Senate Bill S5604

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S5604

SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to allowing for reason-
able accommodations for the examination portion of licensure require-
ments to become a social worker for individuals for whom English is not
their primary language

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To ensure fair access to the licensing examination to become a licensed
master social worker (LMSW) by requiring reasonable accommodations for
non-English speakers when tests in their primary language are unavail-
able.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill amends § 7704(1)(d) of the education law to
require any organization permitted by the New York State Education
Department to administer the examination required to become a licensed
              

master social worker to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants
for whom English is not their primary language and a test in their
primary language is not available.

Section 2 of the bill provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Licensing examinations, such as the LMSW exam, play a vital role in
ensuring that professionals meet the necessary standards of competence
and are prepared to serve the public effectively. However, individuals
for whom English is not their primary language often face significant
challenges when taking the LMSW exam, especially when no alternative
test is available in their primary language. These challenges may
unfairly hinder their ability to demonstrate competence, despite their
qualifications and readiness to contribute to their respective
professions.

This legislation is a significant step toward alleviating the ongoing
mental health crisis. By reducing barriers to licensure, New York State
will address critical shortages of bilingual mental health professionals
and expand access to services for communities in need.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.