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HB 15

Pub. Rec. and Meetings/Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Campbell and 4 co-sponsors

HB 15 protects social workers' personal information from public records and meetings, enhancing confidentiality while facilitating interstate licensure mobility.

Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/25/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 15

Summary of HB 15: Pub. Rec. and Meetings/Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 15
  • Title: Pub. Rec. and Meetings/Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact
  • Status: Currently in the Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee
  • Introduced: September 15, 2025
  • Sponsor: Hunschofsky (Primary)

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 15 is to create exemptions from public records and public meetings requirements for specific information and meetings related to the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. This compact allows for the mutual recognition of social work licenses across member states, facilitating easier mobility for social workers.

Key Provisions

  1. Public Records Exemption:

    • The bill establishes a new section (491.023) in the Florida Statutes that exempts certain personal identifying information of social workers from public records requirements.
    • Specifically, information such as a social worker's personal identifying details (excluding their name, licensure status, or licensure number) will be protected unless the state that reported the information allows its disclosure.

  2. Public Meetings Exemption:

    • Meetings of the Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, including its executive committee and other committees, are exempt from public meeting requirements when discussing matters that are confidential under federal or state law.
    • Recordings, minutes, and records from these exempt meetings will also be protected from public records requests.

  3. Legislative Review and Repeal:

    • The exemptions created by this bill are subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically repeal on October 2, 2031, unless the Legislature reviews and reenacts them.

  4. Public Necessity Statement:

    • The bill includes findings that emphasize the necessity of these exemptions to effectively implement and administer the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Social workers in Florida who are part of the Interstate Compact will benefit from the protection of their personal information.
    • The Department of Health and the Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling will have clearer guidelines on handling sensitive information.

  • Implementation:

    • The bill's provisions will take effect contingent upon the passage of HB 13 or similar legislation in the same session.

Legislative Actions

  • October 1, 2025: Referred to the Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee, Government Operations Subcommittee, and Health & Human Services Committee.
  • Current Status: Now in the Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee.

Conclusion

HB 15 aims to enhance the confidentiality of social workers' personal information while facilitating the implementation of the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. By establishing specific exemptions from public records and meetings requirements, the bill seeks to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with interstate agreements.

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

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