The proposed bill, titled the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025, aims to establish a framework for universal licensing, registration, and certification for professionals and occupational workers in West Virginia. Under this bill, every board of examination or registration is required to issue licenses, registrations, or certificates without examination to individuals who either establish residency in the state or are spouses of active-duty military members stationed in West Virginia. To qualify, applicants must hold a valid license in another state for at least one year, maintain good standing, and meet various other criteria, including passing any required examinations in their previous state and not having a disqualifying criminal history.

Additionally, the bill allows boards to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states while ensuring that standards remain equivalent or higher than those in West Virginia. It also stipulates that boards may require applicants to pass a state-specific laws examination if applicable. The legislation excludes certain professions, such as law practice, from its provisions and mandates that all boards track application data and report it quarterly. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining regulatory standards while facilitating the licensing process for qualified professionals moving to West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-1-27