New Mexico's Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee made significant strides in addressing the state's social work shortage during their meeting on March 2, 2025, by advancing Senate Bill 105, which proposes joining the Social Work Licensure Compact. This legislation aims to streamline the licensing process for social workers, particularly benefiting military families stationed in New Mexico.

The bill, supported by the Department of Defense, is designed to facilitate quicker employment for military spouses who are licensed social workers, allowing them to practice in New Mexico without undergoing lengthy re-licensing procedures. Currently, social work licenses in the state are still in development, with expectations to begin issuing them within the next year.

Melissa Salazar, director of boards and commissions at the Regulation and Licensing Department, highlighted the need for an additional budget allocation of $56,000 to implement the bill's requirements. She also requested an extension until January 1, 2026, to conduct necessary background checks and update the licensing system.

Support for the bill was echoed by various stakeholders, including Dan Weeks from UNO Hospital, who emphasized the critical shortage of social workers in the state. Adrian Gomez from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce noted that the compact would enhance access to care for New Mexicans, both in-person and via telehealth, addressing the pressing need for more providers.

However, the bill faced scrutiny regarding its provisions for qualified immunity for commission members, which some senators argued could create disparities in legal protections. Concerns were raised about ensuring that social workers from other states are adequately trained in New Mexico's unique cultural and legal contexts, particularly regarding the Indian Family Protection Act.

Despite these concerns, the committee voted 5 to 4 in favor of the bill, sending it to the judiciary for further review. The discussions underscored the importance of balancing the need for more social workers with the necessity of maintaining high standards of care and cultural competency in the state. As the bill progresses, lawmakers are expected to address the highlighted issues to ensure it meets the needs of New Mexico's diverse population.