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NASW Louisiana Legislative Updates

The 2025 Regular Legislative Session will convene at noon on Monday, April 14, 2025 - Final Adjournment no later than 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025

2025 Louisiana Legislature Recap: Key Takeaways for Social Workers

Catch up on the highlights and challenges of the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session in our newly released recap video, featuring NASW-LA Executive Director Will Francis and Seersucker Strategies lobbyists Stephen and Elly Wright. They discuss major wins from the 2025 session as well as challenges ahead for social workers and their clients. The video also covers budget impacts, criminal justice changes, and how members can stay engaged before the next session. Watch now to stay informed and ready to advocate!

2025 NASW-LA Legislative Priorities

NASW-LA 2025 Session Legislative Priorities

Download the NASW Louisiana 2025 Legislative Priorities. These priorities were created after review and input from the NASW-LA PACE Committee. They will be used to drive NASW-LA advocacy efforts and serve as the basis for the issues we will champion during this Legislative Session. Each priority reflects our dedication to advancing social work values, promoting equitable policies, and advocating for the well-being of both social workers and the communities they serve.

Don't miss out on the latest legislative updates during this session — sign up for the NASW Louisiana VoterVoice! For 2025 Bill Tracking, click here.

2024 Legislative Session Updates

Click here for the 2024 Legislative Session Report

NASW-LA Telesupervision Update:

Last legislative session The National Association of Social Workers – Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) drafted and championed a bill adding telesupervision language to the Social Work Practice Act. That legislation goes into effect on August 1, and NASW-LA publicly shared information stating that after that date, social workers will no longer need the approval of The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LABSWE) to practice telesupervision. The LABSWE recently sent out a Remote Supervision Notice affirming that the current rules are still in place, and that social workers are still “required to seek approval of remote supervision from the Board pursuant to L.A.C.46:XXV.503(H)” until such time as new rules are in place.

NASW-LA would like to affirm that the LABSWE is the governing body of social work licenses in Louisiana, and that licensees should continue to apply for board approval for telesupervision through LABSWE until the LABSWE indicates otherwise. NASW-LA will continue to advocate for rules that center the supervisor and supervisee in the telesupervision decision making process, as was the explicit intent of HB 865, and looks forward to reviewing and commenting on that language throughout the rule making process.

2024 FALL TAX SPECIAL SESSION

The special session will begin at 3 p.m. Nov. 6 and end no later than 6 p.m. Nov. 25, according to the proclamation issued by the Governor. Landry’s call covers a variety of fiscal topics, including revenue, taxes, spending, budgets and teacher pay raises, among others. The governor had announced his intention to call for a special session after revealing the state could face a budget shortfall next year, estimated at between $400 million to $700 million depending on the scenarios in play. If left unaddressed, that could mean major cuts to health care for the poor, elderly and disabled as well as significant budget reductions for state colleges and universities. In addition to the fiscal overhaul, the governor’s call permits lawmakers to introduce proposals involving “ crimes that are not subject to special juvenile procedures.” Read the full overview here.

Interstate Compact Updates

August 2024: If you’re interested in learning more about the Social Work Compact, please sign up here to register to virtually attend the 2024 Social Work Commission Inaugural Meeting on Sep 17, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Central Time. The Louisiana Legislature passed the Compact this past session, and the LABSWE will manage and support the process of licensed Louisiana social workers practicing in Compact States. There are currently 17 states that have passed the Compact, and that number is growing. The 2024 Social Work Commission Inaugural Meeting is open to the public, and you can find the public notice for the meeting and the agenda here.

February 2024: Missed the NASW-LA Social Work Licensure Compact Town Hall on February 20th? Watch the recording now!

Interstate Compact Resources:

2024 Legislative Session – One Pagers:

Louisiana State Legislature Website

Quick Links

NASW-LA Advocacy Guide

Explore the NASW Louisiana Advocacy Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to empower you in navigating the intricate landscape of policy and social change in Louisiana. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to amplify your impact.

Your membership helps power our advocacy at the capitol and if you are not a member yet, we hope you will join us in this movement!