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Senate approves H606 to allow alternate IDs for professional licensure; 21–6 on division
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Summary
H606, which allows licensing entities to accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers in lieu of Social Security numbers for licensure applications, passed after floor debate weighing workforce needs and fairness; the division vote was 21–6.
The Vermont Senate passed H606 on April 26, an act that clarifies professional licensure practice by permitting licensing entities to accept alternate federal taxpayer identification numbers (such as Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) in place of Social Security numbers for applicants who lack Social Security numbers.
Senators debating H606 described the measure as targeted to help qualified 'new American' professionals—particularly nurses and other licensed workers—obtain licensure to work in Vermont’s understaffed essential professions. A senator raising objections questioned whether Section 2 of the bill gave preferential treatment to some migrants over others; proponents replied the bill does not confer immigration benefits and only addresses licensure paperwork and the Office of Professional Regulation’s ability to accept alternate identifiers.
Supporters noted testimony from advocacy groups in favor of the bill and cited economic contributions from the population the bill targets. After a division and standing count the secretary announced 21 yeas and 6 nays, and the Senate passed H606.
Next steps include implementation by licensing bodies and any necessary administrative updates to licensure forms and systems; senators asked for continued engagement with stakeholders to track outcomes.
