Governor Greg Gianforte is pushing to simplify licensing standards for Montana’s 50 licensed professions, such as boiler operators and dentists. With 176,000 licensed workers in the state, many of whom favor current regulations, gaining support from professional associations is crucial. To advance these changes, the governor has created a Licensing Reform Task Force, including legislators, state agency heads, and industry representatives, to influence legislation for the 2027 session.
The task force’s broad representation from 18 industry associations, including dentists, funeral directors, and health care professionals, reflects the sectors likely to be involved in shaping licensure reform legislation. Gianforte argues that inefficient licensing processes obstruct job opportunities for many Montanans. “We have 100,000 people sitting on the sidelines,” Gianforte stated during the initial task force meeting on February 10. “We can and must tear down barriers to employment to grow our labor force.”
Industry associations have traditionally defended strict licensure standards to ensure a qualified workforce, while free-market advocates claim these requirements limit competition. Past legislative attempts by Gianforte to loosen licensing regulations have met mixed results. Notably, 2025’s House Bill 218, which allowed optometrists to conduct certain surgeries, spurred extensive debate but ultimately passed with bipartisan support.
Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras was tasked with reducing bureaucratic red tape during the 2023 session, resulting in 159 proposed bills, including Senate Bill 166, which exempted hair-cutters in detention centers from requiring a state license. Although the legislature passed most of these bills, Gianforte’s flagship licensure reform bill, House Bill 152, faced strong opposition, resulting in significant amendments and eventual failure in the Senate. The governor criticized industry opposition as being selective, stating, “Everyone hates red tape unless it’s their red tape.”
Moving forward, the task force aims to identify and address unwarranted licensing barriers, with subcommittees focusing on construction, healthcare, and outdated regulations. Interested individuals can follow the task force’s progress and provide feedback through the dedicated Licensing Task Force webpage. The next full-group meeting is scheduled for April 13, with final recommendations anticipated in September.
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