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