Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Consumer Protection & Business Committee
HB 1359
Brief Description: Expediting professional licenses for new Washington residents.
Sponsors: Representatives Cheney, Walen, McClintock, Corry, Volz, Duerr, Barkis, Graham and Caldier.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Licensing to expedite the professional license of any person licensed and in good standing in another state.
Hearing Date: 1/25/23
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:

The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a number of businesses and professions.  For regulated professions, the DOL issues licenses and ensures compliance with professional standards and laws.
 
Examples of professions regulated directly by the DOL, or in coordination with a board or commission, include:

  • architects;
  • cosmetologists;
  • funeral directors;
  • real estate brokers; and
  • security guards.

 
Requirements for a professional license, certificate, registration, or permit vary considerably.  Some professions may require:

  • college-level coursework;
  • experience;
  • an examination;
  • some type of background check;
  • a surety bond, insurance, or other minimum financial standards;
  • minimum safety standards;
  • continuing education for licensees; or
  • duties of care for clients.

 
Many professions have provisions for some form of reciprocity or consideration of experience from other states or military service.  In addition, the DOL and other licensing authorities must expedite the issuance of a broad range of professional licenses, certificates, registrations, or permits for qualified military spouses.
Summary of Bill:

By January 1, 2024, the DOL must establish procedures to expedite the issuance of a license, certificate, registration, or permit to perform professional services (professional license) to a person who is certified or licensed to perform professional services in another state.  The procedures must include a process for issuing the person a professional license, if the DOL determines the requirements for professional licensure are substantially equivalent to Washington's requirements.
 
The DOL must adopt rules authorizing a qualified person to perform the regulated services by issuing the person a temporary professional license, unless the DOL finds that the other state's requirements for licensure are substantially unequal.  A temporary professional license allows a qualified person to perform the regulated services while completing any specific requirements required in Washington that were not required in the other state or states.
 
In the application, the applicant must:   

  • request verification from the other state or states that they have a current professional license; and
  • state that they are not the subject of a pending investigation, charges, or disciplinary action by the regulatory body of the other state or states.

 
If the DOL has reasonable cause to believe that an applicant made a false assertion concerning one of the required application statements, the DOL may suspend or revoke the professional license.
 
Expedited licensing requirements do not apply when an agreement exists with a national organization to facilitate reciprocal licensing of an individual licensed in another state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2023.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.