Governor's Bill No. 13 - Summary

• State agencies must report by July 1, 2021 on the feasibility of online issuance and renewal of occupational and professional licenses, and provide online renewal options by July 1, 2022 for occupations with more than 50 licensees.

• Labor Department shall issue last-year identification cards to registered apprentices in electrical, plumbing, heating, piping and cooling, sprinkler fitter, and sheet metal work trades who have completed 75% of required work experience and instruction for a fee not to exceed $50.

• Apprentice-to-journeyman hiring ratios are established ranging from 1:1 up to 9:21, with additional allowances for one last-year apprentice or one preapprentice per work site, maintaining a minimum 1:1 ratio of licensed instructors to apprentices.

• Initial, didactic, and classroom-based education required for occupational and professional licenses may be completed via Internet or distance learning, excluding hands-on, clinical, or experiential training requirements.

• Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority must report on available financing programs for postsecondary occupational education and recommend financing options including income-based repayment and income-share agreements.

• Occupational licenses may be issued to persons with valid licenses in other states held for at least two years who are in good standing, subject to examination, background checks, and applicable fees.