License renewal late fees incurred between March 13 and June 15 by individuals licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will be waived.
May 21, 2020
April 01, 2020
Vermont expedites healthcare professional licensure
A new temporary law in Vermont allows healthcare and mental health professionals with licenses in other states to practice in Vermont without the usual requirements to obtain a Vermont license. Those with an inactive Vermont license within the last three years may also reactivate their licenses. New graduates who have been unable to take their licensing exam can be issued temporary licenses without paying licensure fees. The new law also expands access to telehealth and allows pharmacists to extend previously prescribed maintenance prescriptions or provide substitution of medications if originally prescribed drugs are unavailable.
Pennsylvania eases requirements for some professionals
In addition to changes to allow retired and inactive healthcare professionals to return to practice, Pennsylvania is also extending the due date for licensure renewal fees for healthcare professionals, as well as industries such as barbering and cosmetology that are being faced with unemployment during COVID-19 business shutdowns.
The governor announced that over 120 medical professionals have applied to reactivate lapsed licenses.
Law Society of Ontario extends payment due dates
The Law Society of Ontario has postponed the April monthly fee for lawyers and paralegals until June and will not charge late fees.
February 26, 2020
US Military increases spouse relicensing reimbursement
Under the National Defense Authorization Act 2020, US military branches have increased the amount of reimbursement, from $500 to $1000, that military spouses can receive for relicensing costs during permanent change-of-station relocations. The program will be piloted for two years before a final reimbursement amount is determined.
February 20, 2020
Alabama: bill for transparency of board revenue and spending
A bill being considered by the Alabama House State Government Committee would require state licensing boards to publish on their websites their revenue and expenditures, including contracts and grants.
Iowa: bill to ease licensing barriers passes House committee
House Study Bill 647 has been approved by the House State Government Committee. The bill would waive occupational licensing fees for individuals with household incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line. The bill would also allow licensing boards to consider factors and grant exemptions for applicants with criminal convictions. Another component of the bill is license reciprocity for licensees from other states.
November 01, 2019
Law Society of Ontario approves reduced fees
The Law Society of Ontario's approved budget for 2020 includes a 6% decrease in annual fees for lawyers and an almost 10% decrease for paralegals. The licensing fee will remain the same as previous years.
September 26, 2019
west Virginia: application fee waivers approved
The West Virginia Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee has approved rules to waive occupational license application fees for certain individuals. Low-income individuals receiving federal aid through programs such as Medicaid and military personnel and spouses would receive waivers.
September 18, 2019
Missouri eliminates fee for nursing exam
The Missouri State Board of Nursing has eliminated the exam fee for Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse candidates who are taking the nursing exam for the first time. The board hopes that this will ease the financial burden on those wishing to enter the profession and help address the nursing shortage in the state.
