Dear NASW-MI Community,
We know this isn’t the news many of us were hoping for: the Social Work Licensure Modernization Act (HB 5184 & HB 5185) will not move forward this legislative session. While this outcome is understandably disappointing, it’s important to recognize that this is not the end of the road. Instead, it represents an opportunity to continue building on the momentum and progress we’ve made together.
Why the Bills Didn’t Advance
This legislative session has been particularly challenging, marked by disruptions and missed opportunities. The State House has faced significant delays and internal conflicts throughout the year, compounded by the political pressures of campaign season. These factors culminated last Friday night when session was abruptly adjourned before crucial bills, including the Social Work Licensure Modernization Act, could be voted on.
The session on December 13th took a chaotic turn when a representative left early during a pivotal vote, leaving the chamber without the quorum needed to advance legislation. With just one scheduled House session remaining before the term ends, any unfinished bills—including ours—are unable to pass this year.
This inactivity doesn’t just impact our licensure reform efforts. It has also halted progress on numerous critical issues, including updates to the tipped minimum wage, paid family leave, and other top policy priorities. While the legislative term’s dysfunction is disappointing, it underscores the importance of our continued advocacy to ensure essential reforms, like licensure modernization, don’t fall through the cracks in the future.
What We’ve Achieved
Over the past year, we’ve worked tirelessly to bring the Social Work Licensure Modernization Act to life. This effort has led to significant achievements:
Strengthened Collaboration: We've built strong relationships with Michigan’s schools of social work, Community Mental Health agencies, and other key stakeholders to ensure the legislation meets the needs of our profession and communities.
Constructive Engagement: By engaging with Michigan’s CMHs, Schools of Social Work, LARA, and the Governor’s office, we’ve received valuable feedback and insights that will shape the next iteration of this legislation.
Increased Awareness: Advocacy efforts have highlighted the importance of licensure modernization for Michigan social workers and the clients we serve.
Next Steps
Our commitment to modernizing social work licensure remains resolute. As we prepare to reintroduce the bills in the next legislative term, we will:
Collaborate with New Sponsors: We’re working to secure strong champions in the legislature who share our vision for licensure reform.
Refine the Proposal: Feedback from this session has given us a roadmap to strengthen the bills and address outstanding questions, while also exploring potential options to create some short-term solutions.
Continue Stakeholder Engagement: We will maintain our open dialogue with schools, CMHs, and regulatory bodies to ensure the next version is even more effective.
How You Can Stay Involved
The success of this initiative depends on the active involvement of our social work community. Here’s how you can help:
Advocate: Continue reaching out to legislators and the Governor’s office to share your story about why licensure reform matters.
Share: If you are interested in sharing your story and writing an op-ed about your licensing journey, check out our Op-Ed Toolkit and reach out to the Workforce Program Manager, Jordan Freeman, LMSW-Clinical at jfreeman.naswmi@socialworkers.org for assistance.
Educate: Spread the word among colleagues, students, and community members about the importance of these changes.
Engage: Follow our updates and participate in discussions as we refine and reintroduce the legislation.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We want to thank Representative Brabec for championing these efforts on behalf of Michigan’s social work community. Her presence will be missed in the new legislative year.
We are deeply grateful for your support, advocacy, and passion throughout this process. While this legislative session may not have brought the result we hoped for, it has brought us one step closer to success. Together, we will continue to advocate for a licensure system that supports and strengthens our profession.
For ongoing updates and more information, visit our Licensure Modernization Hub by clicking here.
In solidarity,
The NASW-MI Team