As part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s promise
to reform the regulatory burdens on businesses, a bill to streamline
professional licenses, House Bill 191, has passed the House early
Saturday and is heading to the New Mexico State Senate.
“It is imperative that we remove as many barriers as possible, without
jeopardizing public health and safety, for applicants moving to New
Mexico from other states who are trying to access professional
licensing. These changes are a major step for our state to be successful
as we continue to spur economic growth” said RLD Superintendent Linda
M. Trujillo.
“This bill provides a faster and more efficient path for professionals
and their working spouses who want to come to New Mexico to work and
pursue a career,” said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia
J. Keyes. “The EDD’s 20-year Strategic Plan identifies regulatory
burdens as one obstacle to faster economic growth and Gov. Lujan
Grisham’s Executive Order promises to tackle this problem. This bill
is an important first step.”
House Bill 191, sponsored by Reps. Doreen Gallegos, Gail Armstrong,
Dayan Hochman-Vigil, and Rebecca Dow, will ensure equitable access to
jobs and provide flexibility, particularly crucial at a time when
families are challenged personally and professionally in a way never
experienced. HB 191 passed the New Mexico House by a 63-0 vote.
It covers the licensing in several key occupations including, Optometry,
Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Massage Therapy, Respiratory Care,
Oriental Medicine, Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, and Hearing Aid
Dispensing, Athletic Trainers, Barbers, and Cosmetologists.
Other more complicated licensing boards such as medicine, pharmacy,
veterinary medicine are not covered by the current bill.
By passing a more expansive reciprocity bill, New Mexico will take a
leadership role by advancing sensible occupational licensing reform, and
be front and center as a state that is open to skilled workers looking
to move and continue their careers.
The need for this legislation is demonstrated by current roadblocks
which impacts all New Mexicans. By making it harder to enter a
profession, licensing can reduce employment opportunities and lower
wages for excluded workers while increasing costs for consumers.
House Bill 191:
* Removes barriers related to licensure that are unrelated to the
profession.
* Makes changes to the grounds for refusal to issue or renew, suspend,
or revoke a license by updating the language and removing current
barriers that will substantially improve the timely issuance of
licensure and provide a viable career pathway for individuals with prior
convictions.
* Eliminates the requirement of four years high school for
cosmetologist instructor and barber instructor applicants.
* Provides the opportunity for licensure for those who have
demonstrated quality and have practiced without complaints to transfer
their licenses and easily start working after a move.
* Clarifications related to the administrative functions provided by
the Department will allow the Board and the Department to function more
efficiently.
Members of the public can track legislation on the New Mexico
Legislature website [2] and access committee meetings and House floor
sessions on the Webcasts tab [3].
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The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s mission is to improve
the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities
and providing a place for businesses to thrive.
New Mexico Economic Development Department
EDD.NewMexico.gov [1]
New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis
Dr, Joseph M. Montoya Building, Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147
Unsubscribe kaitlynn@focusnm.com [8]
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