An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 32.1 a section numbered 32.1-15.2, relating to certified violence prevention professionals; certification.
Summary
HB1523 adds a new section to the Virginia Code creating the title of “certified violence prevention professional.” The bill defines that role as a person who provides evidence-informed, trauma-informed, supportive, non-psychotherapeutic community violence prevention services aimed at improving health outcomes, reducing injury recidivism, and lowering the chance that victims of community violence will later commit or promote violence.
The bill does not directly create a state licensing program for all violence prevention workers, but it prohibits anyone from using the protected title unless they have completed training and education from an approved entity and have been certified by a board-approved body. It also bars organizations from advertising training for these professionals unless their curriculum has been approved, and directs the Board to adopt regulations governing title use, training standards, qualifications for training entities, limits on the number of approved training providers, and any other necessary rules.
Impact
The bill amends Title 32.1 of the Code of Virginia by establishing a regulated professional designation and authorizing the Board to set certification and training requirements. Its practical effect is to create state oversight over who may claim the title “certified violence prevention professional” and over which organizations may provide the required training, which could affect violence prevention practitioners, community-based service providers, and training entities operating in Virginia.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received generally favorable but not unanimous support. It advanced through subcommittee and committee votes, passed the House and Senate, and ultimately the House agreed to the Senate substitute, indicating broad legislative acceptance of the concept. However, the recorded floor votes show meaningful opposition in both chambers, suggesting some lawmakers had reservations even as the bill moved forward to enactment.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on whether the state should regulate this emerging professional field and how much authority the Board should have over certification, training approval, and the number of approved training entities. The limits on who may use the title and who may offer training could raise concerns among existing community violence intervention organizations, smaller training providers, or legislators wary of creating barriers to entry, while supporters likely viewed the measure as a way to standardize qualifications and improve service quality.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
Occupations: individual licensing and registration; licensure of professional guardians and conservators; require. Amends sec. 303a of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.303a) & adds art. 14A.