Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 50 into law on Feb. 5, 2026, enacting the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact.
The compact establishes an interstate licensure system that allows qualified social workers in participating states to practice across state lines.
To qualify, social workers must hold an active license in good standing in their home state and obtain a license through the compact. The compact is overseen by a commission that regulates compliance with its guidelines, develops a code of conduct and sets education requirements.
The legislation is intended to address New Mexico’s shortage of social workers by reducing barriers that limit where licensed professionals may practice.
In a statement, the governor’s office said the bill “streamlines the licensure process for social workers, expanding the workforce available to support children, families and vulnerable populations across New Mexico.”
