MontanaHB 26169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Providing for procedural rule making authority to the department of labor and industry

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Faster licenses and clearer timelines

The department must issue routine licenses within 45 days of a completed application. Within 10 calendar days, it must tell you what is missing or explain any urgent delay. For nonroutine licenses, the department and your board must give you an expected timeline and tell you if it changes. The department provides or contracts for required exams and grades them.

One-time charge on board licensees

The department may add a one-time charge to every licensee of a board that needs cost recovery. It must give notice and follow state rulemaking steps before charging the fee.

Stronger investigations and standard hearing rules

The department investigates complaints of illegal or unethical conduct by licensed professionals. If a board’s screening panel finds reasonable cause, the department must notify and pursue action against the licensee before that board. The department sets the same hearing and public notice rules for all boards. Before a decision, public postings may show only the licensee’s name and that a hearing is scheduled.

Board records and meetings in Helena

The department keeps all official board records in Helena. It provides meeting, hearing, and exam space in Helena, and elsewhere in the state if a board asks. This centralizes access but may add travel for some.

Licensing fees, renewals, and cash caps

The department can set administrative fees and choose license expiration, renewal, and end dates by rule. It charges boards for the cost of support services, which boards may cover through their fees. Service fees must match the cost of the service, but late penalties do not have to match cost. If a board’s cash balance is more than twice its annual appropriation, the department adjusts fees by rule to reduce the balance. The cash-balance cap does not apply to the board of public accountants.

Steps when a board isn't cost-effective

If a board cannot operate cost-effectively, the department must notify the board and the legislative interim committee. It may pause all other board duties under this title, but license renewals continue. The department must review whether the board is needed and recommend changes to improve its finances.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brian Close
Democrat • House

Cosponsors

Gregg Hunter
Republican • Senate
Josh Kassmier
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 285 • No: 13

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/28/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 2/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 94 • No: 5

House vote • 1/31/2025