicing under the Compact must comply with the scope of practice laws of the state where services are provided.
    • Each state retains authority to regulate health and safety within its borders and to discipline licensees; information sharing about investigations and adverse actions is mandated.
  • Discipline and information sharing:
    • States may share disciplinary actions and related information; confidentiality and data protections are required.
    • Adverse actions, background checks, and investigative information are protected and managed per rules.
  • Commission structure and operations:
    • The Commission has voting member representation from each State Licensing Authority; meetings can be in person or via telecommunication.
    • An Executive Committee (up to 7 members) handles day-to-day administration, fee setting, compliance monitoring, budget, and emergency rulemaking.
    • Rules require public notice of proposed rules, with provisions for emergency rules and potential legislative override by member states.
  • Financing:
    • The Commission can levy annual assessments on member states and fees on Licensees to fund operations; financial oversight includes annual audits.
  • Governance, enforcement, and dispute resolution:
    • Clear enforcement mechanisms, potential for default/termination of member states, and dispute resolution processes (including mediation and binding options) are outlined.
    • Venue and enforcement actions are primarily through federal courts (DC Circuit or where the Commission seats).

Who is affected

  • School Psychologists holding a Home State License and seeking work in Michigan (and vice versa for Michigan-licensed psychologists practicing elsewhere) under the Compact.
  • School districts and educational institutions employing licensed school psychologists.
  • Military members and spouses seeking licensure portability.
  • Michigan’s State Licensing Authority and related state agencies responsible for implementation and enforcement.

Timelines and status

  • Introduced May 21, 2026; referred to the House Health Policy Committee.
  • Effective date contingent on enactment in seven member states ( Charter Members); the Commission forms and begins operations after the effective date in the seventh state.
  • Provisions contemplate ongoing amendment and oversight, with withdrawal procedures and protections for licenses already issued.

Summary assessment

HB 6017 would align Michigan with a national framework intended to reduce licensure barriers for school psychologists, address workforce shortages, and enhance public access to qualified professionals across member states. It preserves state authority over professional standards and discipline while enabling cross-state practice under a coordinated regulatory structure.

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

Sign in to ask a question.