New York Senate Bill S09123

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/5/26

Caption

Extends the duration of limited permits to practice licensed clinical social work and use the title licensed clinical social worker, or practice licensed master social work and use the title licensed master social worker from twelve to twenty-four months with the ability to be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.

Summary

S09123 amends the Education Law to extend the length of limited permits for individuals seeking to practice licensed clinical social work or licensed master social work in New York. Under current law, these permits are valid for up to 12 months; the bill would increase that period to 24 months. It also authorizes the Department of Education, at its discretion, to renew such permits for up to two additional one-year periods. The bill applies to applicants who have met all licensure requirements except the examination requirement and who are practicing under general supervision. By lengthening the permit period and allowing renewals, the measure is intended to give social work licensure candidates more time to complete the exam process while continuing to work under supervision. The bill would take effect 180 days after becoming law, with any necessary implementing regulations authorized to be adopted in advance.

Impact

The bill would amend section 7705 of the Education Law, changing the statutory duration of limited permits for licensed master social workers and licensed clinical social workers from 12 months to 24 months and adding discretionary renewal authority for up to two additional one-year terms. This would affect the Department of Education’s licensing administration and provide a longer temporary practice pathway for social work applicants who have not yet passed the required examination.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote data were provided, so there is no recorded debate or roll-call history to indicate support or opposition. Based on the bill text and caption alone, the measure appears administrative and workforce-oriented, with an apparent goal of easing licensure timing for social work candidates.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. Potential areas of concern, if raised, would likely involve whether extending limited permits could delay full licensure accountability, versus whether the change is necessary to address exam scheduling, workforce shortages, or administrative backlogs. However, no named stakeholders or objections appear in the provided record.