Committee approves allowing MSW students to sit for licensure exam before graduation
February 17, 2026 | 2026 Legislature Georgia, Georgia
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The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 485, which would allow students enrolled in the Council on Social Work Education-accredited master of social work programs to sit for their licensing examination during their final semester before graduation.
Sponsor (identified in the hearing) said the bill provides parity with other licensed behavioral-health professions — noting professional counselors and marriage-and-family therapists already have that allowance — and framed the change as a way to accelerate entry of mental-health providers into the workforce.
There were no public sign-ups to oppose; Senator Albers moved to pass and the committee approved the bill without recorded opposition. The measure will proceed to the Rules Committee.
Sponsor (identified in the hearing) said the bill provides parity with other licensed behavioral-health professions — noting professional counselors and marriage-and-family therapists already have that allowance — and framed the change as a way to accelerate entry of mental-health providers into the workforce.
There were no public sign-ups to oppose; Senator Albers moved to pass and the committee approved the bill without recorded opposition. The measure will proceed to the Rules Committee.
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