Senator raises concern as committee advances psychology interstate‑licensing compact

The Senate joint committee on Ways and Means and Judiciary advanced SB 20‑80, a bill relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact, adopting the committee’s recommendation to pass the measure.

A staff member summarized the bill as relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact and explained the recommendation for JDC members. Senator Waugh objected to the broader trend of professional compacts, citing testimony and prior examples: “Unpopular take on this table, but, according to the testimony, people are starting to catch on to these compact deals being made here. My first year, we saw it with the nurses, and then we see nurses scribe... Then we saw it with accountants. Now we see it with psychologists, and... we shouldn't have to look outside and open up our local jobs, out of state residents to come in and influence local residents to possibly leave. We should try to help our own here.” (Senator Waugh)

Committee members discussed the measure and conducted votes in both the Judiciary Committee (JDC) and the joint committee. The committee record shows the recommendation to pass was adopted.

The hearing was a decision‑only session; no oral testimony was taken. Written testimony is available on the committee’s website, where the committee also posted links to measure statuses. The committee noted the matter for the record and moved the bill forward under the adopted recommendation.

The committee did not produce a formal response to Senator Waugh’s policy concern during the recorded segments; the transcript records the objection and the later votes that adopted the recommendation.

Next steps: SB 20‑80 moves forward under the committee’s recommendation; any subsequent action (floor debate, amendments, or enrollment) will be recorded in later committee or chamber proceedings.