SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported a measure to help modernize Illinois’ professional licensure process that was signed into law Friday.

“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,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Recently, we have seen health care 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.

House Bill 2394 addresses the backlog of licenses and registrations by creating an expedited and competitive bid process for software to modernize the way IDFPR processes licensing. The Loughran Cappel-backed law 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.

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

House Bill 2394 took effect immediately.