Bill > HB246

This bill standardizes how professional licensing boards and departments determine substantial equivalency for out-of-state license applicants across multiple professional fields in Montana. The bill introduces a clear definition of "substantial equivalency" which means that an applicant's education, examination, and experience requirements from another jurisdiction are comparable to or exceed Montana's licensing requirements. It removes duplicative language about reciprocity and licensure from various professional licensing statutes and provides a consistent framework for evaluating out-of-state credentials. For professions regulated by specific boards (like naturopathic medicine or accounting), the respective board will determine substantial equivalency, while for professions under departmental programs, the department will make that determination. The bill allows boards and departments to consider an applicant's actual qualifications and work experience if their initial credentials are not exactly equivalent. Additionally, the bill repeals two existing sections of law related to license verification and out-of-state applicant reciprocity, streamlining the licensing process and creating more uniform standards for professional licensure across different occupations in Montana.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0218