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.

Beginning in 2022, the DOL must annually review and analyze approximately 20 percent of the professional licenses it regulates.  The DOL must complete a review of all professional licenses within five years. 

By August 31 of each year, the DOL must prepare and submit a report to the Legislature and recommend whether each professional license reviewed should be terminated, continued, or modified.  Report requirements include, but are not limited to:

• the title of the regulated occupation and the name of any board responsible for enforcement of the professional license;
• the statutory citation or other authorization for the creation of the professional regulations and board;
• the number of members of the board and the process for appointing members;
• the qualifications for board membership;
• the number of times the board is required to meet annually and the number of times it actually met during the preceding five years;
• the board's annual budget information for the previous five years;
• the number of government certifications, professional licenses, and registrations that the DOL or the board has issued, revoked, denied, or assessed penalties against for the past five years;
• a review of why the professional regulations for each license were created;
• a comparison of whether and how other states regulate the profession;
• a review and analysis of the hours or other amount of education, training, or experience required to obtain the license or credential;
• a summary of any regulatory changes made by the DOL or the board as a result of the review; and
• a summary of any recommendations regarding whether the professional license should be terminated, continued, or modified.

The Legislature may request the DOL to further analyze whether a profession's licensing regulations meet the state's licensing reform policies and recommend a course of action that is directly related to the need, consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of the public.  If the DOL recommends a change to professional regulations, the DOL must recommend the least restrictive regulation consistent with the public interest.