MontanaHB 24669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Provide for standardization of substantial equivalency determinations in professional licensing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

CPA licensing rules with experience cap

The Board of Public Accounting sets rules for professional conduct and education. The board defines the experience needed for an initial CPA license, capped at two years. It may set rules for firms. It also sets education and experience standards for out-of-state and foreign applicants.

Boards meet more and enforce rules

The board meets as often as needed, but at least twice a year. The board uses its disciplinary powers to protect the public under state law. Regular meetings and discipline improve safety for consumers.

12 hours training every two years

If your license is regulated by the board, you must finish 12 hours of continuing education every two years. The board sets what training counts and how to report it.

Easier elevator mechanic licensing and fees

The Department of Labor and Industry gives the elevator mechanic exam at least once a year. It sets the exam subjects, scope, and passing level. It sets exam and retake fees that match costs. If you fail, you can retake within two years without re-submitting past proof. If you hold a valid license from another state with standards equal to Montana’s, the department can license you without an exam.

New rules for naturopathic licenses

The Board of Naturopathic Medicine sets rules to run licensing. It sets scope of practice to match state law and approved schools. It approves naturopathic colleges and may issue specialty certificates. It adopts rules that accept equivalent licensing exams from other places and may allow reciprocity. It sets nonrefundable application and license fees. It may limit a license to a smaller scope when needed. The board must also adopt rules that include the approved formulary list.

Standard rules for out-of-state licenses

The law sets a single test for judging out-of-state licenses: education, exams, and experience must match or exceed Montana’s. Boards decide for board-regulated jobs; the Department of Labor and Industry decides for department-run programs. To get licensed by endorsement, you must hold an active, good-standing license that meets this standard at the time you apply. If the other state’s rules fall short, the board or department must see if your real qualifications and work experience close the gap. Boards may sign reciprocity deals, but they can only license by reciprocity when the other state’s standards meet or beat Montana’s, case by case. The law also repeals older statutes on reciprocity and license verification and moves these calls under the new standard.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ed Buttrey
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bruce "Butch" Gillespie
Republican • Senate
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 297 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 2/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 100 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2025