State Reps. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, and Joseph Aragona, R-Clinton Township, on Tuesday introduced a plan to streamline Michigan’s occupational licensing process and make it easier for qualified professionals licensed in other states to live and work in Michigan.

House Bills 6058 – 6060 would establish a streamlined process for occupational and health care professionals seeking licensure in Michigan. Under the legislation, applicants who hold a substantially equivalent license in another state, have maintained that credential in good standing for at least one year, and meet other eligibility requirements could receive a Michigan license without duplicative examinations. The bills preserve Michigan’s ability to require testing on state-specific laws when necessary.

“Michigan should be a state that attracts qualified professionals who are ready to work, support their families, and invest in their communities,” said Tisdel. “When someone has already met licensing standards and built a record of practice in another state, they shouldn’t have to restart the process or get bogged down in unnecessary bureaucracy.”

HB 6058 applies to occupations regulated under Michigan’s Occupational Code, while HB 6060 updates provisions in the Public Health Code related to licensure for health care professionals.

“People move for a wide range of reasons, career opportunities, family needs, or military service,” said Aragona. “If a professional is already licensed and has a proven history of safe, competent work, they shouldn’t be held up by administrative delays before getting back to serving.”

The legislation includes safeguards to ensure individuals have not had licenses revoked, are not under investigation for misconduct, and have satisfied education, experience, and examination requirements in their home states.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has previously emphasized the importance of reducing regulatory barriers to strengthen Michigan’s business climate. “We must work together to grow Michigan’s economy and make it easier to do business, create jobs, and get things done,” Whitmer said in a 2023 economic development release.

Tisdel said the bills reflect that same goal of improving competitiveness and workforce mobility. He said the changes will help Michigan compete for talent nationwide while maintaining strong professional safeguards.

“Michigan wins when we attract talent and remove unnecessary barriers to work,” Tisdel said. “This legislation helps strike that balance.”