HB 1255 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 17-1-107 to require occupational licensing entities to adopt reduced reinstatement requirements for individuals previously licensed in Arkansas who held licenses in good standing and did not have them revoked for bad faith or violations.

• Modifies Arkansas Code § 17-1-108 to require licensing entities to adopt the least restrictive rules allowing reciprocity or licensure by endorsement for individuals holding substantially similar occupational licenses in other states, territories, or U.S. districts.

• Requires occupational licensing entities to grant temporary and provisional licenses for 90 or more days to qualified applicants with current active licenses from other jurisdictions before completing full licensure processes.

• Prohibits licensing entities from requiring reinstating or reciprocal licensees to complete apprenticeship, education, or training required for new professionals, though continuing education required of all practitioners may still be mandated.

• Exempts certain professions with existing reciprocity provisions under specified Arkansas Code sections from these new requirements.