Shorewood Lawmaker Backs Bill To Modernize Professional Licensing

SHOREWOOD, IL — An Illinois State Senator representing Shorewood has supported a measure in Springfield that will help to modernize the state's professional licensure process that was signed into law late last week.

House Bill 2394 addresses the backlog of licenses and registrations by creating an expedited and competitive bid process for software to modernize the way the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation processes licensing.

The law, backed by Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) will also require the department to extend the expiration date or renewal period for licenses if there is a significant need or if the agency determines it is necessary to avoid undue hardship on a profession's licensees.

“We are streamlining the licensure process, ensuring professionals can get to work and residents are not hampered by the availability of essential services in our communities,” Loughran Cappel said in a news release. “Recently, we have seen healthcare workforce shortages across the state. We are directly addressing the issue head-on by making the process more efficient and effective.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers licenses for over 100 professions in Illinois including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists, and others. In Illinois, more than one million people need a professional license or registration to work, according to a news release.

“The current process has deterred individuals from pursuing their chosen careers, stifling their potential and limiting Illinois’ economic growth,” Loughran Cappel said in the release. “This new law shows our commitment to advancing Illinois’ workforce.”

House Bill 2394 took effect immediately after being passed on Dec. 8.