The state House passed a bill Thursday to encourage more social workers and massage therapists to practice in Georgia.

House Bill 839, sponsored by Republican Rep. Katie Dempsey, would create an interstate compact agreement between Georgia and other member states that would enable bachelor and masters level clinical social workers as well as licensed massage therapists to practice in those states without having to get individually licensed in each state.

Lawmakers approved the legislation in a 161-1 vote.

“This bill will improve public access to competent social work in our state,” said Dempsey, who represents Rome.

She also said the legislation would allow more people to work in Georgia and allow more Georgia workers to provide services to people in other states.

About the Author

Keep Reading

President Donald Trump speaks at an event to promote his domestic policy and budget agenda in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC