Under House Bill 1301 the Department of Licensing would also review and analyze 20 percent of professional licenses each year
Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s first bill, to help streamline the business licensing process in Washington, is headed to the state Senate.
The Washington State House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1301 on Saturday, after it previously received full support from the Consumer Protection and Business Committee.
“This bipartisan policy is good, commonsense legislation that will serve the people of Washington looking to advance their careers,” said McClintock, R-Vancouver. “This bill would direct the Department of Licensing to review their processes for professional licensing to make them more efficient and easier for our workforce to get licensed.”
Under House Bill 1301 the Department of Licensing (DOL) would also review and analyze 20 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.
The DOL would have to complete a review of all professional licenses within five years, and every five 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.
“Government regulations and the licensing process should not be roadblocks to people finding a new job or expanding their opportunities for advancement,” said McClintock. “This policy helps prioritize getting people into the workforce and makes the licensing process less cumbersome, which should be the goal. I’m excited to see this legislation move forward.”
HB 1301 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
The 2023 session began on Jan. 9 and is scheduled to end on April 23.
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- POLL: How would you rate the accessibility of Vancouver city officials for addressing community concerns?
How accessible are Vancouver city officials to community concerns? - Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spending
Sen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending. - After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing …
- Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.
