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Lawmakers hear bill allowing ITIN holders to apply for professional licenses
Summary
House Bill 3,830 would allow individuals without lawful presence or Social Security numbers to obtain state professional or occupational licenses using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); sponsor said the measure aligns Oregon with other states and aims to fill workforce shortages without changing licensing standards.
Representative Ricky Ruiz introduced House Bill 3,830 to the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection on March 27 and told members the measure would allow qualified applicants to use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) when applying for professional or occupational licenses.
"This bill is a straightforward, common sense measure, and ensures that individuals who meet all the qualifications for a professional license, whether through education, training, or passing an exam can receive that license regardless of their social security number or immigration status," Ruiz said. He cited policy parallels in Washington and California and said the bill does not change licensing standards or lower requirements.
The dash-0 (introduced) text would prohibit a licensing board from denying authorization solely on the basis of immigration or citizenship status and would require licensing boards to keep federal identification numbers confidential and exempt from public disclosure except in specified instances. Representative Ruiz said the policy helps address workforce shortages in areas such as health care, education and construction by allowing qualified workers to obtain licenses.
No other speakers were signed up on HB 3,830 at the time of the hearing and the committee closed the public hearing on the measure. Representative Ruiz said he would carry the bill.
The committee did not take a vote on HB 3,830 during the March 27 hearing.
