SB 320

This bill expands provisions allowing individuals who hold a license,

certification, registration, or permit that was granted by another state to apply for

and receive a reciprocal credential in this state.

Under current law, an individual may not engage in certain professions or

assume certain titles in this state unless the individual holds a credential issued by

the Department of Safety and Professional Services or a credentialing board with

authority to oversee the profession or practice. In certain circumstances, an

individual who holds a license, certification, or registration from another jurisdiction

that authorizes or qualifies the applicant to perform acts that are substantially the

same as those acts authorized by a Wisconsin credential may obtain a “reciprocal

credential.” Current law generally provides two methods for obtaining a reciprocal

credential:

1. Under one of numerous provisions allowing DSPS or a credentialing board

to grant a reciprocal credential if certain conditions are met. These provisions do not

exist for every profession, and generally require that the requirements in the other

jurisdiction in which the individual is licensed, certified, or registered have

requirements that are similar to or substantially equivalent to those under

Wisconsin law.

2. Under a “universal” provision that requires DSPS or a credentialing board

to issue a reciprocal credential if certain conditions are met. This provision does not

require that the other jurisdiction's requirements for granting the license,

credential, or registration be similar to or substantially equivalent to those under

Wisconsin law and is not limited to specific professions or occupations. However, it

is available only to service members, former service members, or the spouses of a

service member or former service members who reside in this state. In addition, it

requires that the individual be in good standing with the governmental authorities

in every jurisdiction outside this state that have granted the license, credential, or

registration.

The bill repeals the various profession-specific reciprocal credential provisions

described above and expands who may apply for reciprocal credentials under the

universal provision to include all individuals, and not only service members and

spouses. However, the bill also eliminates the requirement that the applicant reside

in this state. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the provision 1) requires that the

individual not have any limitation, restriction, or other encumbrance on a credential

issued in another state and not be under investigation by a credentialing authority

in another state; 2) only provides for the granting of reciprocal credentials to natural

persons; and 3) does not apply to temporary credentials or to certain other specified

nonstandard credentials, including unarmed combat sports credentials, peddler's

licenses for ex-soldiers, and credentials issued under the Uniform Athlete Agents

Act. The bill provides that once an individual applies for a reciprocal credential, the