Senate bill · S10665 (2025-26)
Enacts the "Social Worker Initiative for Faster Testing (SWIFT) act"
New York State Senate
Same as A11632, the matching bill in the Assembly.
Summary
Enacts the "Social Worker Initiative for Faster Testing (SWIFT) act"; provides that with respect to the examination requirement for licensure as a master social worker, an applicant pursuing a master's of social work degree who is enrolled in the final semester of a program registered by the department of education or an educational program accredited or in candidacy for accreditation by the council on social work education shall be eligible to take the master's level examination.
Summary from NY Open Legislation. How we handle summaries
Amends the Education Law.
From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Oct 21, 2026. About our data
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Purpose, from the sponsor's memo
To allow students enrolled in the final semester of a Master of Social Work (MSW) program to sit for the master's level licensing examination prior to graduation.
Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where it stands
Assigned to a committee for review.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Higher Education · New York State Assembly
Also referred to Higher Education · New York State Senate, Rules · New York State Assembly, Rules · New York State Senate.
The sponsor's argument
Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed
Under current law, applicants for licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) must complete their educational program before becoming eligible to sit for the licensing examination. As a result, many gradu- ates face unnecessary delays between graduation, examination, licensure, and employment. Allowing students in their final semester of study to take the examina- tion before graduation will streamline the transition from education to professional practice while maintaining all existing educational and licensure requirements. Students would still be required to complete their degree program before obtaining licensure; however, they could complete the examination process in advance and enter the workforce more quickly upon graduation.
This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.
Full history
- Jul 29, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
NY Assembly
- Jul 22, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO RULES
NY Senate