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 meet several criteria, including holding a valid license in another state for at least one year, maintaining good standing, and passing any required examinations in their previous state.

Additionally, the bill allows boards to enter into reciprocity agreements with other states while ensuring that applicants meet standards equivalent to those in West Virginia. It also stipulates that boards may require applicants to pass a state-specific laws examination and mandates that all boards track application data and report it quarterly. Notably, the bill excludes certain licenses, such as those for practicing law, and emphasizes that licenses issued under this act are only valid within West Virginia and do not confer eligibility for interstate compacts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-1-27