Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"
Summary
A10094 would create the “licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act” by adding a new section to the Education Law establishing a social work licensure examination voucher program. The Department of Education would be required to provide vouchers to eligible low-income New York residents to cover the cost of the examination needed for licensure as either a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
To qualify, an applicant must be a state resident, be otherwise eligible to take the relevant social work licensing exam, and demonstrate income at or below a threshold set by the department through rulemaking. For applicants who are considered emancipated under existing Education Law provisions, parental income would not be considered in determining eligibility. The bill would take effect 120 days after becoming law and would authorize the department to adopt implementing regulations.
Impact
The bill would amend the Education Law by adding a new voucher program specifically tied to social work licensure examinations. Its practical effect would be to reduce upfront testing costs for low-income candidates seeking LMSW or LCSW credentials, potentially increasing access to licensure and the social work workforce. The Department of Education would gain authority to set income thresholds and issue regulations to administer the program.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, recorded votes, or formal opposition, so there is no documented debate to indicate broad support or criticism. Based on the bill’s design, the measure appears oriented toward affordability and workforce access, suggesting a generally favorable policy intent for aspiring social workers, especially those with limited income.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential issues that could arise in implementation include how the department sets the income threshold, how vouchers are funded, and whether eligibility rules adequately capture low-income applicants, including emancipated individuals. Any disagreement would likely center on administrative cost, program scope, and the use of state resources to subsidize professional testing fees.
Same As
Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.
Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.
Enacts the "building recruitment and incentives for dedicated government employees (BRIDGE) act" which provides a service credit for members who were previously employed by the federal government.
Enacts the "building recruitment and incentives for dedicated government employees (BRIDGE) act" which provides a service credit for members who were previously employed by the federal government.
Provides for an income tax credit of $1500 and related supports for retired childcare workers who re-enter the childcare workforce for at least 6 months in a year.
Enacts the "New York small business growth and support act"; authorizes certain tax exemptions for newly established small businesses during their first three years of operations.
Establishes the hospice workforce stabilization and innovation program; grants for staff retention incentives, continuing education, professional certification including board certification in hospice and palliative care, workforce wellness initiatives, and other workforce support activities approved by the department; creates grants for establishing regional hospice workforce pipeline programs.
Provides for the licensure of school psychology practitioners; authorizes the use of the title "licensed school psychology practitioner" to licensed or exempt individuals; defines practice of licensed school psychology practitioners; sets forth requirements for professional licensure (including educational attainment, experience, exam and fee); provides for issuance of limited permits under specified circumstances; identifies exempt persons.