STATE News:

SANTA FE – 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” RLD Superintendent Linda M. Trujillo said.

“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,” Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said. “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 Representatives 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 and access committee meetings and House floor sessions on the Webcasts tab.