Illinois is stepping up its game in the professional licensing arena, with the new HB2394 legislation paving the way for an overhauled, modern system. According to an announcement by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the bill was recently signed into law, kick-starting the search for a new online licensing system designed to be quick and competitive.
The legislation, championed by Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton and Rep. Bob Morgan, received the green light from the General Assembly in November, enabling the IDFPR to modernize how the Prairie State does professional licensure—they're talking increased efficiency and tackling workforce shortages that've been a thorn in the side of many communities. "This new law will move us one step closer to streamlining the state's licensure process to help connect residents with good jobs and alleviate workforce shortages across our communities," Glowiak Hilton said.
Rep. Morgan lauded the collaborative spirit of the legislation, regarding it as a testament to government's ability to deliver under the wire, "I applaud this bill, which provides real solutions to a real problem and does so in a timely manner to serve the people of Illinois," he told Illinois.gov. The upcoming software is compelled by HB2394 to manage the whole nine yards—from processing applications and renewal fees to issuing licenses to worthy aspirants.
Winter's coming with something extra this year: a solicitation in Bidbuy, the state's eProcurement system, looking for vendors to throw their hat in the ring with their proposed licensing systems, and it's not just the cold that's on the clock because a brisk 90-day period post-signing of HB2394 is set for these steps to wrap up. IDFPR's Mario Treto, Jr. didn't mince his words on the landmark initiative, noting the collaborative efforts behind it and the setting of a "gold standard nationally for professional licensing here in Illinois," according to the press release. Following the vendor selection tango, another 90-day countdown will commence to get the new system up and running on IDFPR's website.
Once all is said and done, IDFPR is looking to serve up the entire gamut of professional licensing online—a phased approach that eventually means every Tom, Dick, and Harriet in Illinois can apply for and renew licenses digitally, cutting the red tape and throwing a spotlight on the application process every step of the way. It's a move that promises to make things a heck of a lot easier for folks in every corner of the state, with the anticipation of getting their professional credentials without the old runaround.
