On February 5th, 2024, Governor Kristi Noem signed HB 1015 making South Dakota the second state to enact the Social Work Licensure Compact. Noem says these compacts cut government red tape and make it easier for more folks to “get to work right here in South Dakota.”
This brings the compact one step closer to becoming active and available for social workers to apply for multistate licenses. HB 1015 was sponsored by Representative Mulder and Senator Tobin.
The Social Work Licensure Compact seeks to increase public access to social work services, provide licensees with opportunities for multistate practice, support relocating military families, and allow for expanded use of telehealth. Currently, the model compact legislation is available for other states to introduce and enact like South Dakota. Thus far there have been 24 other states that have introduced the compact.
The compact will become active once enacted by seven states.