HB271

House · 2025 sessionDemocraticSigned into law

New licensing exam for social workers

Replaces the national proctored examination requirement for initial licensure of social work associates with a uniform competence assessment examination approved by the board of mental health practice.

relative to initial license requirements for licensed social work associates.

Occupational RegulationPublic and Mental Health

Status

Signed into law · May 21, 2025

✓Introduced
✓House
✓Senate
✓Governor
✓Law

Division of testimony

12 submissions

Support 6Oppose 6Neutral 0

Melanie GirouardOpposeBrookline, NHfor MyselfJan 16, 2025

I oppose this bill

Hannah BowlerOpposeDurham, NHfor MyselfJan 16, 2025

I write to you today with a deep concern for the future of public education in New Hampshire and urge you to oppose HB115. This bill threatens to bleed vital resources from our public schools, which serve as lifelines for our most vulnerable students and the bedrock of our communities. For years, public schools have provided students not only with academic opportunities but also with essential resources such as meals, technology, emotional support, and a safe environment to grow and learn. These schools are already under immense financial strain, yet they continue to serve every child who walks through their doors, regardless of background, ability, or need. Diverting funds to private, charter, and homeschool programs that lack the same guarantees and accountability is not only shortsighted but also profoundly unjust. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by our teachers, who pour their hearts into their work while grappling with underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated materials. They are forced to do more with less, often at great personal cost, all because of an unshakable commitment to their students. To take even more resources from these educators is to undermine their ability to provide the quality education every child deserves. Public education is a promise—a promise that every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to an education that empowers them to succeed. HB115 breaks that promise. It asks us to prioritize the luxury of choice for some over the equity and opportunity for all. We cannot allow this to happen. New Hampshire’s public schools have shaped generations of thinkers, leaders, and innovators. They are the foundation of our communities and our democracy. Weakening them weakens us all. I urge you to stand with your constituents, with our teachers, and most importantly, with the students who rely on public schools to build their futures. Vote NO on HB115. Let us invest in strengthening our public schools, not dismantling them. Let us strengthen ALL of our children, not just those fortunate enough to have the opportunity for choice, and not for need.

Michelle TownsendOpposeBrookline, NHfor MyselfJan 16, 2025

HB117

Melinda Asbury, MD, PhDSupportKeene, NHfor MyselfJan 16, 2025

As both the Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer of a NH-based Community Mental Healthcare Center, I can attest first-hand to the workforce shortage within the mental health sector. In addition to workforce limitations, we are also facing financial challenges due to the state's reimbursement rates and its non-reimbursement of non-licensed practitioners. Removing the proctored examination requirement would improve the ability of CMHCs to increase the revenue stream. This subsequent increase in revenue would allow these centers to hire more therapists, i.e. increase their capacity to secure a larger workforce, and thus serve more individuals with mental health needs.

Sam HawkinsSupportConcord, NHfor NAMI New HampshireJan 16, 2025