Governor Appoints Licensing Reform Task Force

news.dli.mt.gov

Published February 6th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has appointed members to a new Licensing Reform Task Force. The task force is charged with identifying and recommending the elimination of unnecessary professional and occupational licensing requirements, with a report due by September 2, 2026.

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What changed

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has announced the membership of the Licensing Reform Task Force, established by executive order. The task force, chaired by the Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, includes representatives from various industries, legislative members, and state department directors. Its primary objective is to identify and recommend the elimination of unnecessary or redundant professional and occupational licensing requirements, with a specific focus on the construction and health care industries.

The task force is expected to deliver a final report and recommendations to the governor by September 2, 2026. While this is an informational notice regarding the task force's formation and mandate, regulated entities, particularly in the construction and healthcare sectors, should be aware of this initiative. The task force's recommendations could lead to future regulatory changes affecting licensing requirements in Montana.

What to do next

Monitor recommendations from the Licensing Reform Task Force.

Source document (simplified)

Governor Gianforte Appoints Licensing Reform Task Force Members

— February 06 2026 HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the membership of the Licensing Reform Task Force, fulfilling his commitment to streamline state government and make it easier for Montanans to enter the workforce. The task force, established by executive order in January, is tasked with identifying and recommending the elimination of unnecessary or redundant professional and occupational licensing requirements, with a focus on construction and health care industries.

“Montana is open for business, and that means we must ensure our regulatory environment is efficient and helps Montanans pursue the American dream,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The members of this task force will help us cut the red tape that has built up over decades, allowing more Montanans to enter the workforce and contribute to our growing economy.”

The task force is chaired by Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI). The bipartisan, diverse task force includes members across a wide range of industries affected by state licensing.

“I look forward to working with this group to modernize Montana’s licensing framework. The Licensing Task Force is about ensuring occupational licensing protects the public without unnecessarily standing in the way of Montanans who are qualified to work,” Commissioner Swanson said. “Time to licensure matters. Montana’s 406 JOBS initiative is focused on connecting people to meaningful work through clear pathways and systems that function the way they’re intended. This task force is dedicated to just that – improving process so that our licensing systems support both public safety and a strong, responsive workforce across Montana.”

Members of the Licensing Reform Task Force include:

Sarah Swanson, Commissioner, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Chair
Sen. Derek Harvey, D-Butte
Sen. Mark Noland, R-Bigfork
Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings
Rep. Jodee Etchart, R-Billings
Rep. Josh Seckinger, D-Bozeman
Rep. Morgan Thiel, R-Sidney
Charlie Brereton, Director, Department of Public Health & Human Services
Eric Strauss, Director, Montana Department of Corrections
Stacey Anderson, Montana Primary Care Association
Dr. Serena Brewer, Montana Medical Association
Webb Brown, Montana Dental Association
Ed Buttrey, Montana Hospital Association
Bob Dean, Montana Contractors Association
John Harding, Montana Home Builders Association
Jennifer Hensley, Montana Speech Language Hearing Association, Montana Occupational Therapy Association, Montana Academy of Physician Assistants
Troy Jensen, Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors
Tony King, Montana Pharmacy Association
Allen Lloyd, Montana Society of CPAs
Brad Longcake, Montana Dental Hygienists’ Association, Montana Funeral Directors Association
Kelly Lynch, Montana League of Cities & Towns
Kristin McColly, Montana Board of Nursing
Amy Nerison, Montana Psychiatric Association, American Medical Response
Alison Paul, Montana Legal Services Association
Sierra Riseberg, Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana
Jason Small, Montana AFL-CIO
Gail Tronstad, Public Member, Montana Board of Pharmacy
Tanner Avery, Frontier Institute The task force will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, February 10. The task force must deliver a final report and recommendations due to the governor for his consideration by September 2, 2026. All meetings will be open to the public.

The formation of the task force comes as Gov. Gianforte announced the 406 JOBS initiative, which identifies 12 priorities across the workforce system, including both private and public sectors, to drive innovation, remove red tape, and foster collaboration between state agencies. Occupational licensing review is included among the action items, as a part of a statewide commitment to reducing barriers to employment.

For more information and updates on the task force, visit the Occupational Licensing Task Force page on the Montana DLI's Employment Standards Division website or read the governor’s executive order creating the task force.