Blogs

Access MFTs Bill Introduced in Kentucky!

By Portability AAMFT posted 4 days ago
Enhanced portability legislation has returned to Kentucky for 2026! Representative Kim Moser has introduced HB 459 . This bill is identical to the legislation introduced in Kentucky during the 2025 legislati ve session. Click here for the end-of-session recap for information on the Kentucky legislation from 2025. Under HB 459, MFT applicants for licensure by endorsement will be required to hold a full license in another state or territory and be of good moral character. The bill will exempt applicants from being held to substantially equivalent standards in edu cation and supervised experience hours. ...

Rhode Island Bill Introduced

By Portability AAMFT posted 7 days ago
The second state to file Access MFTs legislation for 2026 is Rhode Island! With nine co-sponsors, the clear support for portability for MFTs has never been clearer ! H7064 was introduced by Representatives Shallcross Smith, Bennett, Fogarty, McNamara, Perez, Carson, Casimiro, Azzinaro, Donovan, and Fellela . After a quick turnaround , H7064 was heard by the Rhode Island House Committee on Corporations on January 20 th . All testimony provided was in support of the legislation, and the bill was held for further study. In addition to enhancing the portability process, H7064 will also make changes ...

Access MFTs is Returning to Tennessee!

By Portability AAMFT posted 12-15-2025
After initially passing the Access MFTs law in 2024, the initiative will be returning to Tennessee in 2026 to clarify language in the law. The Access MFTs language from 2024 did not provide the clarity for MFT licensure portability as intended. To bolster access to qualified marriage and family therapists in Tennessee, the initiative is returning to revise the statute's language . We are excited to work with the TNAMFT team again! If you have any questions, concerns, or stories regarding portability in Tennessee, please reach out to the Access MFT’s team at portability@aamft.org .

California Exam Update

By Portability AAMFT posted 12-05-2025
During the November meeting of the Cali fornia B oard of Behavioral Sciences , the adoption of the national exam for MFTs in California was discussed. The topic will be discussed again in February of 2026 and then open for p ublic comment. Those comments will be reviewed in May 202 6 . If you are interested in watching the California Board of Behavioral Sciences meeting, the links below will take you to the recorded meetings . Day 1: November 20, 2025 Day 2: November 21, 2025

Access MFTs Bill Introduction in Florida!

By Portability AAMFT posted 12-05-2025
The first Access MFTs bill of the 2026 legislative session has been filed ! Florida House Bill 631 , sponsored by Representative Esposito , and Senate Bill 768 , sponsored by Senator Rouson, are on track to improve the portability process for marriage and family therapists in Florida. Under HB 631 and SB 768 , MFT applicants under the endorsement process must hold an active license in good standing in another state or territory and have received no disciplinary action over the preceding 5 years. This is an exciting step towards addressing mental healthcare workforce shortages ...

Minnesota Joins Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 12-04-2025
The Access MFTs initiative for 2026 continues to expand! We are excited to share that Minnesota will be joining Phase 3 of the Access MFTs initiative. Current Minnesota rules have substantial barriers to licensure by endorsement as the current law includes both substantially equivalent language and a requirement of 5 years of experience to achieve licensure through this pathway. Minnesota statute also includes substantially equivalent language. AA MFT will be working in partnership with the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy to remove barriers and streamline the endorsement process ...

Rhode Island Joins Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 10-23-2025
Access MFTs is excited to announce that the portability initiative will be entering Rhode Island next year! AAMFT will be partnering with the Rhode Island Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (RIAMFT) to work towards the goal of streamlining licensure portability in the state. To enhance MFT portability in Rhode Island, Access MFTs will be targeting barriers to licensure that exist in the state for LMFTs , such as the inclusion of substantially equivalent language in the current law . If you have any questions, concerns, or stories that you would like to share with the Access MFTs team regarding ...

Florida Joins Access MFTs Initiative!

By Portability AAMFT posted 10-23-2025
Florida has joined Phase 3 of the Access MFTs’ initiative! While Florida currently offers enhanced portability for telehealth practitioners, the Access MFTs initiative aims to eliminate barriers for MFTs who are seeking licensure to pr ovid e in-person mental health services in the state. If you have any questions, concerns, or stories that you would like to share with the Access MFTs team regarding portability in Florida, please email us at portability@aamft.org .

Updates on California

By Portability AAMFT posted 08-21-2025
California is continuing to work on switching from the California clinical MFT exam to the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam. The AMFTRB exam is what is currently required in the other 49 states. This change will make it easier for LMFTs who are educated in California to move to or pursue licensure in another state without having to take an additional exam. There have been no recent updates on the progress of this effort but continue to check in for regular updates on this issue!

North Carolina Breaks Down Portability Barriers

By Portability AAMFT posted 07-02-2025
On July 1 , 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed House Bill 67 , which will go into effect on October 1 , 2025. House Bill 67 r e moves licensure barriers for L MFT s seeking to obtain a North Carolina license to practice. Th e major barrier that the new North Carolina law removes from previous portability policy is remov ing the experience requirement from 5 years and an existing license in good standing to 2 years of experience and an existing license in good standing. The new law also makes changes to the e xam requirement as now the California licensure exam is an ...

West Virginia Takes the Next Steps

By Portability AAMFT posted 07-02-2025
On July 1 , 2025, West Virginia’s Senate Bill 458 went into effect. The original bill was signed on April 7, 2025, by Governor Jim Justice. Although not introduced as part of AAMFT’s Access MFTs initiative, this bill is still a huge win for MFT license portability in the state of West Virginia. As a Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act , it means that the new l aw applies to all professions with a board of examination or registration, including Marriage and Family Therapists. As a result of this law, to be granted a license in West Virginia, MFTs must be licensed and have held their license in ...

