MontanaHB 41469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise laws related to licensing applications

Sponsored By: Jodee Etchart (Republican)

Became Law

Professions and Occupations GenerallyHealthSafetyTeachers

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

12 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 7 mixed.

Short-term and provisional health licenses

Health professionals licensed in another state can practice in Montana up to 21 days a year after registering, for education, continuity of care, underserved care, or specialized treatment. Speech‑language pathologists and audiologists may work up to 5 days with a Montana licensee or up to 30 days with a temporary license when their home state’s standards match. Psychologists who finished schooling can get a provisional license under a board‑approved supervision plan. Athletic trainers can get a 90‑day temporary license while awaiting exam or with out‑of‑state credentials. Foreign‑trained physical therapists with approved transcript equivalency can get a temporary provisional license before the exam. Sanitarians‑in‑training can get a provisional license while finishing education. Genetic counselors are licensed with ABGC certification and may get a temporary license with active‑candidate status or similar out‑of‑state credentials.

New fines for real estate trust accounts

Property managers face a $1,000 civil fine per cited trust account violation. Brokers responsible for trust accounts can be cited $50 per cited violation. You must pay or file a written dispute within five business days. Collected fines go to the board’s special revenue accounts. Refusing to sign a broker citation without disputing may be unprofessional conduct.

Faster licensing with stricter checks

Licensing moves faster and is more consistent. The board should grant or deny a complete application within 45 days and must tell you within 10 days if something is missing. You can get a provisional license while one item is pending, like an exam, inspection, or background check. Fingerprint‑based DOJ/FBI checks are required where authorized, and you pay the fees. Boards can set continuing‑education and inactive/reactivation rules, use screening panels for nonroutine applications, and issue emergency suspensions when needed. Boards must apply standards fairly and not restrain competition beyond safety needs. Old temporary‑permit statutes are repealed and replaced by this unified system, and boards must issue licenses or permits when you pay required fees and meet the rules.

Midwife licensing rules and pathway

Direct‑entry midwife licenses require set training and hands‑on work: 100 prenatal exams, observe 40 births, and be primary at 25 births (15 with continuous care). Current CPR and newborn resuscitation are required and kept current. Applicants who finished schooling but lack hours may get a provisional license. Certified nurse‑midwives can get a direct‑entry midwife license without extra education or experience by paying the board fee.

Temporary approval for nurses and APRNs

Out‑of‑state nurses with substantially equivalent licenses get a temporary permit after a complete application and clean initial screening. The permit lasts until a license is granted, a proposed denial is issued, or the permit period ends. If you practice while awaiting exam results, a designated licensed supervisor must be on site. Newly educated APRNs may get temporary approval to practice in a specific field before certification. If the APRN fails the first national exam, the temporary approval ends on receipt of results and is not extended.

More temporary permits for skilled trades

Electricians who fail the first exam may receive a second temporary practice permit if they pay the fee and plan to retake the test within 3 months. The plumbing board can choose to renew a temporary permit after a first exam failure. Elevator mechanics can get a limited license to work only on certain residential devices with an equipment‑specific exam. Uncertified elevator inspectors may inspect under supervision for up to six months with a provisional license.

Temporary permits for mortuaries and crematories

A new mortuary can open with a temporary license while the department completes the first inspection. A permanent license requires meeting board standards and operation by a licensed mortician. Crematories can get a temporary permit until the initial inspection meets board standards. Applications must use the board form and include required fees.

Temporary permits for out-of-state appraisers

Licensed or certified appraisers from another state can get a temporary permit for a single assignment. You must register, submit the application and fee, and provide a letter of good standing or a national registry report. The permit can last up to six months and be renewed once within 12 months.

New background checks for private security

Private investigator and private security applicants must submit fingerprints for a national background check through the Montana DOJ and the FBI. You must meet age, education, character, training, and experience rules. If you have not finished training or the exam, you may apply for a provisional license under department rules.

New rules for x-ray technologists

Licensed radiologic technologists and radiologist assistants may give certain peripheral IV injections for diagnostic tests when a licensed practitioner directs it. If contrast is used, a practitioner or ACLS‑trained staff must be immediately available at the facility. Limited permits list allowed x‑ray tasks and can last up to 12 months; exam‑waiting permits end 15 days after the first exam date, and hardship permits can run up to 12 months by rule. You must carry or display your license or permit at work. Unlicensed or uncertified people cannot perform these injections.

Rules and fees for euthanasia agencies

The board sets qualifications and applications for certifying euthanasia agencies and technicians. It can issue, renew, suspend, or revoke certifications and temporary permits. The board sets fee schedules tied to program costs and lists approved controlled substances for euthanasia. It may inspect controlled‑substance storage and procedures.

Salon and school permits and inspections

To run a salon, shop, booth, or school, you must apply, pay the license fee, and pay required inspection fees. Inspectors may enter during business hours; refusing inspection can lead to revocation. New or relocating salons can get one nonrenewable temporary operating permit until inspection and a 30‑day response window end. Relocating salons cannot get a temporary permit within 90 days of renewal. Pros with 3+ years of practice can get a nonrenewable 2‑year provisional teaching license while finishing approved teaching coursework, and certain out‑of‑state teachers get licensed without an exam when their training matches and their license is current.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jodee Etchart
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Gregg Hunter
Republican • Senate
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 290 • No: 3

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 2

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 1

House vote • 2/24/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote • 2/22/2025