House Bill 1301 would direct the Department of Licensing to review and analyze 10 percent of professional licenses each year
Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s first bill, to help improve the business licensing process in Washington, is one step closer to reaching the governor’s desk, after being voted out of the state Senate.
The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1301 on Thursday. The bill would direct the Department of Licensing (DOL) to review and analyze 10 percent of professional licenses each year.
The DOL would also be required to submit an annual report to the Legislature with recommendations on whether the reviewed professional licenses should be terminated, continued, or modified, to streamline the licensing process and use tax dollars more efficiently.
“This policy helps prioritize getting people into the workforce and makes the licensing process less cumbersome, which should be the goal of the Department of Licensing,” said McClintock, R-Vancouver. “I’m happy to see this bill passed out of the Senate and I look forward to it becoming law.
“We need to make sure the licensing process and government regulations don’t act as roadblocks for people looking to work or expanding their opportunities for advancement. This bipartisan policy makes sense, and it will serve the people of Washington looking to advance their careers.”
The DOL would also have to complete a review of all professional licenses within ten years, and every ten years after that. Additionally, the Legislature could 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, and consistent with the safety, and welfare of the public.
Because the Senate made minor amendments to the bill, the House must approve the changes before it heads to the governor’s desk.
The 105-day session is scheduled to end on April 23.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans
houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘Today’s Democratic Party is not our father’s Democratic Party’
Editor Ken Vance reflects on how today’s Democratic Party diverges from the values he associates with his father’s generation, citing issues like taxation, gender policies, and shifting ideology in Washington state politics. - Opinion: ‘The Interstate Bridge project lacks billions in funding from both Oregon and Washington’Lars Larson criticizes Oregon’s funding decisions, highlighting the billions missing from both states for the Interstate Bridge replacement project and calling it a dead-end effort lacking Coast Guard approval.
- Court rules against Save Vancouver StreetsA judge has ruled against Save Vancouver Streets in its legal effort to place a street-use initiative on the ballot. The group is considering whether to appeal.
- New WA hotline to report hate crimes launches in three counties
Washington has launched a hate crime hotline for residents of Clark, King, and Spokane counties as part of an 18-month pilot program. - PNW longest running professional motorsports event continues with 44th edition of the Washougal NationalThe 44th Washougal National returns July 19, bringing world-class motocross and Military Appreciation festivities to Clark County’s scenic Washougal MX Park.
- Hockinson Blueberry Festival Returns Saturday, July 19The Hockinson Blueberry Festival returns July 19 with berries, contests, live music, and handmade goods at the Hockinson Community Center.
- New Les Schwab Tires store in Brush Prairie expands services in Vancouver areaLes Schwab will open a full-service tire and auto store in Brush Prairie on July 23, bringing new jobs and expanded services to the Vancouver area.
