Senate Passes Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Professionals In Schools

DENVER, CO – The Senate passed legislation to boost the number of  behavioral health professionals in Colorado schools by creating the “School Psychologist Licensure Interstate Compact.” 

HB24-1096, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, would create new pathways for out-of-state school psychologists to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. The "School Psychologists Licensure Interstate Compact" would be an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed school psychologists can obtain and easily transfer a license to another member state. 

“One of my top priorities in the legislature is making sure Colorado’s youth have access to the behavioral health care services they need,” Kolker said. “Right now, if a licensed school psychologist wants to move to Colorado from another state, our licensing requirements make it harder to find work. Our legislation would streamline job transitions from other states, while also increasing behavioral health care access for students.” 

“As a teacher, I know how important it is for our students to have access to quality, trusted behavioral health care,” said Marchman. “When students are mentally healthy, they are better equipped to live up to their potential in the classroom. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to boost our schools’ behavioral health care workforce and position Colorado to attract highly skilled talent.”

This legislation aims to reduce barriers for school psychologists by easing the state-to-state licensure process to increase special education services and access to behavioral health care in Colorado schools. The compact would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state. To participate in the compact, applicants must already be licensed school psychologists.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Follow its progress HERE.