End of Session Update for Kentucky & Texas

By Portability AAMFT posted 06-30-2025
During the 2025 legislative session, Access MFTs had ongoing efforts in Kentucky and Texas. In Kentucky, the Access MFTs bill made it out of committee and had great forward momentum throughout the legislative sess ion. Unfortunately, due to other challenges, the bill was unable to complete the legislative process and be signed into law. The other state that Access MFT legislation faced challenges that were unable to be overcome was in Texas. The Texas legislature only meets every other year, so the next opportunity to address portability in Texas will be in 2027. Despite these challenges, ...

Major Access MFTs Success in Connecticut!

By Portability AAMFT posted 06-25-2025
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed H.B. 7081 into law on June 23, 2025. The law will go into effect on October 1, 2025. In the new update, to obtain a license in the state of Connecticut, an MFT must have a license in good standing in another state with no pending disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints. The new law also removes the previous requirement of MFTs to have practiced in another state for at least four years. This is another big win for Access MFTs as the push for licensure portability continues to grow across the country. This success in Connecticut will help build up mental health professionals and expand the profession for ...

Access MFT Updates in Nevada

By Portability AAMFT posted 06-07-2025
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 450 on June 5, 2025 . The law will go into effect on October 5 , 2025. Th e effect of this law will make it so that in the state of Nevada, Marriage and Family Therapists can obtain a license in the state unless they are denied for “good cause.” The board must also approve or deny a complete application that does not need any additional information within 45 days of receiving the application. Previously, Nevada restricted access to LMFTs who had been investigated but not found in violation. This new update will allow those individuals who have a previous investigation, ...

Another Win for Access MFTs!

By Portability AAMFT posted 05-26-2025
On May 20, 2025, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed into law Legislative Bill 257. As a result of this new law, Marriage and Family Therapists with a valid and unrestricted license in another state will be able to obtain a license in Nebraska after filling out an application, paying a licensure fee, and passing the Nebraska jurisprudence exam. This bill will allow for Marriage and Family Therapists to practice in Nebraska with fewer barriers. Prior to the passage of this bill, MFTs who were seeking a license in Nebraska experienced barriers due to a statute that included substantially equivalent requirements which made the out-of-state licensure ...

AB 450 Unanimously Passes Nevada Assembly, Heads to the Senate Next

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-18-2025
On April 17th, AB 450 passed unanimously on the floor of the Nevada Assembly, marking another major win for the Access MFTs initiative. This unanimous vote underscores strong bipartisan support for making it easier for qualified MFTs to practice across state lines. The Assembly’s endorsement brings AB 450 one step closer to becoming law and reflects an increasing awareness among lawmakers of the urgent need to bolster the mental health workforce. This progress would not have been possible without the dedication and voices of MFTs Ashia McReynolds and Dr. Domonique Rice. We are especially grateful to both for taking the time to testify and share their ...

Arkansas HB 1187 Unanimously Passes Arkansas Senate: Awaits Governor's Signature

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-14-2025
On April 14th, the Arkansas Senate voted unanimously to pass HB 1187 . This marks the final legislative hurdle for the bill, which now heads to the Governor for signature. With this action, Arkansas moves one step closer to becoming the next state to adopt our strategic portability model. The unanimous vote reflects the widespread, bipartisan support for modernizing licensure processes for MFTs. We are proud of the advocacy efforts led by AAMFT and the MFTs who lent their voices throughout the legislative process. Their dedication ensured the bill stayed on track and gained strong momentum in both chambers. We now await the Governor’s signature, officially ...

Arkansas HB 1187 Clears Senate Committee, Nears Final Vote

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-09-2025
On April 9th, HB 1187 was heard by the Arkansas Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee. Just as they did in the House, AAMFT staff and MFTs Dr. Kelly Roberts and Dr. Becky Whetstone provided expert testimony highlighting the bill’s value to the profession and public health infrastructure. The continued presence of dedicated advocates like Drs. Roberts and Whetstone made a meaningful impact. Following the hearing, HB 1187 successfully passed out of committee. The bill now advances to the full Senate for a floor vote, bringing us closer to seeing licensure portability enacted in Arkansas. We are proud of the collaborative efforts of ...

West Virginia Enacts SB 458: Boosting Licensure Portability and Access to Services

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-08-2025
On April 7, 2025, Governor Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 458 into law, advancing licensure portability in West Virginia. This legislation allows professionals licensed in other states to practice in West Virginia, supporting the state’s efforts to attract qualified professionals and reduce bureaucratic barriers, which contributes to enhancing residents' access to essential services. While West Virginia was not a part of this year's Access MFTs initiative, its passage aligns with the broader goals of the initiative, which advocates for the expansion of licensure portability for MFTs. SB 458 is a significant step in the right direction, reflecting a growing ...

LB 257 Advances to Select File: Nebraska Moves Closer to Licensure Portability

By Portability AAMFT posted 04-08-2025
On April 8th, LB 257 reached its next legislative milestone by being placed on the Select File in Nebraska’s unicameral legislature. This is the second stage of floor debate, where senators have an opportunity to discuss, amend, and vote on the bill. The successful placement on the Select File shows continued legislative interest and momentum for our strategic portability model. Following a favorable vote in this stage, the bill will be scheduled for final reading—the last step before heading to the Governor. With each stage passed, we grow more optimistic about the potential for LB 257 to become law. Enacting this bill would make Nebraska a leader ...