2026 Legislative Session
The Second Regular Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature is currently in session and will conclude with Sine Die adjournment on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For the most up-to-date information on bills and legislative activity, visit the Oklahoma Legislature website. Below is information on policy supported by the NASW Oklahoma Chapter. Don't miss out on the latest legislative updates during this session — sign up for the NASW Oklahoma Advocacy Alerts!
Download the NASW-OK Policy Priorities. These priorities were created after review and input from the NASW-OK Board of Directors. They will be used to drive NASW-OK advocacy efforts and serve as the basis for the issues we will champion during this Legislative Session. Each priority reflects our dedication to advancing social work values, promoting equitable policies, and advocating for the well-being of both social workers and the communities they serve.
RESOURCE: A Social Work Advocate’s Guide to Oklahoma is a helpful resource designed to support social workers in understanding and engaging with the state’s legislative process. This guide provides an overview of how Oklahoma government works, tips for communicating with legislators, and practical tools to help social workers effectively advocate for their clients, communities, and the profession.
HB 1818 (Newton) Revisions to Social Worker Title
HB 1818 modernizes Oklahoma’s bachelor-level social work licensure title by changing “Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)” to “Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker (LBSW).” This update aligns Oklahoma with national norms and more accurately reflects the education required for the license. The bill does not change roles, responsibilities, or scope of practice. It also provides clearer and more consistent titles so the social work board can effectively enforce regulations that protect the license, the profession, and the clients served.
Why This Is Necessary: This change is needed to align Oklahoma law with the Social Work Interstate Compact, which the state joined in 2025 to allow license portability across state lines. Updating the statutory title ensures consistency with the licensure types recognized by the Compact and allows Oklahoma’s bachelor-level social workers to participate. It also strengthens professional credibility, as LSWA licensees must hold a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work and pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam. Using the LBSW title better communicates these qualifications to employers and the public and builds trust in the profession.
SB 878 (Grellner) Increasing Social Work Board Capacity
Would strengthen the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers by allowing it to hire four additional full-time staff to keep up with the growing demand for licensure and oversight. Since separating from the Medical Board in 2011, the Board has seen a 250% increase in application volume and now serves more than 4,200 licensees, with an additional 15–25% increase expected due to the Interstate Social Work Compact. The bill improves efficiency, stability, and timely processing of licenses at no cost to taxpayers, as the Board is self-sustaining and contributes revenue to the state’s General Revenue Fund.