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April 16, 2026 Clouds | 74°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.135 194th (Current)

An Act to ensure parity in social work licensure

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 135) of Adam Gomez and Michael D. Brady for legislation to ensure parity in social work licensure. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Adam Gómez
Status:
Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
This bill proposes significant changes to the licensing process for social workers in Massachusetts. It removes the current requirement for applicants to pass a board-prepared examination as outlined in various parts of Section 131, Chapter 112. In place of strict examination criteria, the bill introduces a provisional license option for those who have failed the social work associate exam at least twice but were within 15 points of passing. This provisional license lasts for up to one year, during which the license holder must meet specific professional development, supervisory, and educational requirements. They must also maintain a detailed professional portfolio, which includes writing papers on designated topics, keeping a daily journal, analyzing cases, conducting self-evaluations, and receiving evaluations from supervisors. Additionally, the bill calls for the formation of a special legislative commission to investigate the potential need for a specialized certification for child welfare workers employed by the Department of Children and Families. This commission will assess whether a new certification is necessary or if current social work licensure suffices while also examining the role of standardized tests and striving to create a certification process that is accessible and fair to individuals from various backgrounds.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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