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Senate committee advances credential‑portability bill to committee of the whole
Summary
Senators advanced a sunset bill to continue and expand Colorado's occupational credential portability program to applicants licensed in another country, with witnesses saying the change helps address workforce shortages while preserving licensing standards.
Senators debated and advanced House Bill 14 31, a sunset and technical update to Colorado's occupational credential portability program that would allow individuals who are licensed, certified or registered in another country to pursue licensure in Colorado through endorsement or reciprocity where requirements are substantially equivalent.
Senator Judah, the co‑prime sponsor, said the change is a "tremendous leap forward for Colorado" and would let properly credentialed foreign‑trained professionals apply directly for Colorado licensure without first obtaining a U.S. state license.
Sam Delp, director of the Division of Professions and Occupations at the Department of Regulatory Agencies, told the committee "First and foremost, this is a workforce bill," and emphasized the bill does not lower licensing standards, does not allow DORA staff to override boards, and would not compromise public safety. Witnesses from the American Immigration Council and Colorado Fiscal Institute described shortages in health care and other fields and urged passage to reduce "brain waste."
The panel moved the bill to the committee of the whole; committee members recorded a unanimous vote to advance the measure.
