Legislative Updates

HB 13: Social Work Interstate Licensure Compact will be heard in the Health & Human Services Committee on January 21, 2026, at 8:00 am in 209 House Building! This bill already passed two House committees unanimously. If the bill passes this final committee, it will head to the House floor for a final vote. Here is how you can help right now: Contact the members of the Health & Human Services Committee and ask them to support HB 13: The Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact. Share your personal story—why the Compact matters to you, your clients, and your community. Lawmakers need t...

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Tomorrow, January 20, 2026, the Florida Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee will hear SB 590: Statute of Limitations Period for Violations Involving Required Reports Concerning Children.  What SB 590 Does SB 590 would change Florida's statute of limitations for violations involving mandated reports concerning child abuse and neglect. Under current law, the time limit to bring charges in cases where someone failed to make a legally required report about suspected child abuse or neglect begins running shortly after the abuse occurs. SB 590 ensures that the limitations period does not start u...

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The U.S. Department of Education has proposed removing MSW and DSW degrees from the "Professional Degree" category under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). We want to clarify what this means for our profession. What does this mean for you? If you are a practicing social worker or have already borrowed federal loans, your current loans, repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility, and licensure will not change. This proposal only affects future borrowing for graduate students, such as Future MSW students Current MSW students who will need additional loans before completing their d...

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NASW-Florida is proud to support HB 281, which establishes critical safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapeutic, clinical, and counseling settings. The bill ensures that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the professional judgment and human connection at the heart of social work practice. Key Provisions: Regulation and Oversight: AI-driven tools may only be used in therapeutic settings under clearly defined regulatory standards. Accountability: Licensed practitioners retain full responsibility for all therapeutic services, ensuring that ethical standards and human judgment remain central. ...

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Effective October 1, 2025, several telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic expired and require congressional action to be renewed.  This Tips & Tools page, provided by the National Office, informs members of key changes to the in-person requirement. The main takeaways from this update are: In-Person Requirement: Currently, Congress has not extended the in-person telehealth waiver. New patients must receive an in-person visit within 6 months before the first telehealth mental health service, and then every year (12 months) after. Exception to In-Person: Patients located in...

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The fight continues! The Social Work Licensure Compact bills have been refiled as HB 13/SB 74 for the upcoming 2026 Legislative session. The session begins on January 13, 2026, and we need your help to pass the compact.  This year's effort is a true grassroots movement, and only we—social workers, students, and community supporters—can get this across the finish line. Last year, many of you stepped forward, and your advocacy made a difference. This year, we need triple the voices.  Here's how you can help right now: Contact your Florida Legislators and ask them to support HB 13/SB 74: Soc...

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NASW-FL is deeply concerned about the recent announcement that Florida may eliminate vaccine requirements in statute. Public policy must be guided by medical expertise and scientific evidence, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.  We believe that vaccines are among the most effective tools in protecting children and families from severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. In a state with millions of visitors and many multigenerational families, eliminating requirements threatens not only public health but also family stability and community wellbeing.  To read our complete statement, ple...

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During the 2024 legislative session, the Florida House of Representatives passed the Social Work Licensure Compact unanimously. Unfortunately, the measure did not advance in the Senate. We are preparing to work with our legislative sponsors once again to reintroduce this critical legislation in the upcoming session, which is scheduled to begin in January. In the Senate, the Health Policy Committee is typically the first stop for this bill, and its leadership plays a crucial role in determining whether it advances. Since the beginning of August 2025, our Executive Director and Advisory Board members have attended local legislative delegatio...

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