State Board of Social Work Examiners - Membership and Examination Requirements
HB 1521 removes the requirement for social workers to pass an exam to obtain a bachelor's or master's license in Maryland. It also increases the State Board of Social Work Examiners from 12 to 14 members, adding two consumer members (raising their count from 2 to 4). The bill directly affects individuals seeking social work licenses, particularly those applying for bachelor or master level credentials, by eliminating the examination step. These changes are implemented by amending specific sections of Maryland’s health occupations law governing social work licensing and board composition.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 20, 2025
Last action Mar 17, 2025
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4 edits
MODERATE
This bill updates the composition of the State Board of Social Work Examiners from 12 to 14 members and adjusts the requirements for board membership. The changes also modify examination and licensing requirements for social workers, including adjustments to the number of required board members from different professional backgrounds.
Scope change
The bill's scope expanded to include additional board members and updated licensing examination requirements for social workers.
REQUIREMENT
Increased the total number of State Board of Social Work Examiners members from 12 to 14, with adjusted representation requirements for different social work license types.
Changed the number of consumer members on the board from 2 to 4.
Updated examination requirements for social worker licensing, including modifications to the number of required board members with specific license types.
TIMELINE
Added procedural information about bill referral to Health and Government Operations committee and favorable committee report.
Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 9, 2025
How they voted
100–36
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 139
Mar 9, 2025
D
Democratic100
98% Yea
R
Republican39
92% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Mar 17, 2025
Committee
Referred Finance
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Health and Government Operations
lower
Mar 9, 2025
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (100-36-3)
house of delegates
Mar 3, 2025
Committee
Rereferred to Health and Government Operations
lower
Feb 20, 2025
Committee
First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations
lower
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jamila Woods
DDemocratic
P
Kym Taylor
DDemocratic
P
Tiffany Alston
DDemocratic
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