An Act to Update the
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 2074
Committee Amendment CA_A_H833 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "^ " to H.P. 1387, L.D. 2074, "An Act to Update the
Requirements for Social Worker Licensure
Amend the bill by inserting after the title and before the enacting clause the following:
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, this legislation updates the licensing requirements for social workers to
remove barriers and potential delays in the licensing process; and
Whereas, immediate enactment of this legislation is necessary to make it easier for
persons to be licensed as social workers or to reenter the social work profession; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now,
therefore,'
Amend the bill by inserting after section 13 the following:
'See. 14. Continued review of licensing for social work profession. The
Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation within the Department
of Professional and Financial Regulation, after consultation with the State Board of Social
Worker Licensure and stakeholders, shall continue review of the Maine Revised Statutes,
Title 32, chapter 83 and any laws associated with the provisions of that chapter that began
before the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature to recommend changes to
update the licensure provisions for the social work profession, including changes to the
educational and examination requirements for initial licensure and to the consultation
requirements, and to recommend alternative pathways for licensure. The director shall
review and identify best practices from similar efforts in other states. The director shall
report any recommendations from the review conducted under this section to the joint
standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health coverage, insurance
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
^
COMMFTTEE AMENDMENT "^ " to H,P, 1387, L.D. 2074
and financial services matters on or before Febmary 15, 2027. The joint standing committee
may report out a bill to the 133rd Legislature in 2027 based on the review.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation
takes effect when approved.'
Amend the bill by relettering or renumbering my nonconsecutive Part letter or section
number to read consecutively.
SUMMARY
This amendment requires the Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational
Regulation withia the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, after
consultation with the StateBoard of Social Worker Liceusure and stakeholders, to continue
review of the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32, chapter 83 and any laws associated with
the provisions of that chapter that began before the Second Regular Session of the 132nd
Legislature to recommend changes to update the licensure provisions for the social work
profession and to establish alternative pathways for licensure. The amendment requires the
director to report any recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature
having jurisdiction over health coverage, insurance and financial services matters on or
before Febmary 15, 2027, and it authorizes the committee to report out a bill to the 133rd
Legislature in 2027.
The amendment also adds an emergency preamble and emergency clause to the bill.
FISCAL NOTE REQTORED
(See attached)
Page2-132LR2816(02)
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Approved; 03/02/26 ^Kt-
LD 2074 LR 2816(02)
An Act to Update the Requirements for Social Worker Licensure
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '^' ^ ^"
Committee: Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
!
Minor cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Any additional administrative costs associated with continued review of social worker licensure requirements and
reporting to the Legislature by the Office of Occupational and Professional Regulation can be absorbed within
existing budgeted resources. •