Interstate compact for school psychologists advanced

Lawmakers gave first-round approval March 12 to a bill that seeks to add Nebraska to an interstate compact for school psychologists.

LB84, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Victor Rountree, would adopt the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact. The compact will become active when enacted by seven states.

Under the compact, a licensed school psychologist who wishes to move into a member state could use their existing license as evidence that they are qualified to receive licensure in the member state.

Rountree said the licensure compact for school psychologists currently includes Colorado and West Virginia, with eight more states considering similar legislation to become members.

Joining the compact would show that Nebraska is a worker-friendly state ready to welcome new providers to practice in its communities, he said.

“Mental health in schools is a serious concern that we hear about every day,” Rountree said. “LB84 provides us an opportunity to grow our school psychologist workforce to ensure our students are able to access mental health care.”

LB84 was advanced to select file on a 32-0 vote.