Governor Mike Dunleavy introduced SB83, on Friday February 24th, to provide people who work in a licensed occupation temporary, limited license reciprocity so that they begin working in Alaska sooner.
The bill will allow individuals with “clean licenses” in other states to work up to 180 days while completing final requirements for Alaska licensure.
The bill covers more than three dozen licensed occupations, ranging from barbers and hairdressers to pharmacists and nurses.
“For people who want to live, work and play in the most beautiful state in the country, nowhere competes with Alaska,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Making sure that qualified professionals who come to Alaska can get to work right away is important for both attracting skilled workers and meeting workforce needs.”
The bill establishes limited reciprocity for qualified practitioners who hold substantially equivalent licenses in other states or in Canada.
This measure will benefit both employers and workers by reducing wait times, lost revenue and frustration.
Occupational licensing helps protect consumers by requiring practitioners to complete adequate training and education in their fields. Nationwide, about one in four employed Americans work in a licensed occupation.