Board staff report progress and next steps for Connect licensing system; WDO online reporting next major implementation

Staff reported March 12 that the board’s new Connect online licensing system, launched in May 2024, has successfully migrated several major functions and will add wood‑destroying‑organism (WDO) online reporting and other items next.

Why it matters: The new online platform is a major operational change that aims to improve licensing turnaround, transparency and user services for applicants and licensees. It also underpins future integration of WDO activity reporting and online payment functions.

What staff said: Melissa Zaneta, chief of licensing and administration, summarized rollout steps. The system now handles examination re‑exams, company and branch office registrations and initial license applications. Staff intend to enable WDO reporting and payment, transfers of employment, change‑of‑address filings and renewals in future releases. The licensing satisfaction survey (Oct–Dec 2024) showed 91.5% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied; anonymous feedback requested faster processing, better phone support and expanded online services.

Practical notes for industry: Zaneta and board staff said some validation features remain under development; for example, the system currently prompts for LiveScan (fingerprint) data but will be updated so applicants who already hold a license are not forced to re‑submit fingerprints. Staff recommended applicants indicate “no” on the LiveScan upload prompt when the record exists, pending further functionality. The board said WDO online reporting is a large, customized project and will require outreach and training prior to go‑live.

Ending: Licensing staff asked for industry patience as incremental features are added and said outreach will target the WDO reporting rollout.