Protect Connecticut Residents: Oppose H.B. 5166

Dear Senator [Last Name],

Thank you for your service to our community and to the State of Connecticut.

I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose H.B. 5166. This legislation would weaken social work licensure by suspending the requirement that applicants pass a licensing examination, removing an important safeguard used to verify readiness to practice.

Across many professions that serve the public, including healthcare, education, and law, licensing exams provide a basic standardized measure of competence. Social workers often serve individuals and families in high stakes situations, and the public deserves confidence that those providing care have met consistent professional standards.

I am also concerned about the impact this bill could have on Connecticut’s participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact. The compact relies on a shared exam requirement to allow professionals to practice across state lines. Weakening Connecticut’s standards risks limiting access to care, workforce mobility, and service availability throughout the state.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to oppose H.B. 5166 and support policies that maintain strong professional standards while protecting the well-being of Connecticut residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,