Committee opens hearing on school psychologist compact to allow interstate practice

The Public Health and Welfare Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 2069 on the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, which would allow licensed school psychologists to practice across participating states under compact privileges.

Jenna, committee staff and bill presenter, outlined the bill’s provisions, saying the compact’s purpose is to “facilitate interstate practice of school psychology in educational or school settings and improve the availability of school psychological services to the public.” She reviewed definitions, member-state participation criteria, licensee eligibility, commission powers, a coordinated data system, rulemaking authority, disciplinary procedures, and the compact’s effective date once the seventh state enacts it.

Lieutenant Colonel Keith Marshall of the Adjutant General’s Department testified in support, saying the legislation continues implementation of the federal Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2023 by improving licensure portability for military spouses and easing employment as families move between states. William Wilk, representing the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, also offered proponent testimony, saying the chamber’s military and veterans affairs council backed the compact to streamline licensing for military spouses.

Jenna told the committee the compact allows a “home state” license to convey practice privileges in other member states, establishes an interstate commission to adopt implementation rules, and becomes effective when seven states enact the compact. She noted the only amendments to the bill were typographical corrections.

No committee members moved a final action on House Bill 2069 during the hearing. Committee leadership said they intend to work compact bills in upcoming committee sessions and urged members to prepare amendments ahead of those meetings.

The hearing closed without a vote.