HB 577: Social work; applicants for licensure, criminal background check, report.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Social work; licensure; criminal background check. Requires applicants for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker, master's social worker, or clinical social worker to provide fingerprints and personal identifying information for a criminal background check, directs the Central Criminal Records Exchange to disseminate criminal history record information obtained to the Board of Social Work, and establishes the process by which an applicant may obtain his criminal history record in the event that such applicant disputes the criminal history information on which a denial of licensure privilege is based. The bill specifies that no criminal history record information obtained from a national criminal history record check conducted for employment or licensing purposes pursuant to federal law shall only be further disseminated to a federal, state, or local government agency or entity. The bill also specifies that any state or local government agency or entity that receives such record information shall not disseminate such information to any private person or entity. The bill also requires the Department of State Police (the Department) to convene a work group to review potential issues and concerns regarding the dissemination of criminal history record information. The bill requires the Department to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1, 2026. The bill has a partial delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 13, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0628)
2. April 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 628 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. April 1, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB577)
4. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
5. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
6. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. March 30, 2026Signed by President
8. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB577ER)
9. March 30, 2026Enrolled
10. March 23, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB577)
11. March 12, 2026Senate substitute agreed to by House (97-Y 1-N 0-A)
12. March 11, 2026Passed Senate with substitute Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history