Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Consumer Protection & Business Committee |
HB 2354
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Expediting professional licenses for new Washington residents.
Sponsors: Representatives Vick, Hoff, Harris, Thai, Gildon, Wylie and Volz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/20
Staff: Serena Dolly (786-7150).
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:
The DOL must establish procedures to expedite the issuance of a license, certificate, or permit to perform professional services 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 license, certificate, registration, or permit, if, in the opinion of the DOL, the requirements for licensure, certification, registration, or obtaining a permit of the other state are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this state.
The DOL must adopt rules authorizing a qualified person to perform the regulated services by issuing the person a temporary license, certificate, registration, or permit unless the DOL finds that the requirements for a license, certificate, registration, or permit of the other state are substantially unequal to the standards of this state. A temporary license, certificate, registration, or permit allows a qualified person to perform the regulated services while completing any specific requirements required in this state that were not required in the other state or states.
An applicant must state in the application that he or she:
has requested verification that he or she is currently licensed, certified, registered, or has a permit from the other state or states; and
is 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 the license, certificate, registration, or permit pending an investigation or further disciplinary action or revocation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2020.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.