H 279
An Act to ensure parity in social work licensure
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Bill overview
This bill aims to establish a new certification for social workers specifically working in child welfare at the Department of Children and Families in Massachusetts. It proposes the creation of a special commission, including members of the General Court, to study and recommend the development of this new certification. The goal is to ensure parity in social work licensure and improve the quality of care provided to children in the state’s child welfare system.
Key provisions
- Establish a special commission to study child welfare social work certification.
- The commission will include members of the General Court.
- Develop a new certification for social workers in child welfare.
- Ensure parity in social work licensure within the Department of Children and Families.
- Focus on improving the quality of care for children in the child welfare system.
Who is affected
- Social workers
- Department of Children and Families employees
- Children in the child welfare system
- Massachusetts residents
- Members of the General Court
Notable changes
- Creates a new certification pathway for social workers focused on child welfare.
- Establishes a commission to oversee the development of this certification.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
James J. O'Day
Cosponsors
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Bill H.279 194th (Current)
An Act to ensure parity in social work licensure
By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 279) of James J. O'Day, Michael D. Brady and Daniel Cahill relative to social work licensure and establishing a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the creation of a new certification for child welfare workers at the Department of Children and Families. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: James J. O'Day
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.279
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 11/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 2/17/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a new draft, see H5299 |
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