The bill introduces a new section to the Alaska Statutes that allows the Department to issue temporary licenses for certain professions to applicants who are either licensed in another state with equivalent requirements or who qualify through military education and training. These temporary licenses are valid for up to 180 days, with the option for a single 180-day extension. Applicants must not be under disciplinary action in another jurisdiction and are required to pay applicable fees. Notably, the bill permits the issuance of temporary licenses prior to the completion of a criminal history record check, although such checks remain mandatory.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to clarify criteria for courtesy licenses for nonresidents and updates references to temporary permits and licenses in various professions, including barbering, hairdressing, and nursing. It repeals and reenacts a section regarding the portability of professional licenses for servicemembers and their spouses, ensuring they can obtain licenses in Alaska based on credentials from other states. The bill also modifies the licensing process for physical and occupational therapy by replacing "temporary permits" with "temporary licenses" and clarifying conditions for practicing without a license. It streamlines the licensing process by repealing outdated sections and allows the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to adopt necessary regulations, with changes taking effect on July 1, 2026, and some provisions effective immediately.

Statutes affected:
HB0158A, AM HB 158, introduced 03/26/2025: 08.01.010, 08.01.064, 08.01.062, 08.01.063, U.S.C, 08.01.100, 08.13.070, 08.01.061, 08.13.160, 08.13.120, 08.13.130, 08.13.150, 08.01.075, 44.46.020, 08.13.175, 08.13.080, 08.13.185, 08.01.065, 08.13.190, 08.20.180, 08.20.160, 08.20.163, 08.20.141, 08.36.100, 08.36.238, 08.36.254, 08.64.279, 08.64.315, 08.68.220, 08.68.230, 08.84.010, 08.84.120, 08.84.050, 08.84.150, 08.84.032, 08.84.075, 08.98.120, 08.98.186, 08.02.050, 08.98.180, 08.98.165, 08.98.190, 08.11.020, 08.11.025, 08.13.170, 08.15.030, 08.26.050, 08.45.035, 08.63.130, 08.64.101, 08.64.270, 08.64.275, 08.68.210, 08.70.130, 08.80.150, 08.80.155, 08.84.065, 08.86.135, 08.86.166, 08.95.125