Workers from other states will now be able to come to Missouri following the signing of an occupational licensing bill.
Governor Mike Parson signed HB 2046 which allows those who have gained a license in another state to more easily operate in Missouri.
The signed bill was welcomed by business leaders who believe it will help the state to better recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
“By expanding license reciprocity, HB 2046 will eliminate governmental barriers to employment and allow citizens to become licensed faster when moving or needing to find work in Missouri," Gov. Parson said in a statement.
"This will not only help fill critical jobs in our economy but also highlight Missouri as an ideal state to live and work.”
Under the previous rules, license reciprocity was only allowed if the requirements allowing a person to operate were "substantially similar or greater" in another state. The legislation also "removes exemptions for health care professions, engineers, land surveyors, and other professions that currently have separate license reciprocity standards."
"Additionally, HB 2046 removes the requirement that only Missouri residents are eligible for license reciprocity," the governor's office said. "Specifically, the bill expands reciprocity to any individual holding a current, valid license who has been licensed for at least one year at the same practice level as Missouri in any profession regulated by a state board, department, or office of a jurisdiction."
HB 2046 also introduces a pathway to licenses for those currently in apprenticeships, and bans licenses being denied to individuals due to their criminal history alone, and only if it is directly linked to the job or is a violent or sexual crime.
Business leaders believe it will "create more flexibility in the state’s workforce and enable greater career mobility."
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce particularly welcomed the provisions allowing apprentices to obtain licenses during their training period.
“This law is very timely for today’s challenges as we look to rebuild our economy and get Missourians back to work. Moving forward, it’s clear that flexibility is an advantage when it comes to workforce,” said Daniel P. Mehan, president and chief executive of the Missouri Chamber.
“Gov. Mike Parson has a long track record as a champion for improving Missouri’s workforce and we thank him for signing this bill and continuing to lead on this critical issue.”