SECOND REGULAR SESSION
[PERFECTED]
HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
5847H.04P D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 337, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to school social workers.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 337, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 337.647, to read as follows:
337.647. 1. Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the department of elementary and secondary education, state board of education and office of educator quality shall recognize any person who has obtained a degree in social work from an accredited college or university as a certified school social worker if that person also:
(1) Holds a credential in school social work issued by a nationally recognized credentialing organization in social work; or
(2) Demonstrates competency in school social work after successful passage of a national school social worker exam approved by the state committee for social work and administered by the accredited college or university.
The state committee for social work shall issue a certificate to any person making application as a credentialed school social worker provided he or she meets the qualifications contained in this section.
2. The state committee for social work shall promulgate rules and charge fees necessary to implement this section. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028. This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2012, shall be invalid and void.
3. Certification under this section does not automatically create eligibility for membership in any retirement system established under the provisions of chapter 169. Any person who otherwise meets the requirements for eligibility for membership in any retirement system established under the provisions of chapter 169 shall not be disqualified solely because he or she is also certified under this section.
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