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Bill would let Dept. of Labor set uniform contested‑matter rules for professional licensing
Summary
HB 261 directs the Department of Labor to adopt uniform procedural rules (briefing schedules, filing timelines) for contested disciplinary matters across 29 licensing boards, subject to the Administrative Procedure Act; department counsel said the change reduces inconsistent board practices.
House Bill 261, carried by Representative Brian Close, would authorize the Department of Labor to adopt administrative rules that standardize procedures for contested matters across the department's 29 professional licensing boards. Quinlan O'Connor, the Department’s chief legal counsel, said the change is intended to replace cumbersome multi‑board joint rulemakings and establish consistent briefing schedules and filing processes.
O'Connor emphasized that the bill does not change boards' substantive disciplinary authority and that any departmental rules would be adopted under the Montana Administrative Procedures Act with public notice and opportunity to comment. The department expects the rules to make contested matters more predictable for litigants and counsel and to streamline administrative processing.
No opponents testified. The department asked the committee to give the bill a do‑pass recommendation.
