The bill proposes the creation of a new chapter in Title 43 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on universal licensure and the operations of various state boards. It establishes definitions for key terms such as "applicant," "application," "board," and "license," which are essential for understanding the licensing process. The bill mandates that boards issue licenses to out-of-state applicants who meet specific criteria, including having actively used their license in the past three years, demonstrating competency, and passing a criminal background check if required. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of boards in processing applications, including a ten-day timeline for issuing licenses for routine applications and the ability to grant provisional licenses.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of timely processing and transparency in board operations. It requires boards to report data on licensing activities to the labor commissioner and mandates annual reviews of interstate compacts to assess their relevance to workforce needs. The bill also allows for the delegation of authority to issue temporary licenses and mandates that continuing education requirements for license renewal can be completed through virtual means. Lastly, it establishes a process for applicants to address licensure delays, ensuring that they can seek resolution through the governor's office if necessary.