(HELENA). – On Friday, Governor Greg Gianforte launched a licensing reform task force, an initiative aimed at streamlining Montana’s occupational licensing requirements and lowering barriers for Montanans looking to enter the workforce.
The governor created the task force through an executive order and charged its members with providing him with short- and long-term recommendations and strategies to address professions with occupational licensing boards in the state.
In the executive order, the governor noted that the number of professional and occupational licenses issued in the state has doubled in the last decade and the number of occupations subject to licensure has also increased.
The governor also pointed out that Montana faces a shortage of providers in several occupational fields, including construction and health care professions, especially in rural areas.
Gov. Gianforte appointed Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, to chair the task force, and they will produce a written report with recommendations and strategies by September 2, 2026.
