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Committee advances social work licensure compact debate amid workforce concerns
Summary
AB 427 would adopt the social work licensure compact to allow licensed social workers from other compact states to practice in California; supporters say it will expand access in underserved areas, while labor groups raised concerns about varying state standards and potential displacement of local workers.
Assemblymember Jackson presented AB 427 to authorize California to join the social work licensure compact, which supporters say would enable licensed social workers from other member states to practice in California without obtaining a separate state license.
"Joining the compact allows social workers licensed in other member states to practice in California without needing to obtain an additional state license, thus reducing barriers to employment and increasing workforce mobility," Assemblymember Jackson said in opening remarks.
Kimberly Wolfs Warmsley of the National Association of Social Workers' California chapter testified in support, saying the compact would help during crises and expand telehealth access across state lines. The Steinberg Institute and several child- and family-services groups also backed the bill.
Janice O'Malley of AFSCME said the union was not opposing but had "several concerns" about the compact, citing variation in licensing standards among states, the potential to displace local workers, and nuance across social work specializations. She urged continued talks with the author and stakeholders.
Assemblymember Jackson said staff and the author will continue to review whether other states' standards meet California's expectations and pledged further engagement with labor stakeholders. The committee recorded the motion to pass the bill as amended to the judiciary committee.
