Licensing bill passes committee

TRENTON — Legislation requiring state professional boards to process license applications and renewals online passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee today.
Sponsored by Assemblywomen BettyLou DeCroce, Gail Phoebus and Assemblyman Parker Space, the bill (A1133) modernizes filing and processing applications for professional licenses. It passed by an 11-0 vote.
“The public is forced to navigate an antiquated process that comes up short on efficiency and convenience,” said DeCroce (R—Morris). “Technology exists to immediately improve certification by licensing boards. This bill ensures boards make the commitment to upgrade and reduce long delays.”
The bill passed the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee in June by a 6-0 vote.
“It is imperative we bring professional licensing into the 21st Century,” said Phoebus (R—Sussex). “The state has almost 50 professional boards. Applicants should be able to complete the entire process online and submit their documentation electronically.”
“Some state boards are dragging their feet when it comes to technology,” said Space (R—Sussex, Warren, Morris). “People can log onto their computers to file their state and federal income tax returns and conduct motor vehicle transactions. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to renew their professional certification the same way.”