Senate Approves Bipartisan Marchman Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. 

HB24-1002, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would create new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. This bill would create the "Social Work Licensure Compact,” which would be an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers can obtain and easily transfer a license to another member state.

“The need for social workers in Colorado is clear, so we are working to break down barriers and allow more skilled professionals to join our workforce,” said Marchman. “Supporting the behavioral health care needs of Coloradans is a win-win for the safety of our communities and our economy.”

This legislation aims to reduce barriers for social workers by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing behavioral health care access in Colorado. The “Social Work Licensure Compact" would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state.

The bill now returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Follow its progress HERE.