Threats to Professional Licensure: State List

New Hampshire

» Threat Type: Legislation requiring the review and analysis of licensing requirements, resulting in recommendations to remove any unnecessary or overly burdensome licensing requirements. This piece of legislation does not specifically target professional engineers.
» Threat Status:  Potential Threat
Legislative/Executive Order/Regulatory: Legislative
Bill Number: HB 1685
Status:
3/7/2018: Passed House.
3/22/2018: Ruled inexpedient to legislate by the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee.
Summary:

This measure sought to create an Occupational Regulation Review Commission to determine if regulatory boards utilize the least restrictive regulations. This bill also permitted individuals with criminal records to petition a licensing board, agency, department or other state or local issuer of occupational licenses for a determination of whether the individual's record would disqualify the individual from obtaining state recognition.

On March 1st, the House Committee on Executive Departments voted 9-8 against the bill, but that recommendation was overturned on March 7th by the full House by a vote of 177-148.

On March 22nd, the Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee voted the measure “inexpedient to legislate” which killed the measure. NSPE collaborated with the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers to oppose the measure.

» Threat Type: “Right to Engage in a Lawful Occupation Act.” Seeks to establish the least restrictive means of regulating an occupation. Often proposes the elimination of licensure requirements for certain professions. Professional engineers aren’t specifically targeted, but are included.
» Threat Status:  Potential Threat
Legislative/Executive Order/Regulatory: Legislative
Bill Number: HB 1460
Status:
Ruled "inexpedient to legislate" in the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee on 2/27/2018.
Summary:

This measure established that all individuals should be permitted to enter any profession or occupation unless there is a demonstrated need for the state to protect the interests of the public by restricting entry into the profession or occupation. Required least restrictive form of regulation necessary to protect the public interest.

The measure also established criteria for the review or enactment of professional or occupational regulation by the state, to be administered by the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.

The measure was ruled "inexpedient to legislate" during the February 27th Committee Meeting which is a means to kill the measure.

NSPE worked with the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers to ensure that this legislation was defeated.

» Threat Type: Elimination of other occupational licenses, not including engineers.
» Threat Status:  Potential Threat
Legislative/Executive Order/Regulatory: Legislative
Bill Number: HB 522
Status:
Voted inexpedient to legislate on 3/8/2017.
Summary:

Establishes a committee to review occupational licensing and determine which licenses could be made optional for practitioners. The Executive Departments and Administration Committee deemed the bill inexpedient to legislate and died in committee. NSPE communicated with the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers to ensure the professional engineer was protected. The professional engineering community in New Hampshire was critical in defeating passage of this bill and protecting the integrity of the PE license. This measure is eligible for reconsideration during the 2018 Legislative Session.