The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a number of businesses and professions.  For regulated professions, DOL issues licenses and ensures compliance with professional standards and laws.  Examples of professions regulated directly by 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.  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.  

Beginning in 2024, DOL must:

• annually review and analyze approximately 20 percent of the professional licenses regulated by DOL;
• submit an annual report to the Legislature and its members by August 31st of each year;
• complete this process for all professional licenses within its jurisdiction within five years and every five years thereafter; and
• include, in its reports, DOL's recommendations regarding whether the professional licenses should be terminated, continued, or modified. 

 
DOL may require the affected professional board or commission and other interested parties to submit information. DOL must provide notice to the relevant board or commission before beginning the review.
 
The report must include:

• the title of the professional license and responsible board or commission's name, if any;
• the statutory citation of the professional license and board or commission;
• certain information about the professional board or commission members and the required meetings, if applicable;
• annual budget information for the five most recently completed fiscal years;
• information about the number of certifications, licenses, and registrations issued, revoked, denied, or assessed penalties against, listed anonymously and separately per type of credential, and the reasons for such revocations, denials, and other penalties;
• a review of the basic assumptions for the creation of the professional license;
• 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 as a result of the review; and
• any recommendations regarding whether the professional license should be terminated, continued, or modified.

The Legislature may request 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, and consistent with the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
 
If DOL recommends a change to professional regulations, DOL must recommend the least restrictive regulation consistent with the public interest.

Legislative findings and intent are provided.

PRO: This will streamline and upgrade the license review and reporting process.
 
OTHER: There is one concern that needs to be resolved in section 4 subsection 2. Notifications are only required under the language to be given to the relevant board or commissions, and this is not applicable to the Department of Licensing which has no board of commission. Language should be added that says “and all relevant licenses.”