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Department of State cites sharply reduced licensing wait times and outlines PALS replacement schedule
Summary
Secretary Al Schmidt and deputy staff told the committee licensing times have fallen across professions after staffing and process changes; the PALS replacement will roll out in two phases in 2026 and the department budgeted funds for the project.
Department of State leaders told the Appropriations Committee that licensing application processing times have fallen substantially after staffing and performance-management changes, and provided a schedule for the next-generation professional-licensing platform.
Secretary Al Schmidt and acting bureau leaders said the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs and the department reduced processing times across many boards, citing examples during testimony: barber licensing moved from roughly 12 days to one day, and physician licensing from roughly…
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