Bill
Bill > HB577
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Social work; licensure; criminal background check. Requires applicants for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker, master's social worker, or clinical social worker to provide fingerprints and personal identifying information for a criminal background check, directs the Central Criminal Records Exchange to disseminate criminal history record information obtained to the Board of Social Work, and establishes the process by which an applicant may obtain his criminal history record in the event that such applicant disputes the criminal history information on which a denial of licensure privilege is based. The bill removes the requirement that an individual's request for conviction data from the Central Criminal Records Exchange must be sworn to under oath and specifies that no criminal history record information obtained through a national background check may be further disseminated, even if such information is maintained in the records of a Commonwealth agency or entity.
AI Summary
This bill requires applicants for licensure as a baccalaureate social worker, master's social worker, or clinical social worker to undergo a criminal background check, which includes submitting fingerprints and personal information for review by the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The cost of this process will be borne by the applicant. The results of this background check will be sent to the Board of Social Work, which is a governmental entity responsible for licensing social workers. If an applicant is denied licensure based on their criminal history and disputes the information, the Central Criminal Records Exchange will provide them with instructions on how to obtain a copy of their criminal history record from both the FBI and the Exchange, allowing them to dispute any inaccuracies. This measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals who will be served by licensed social workers by adding a layer of scrutiny to the licensing process.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB577) (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB577 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB577) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1171728.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB577/text/HB577H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB577/text/HB577HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB577/text/HB577HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB577) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1119300.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB577/text/HB577 |
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