Governor Launches Task Force for Occupational Licensing Reform

news.dli.mt.gov

Published January 29th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has launched a new task force to reform occupational licensing requirements. The task force aims to streamline processes, reduce barriers to entry for workers, and address shortages in fields like construction and healthcare. It is expected to provide recommendations by September 2, 2026.

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What changed

Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana has established a new task force via executive order to review and reform the state's occupational licensing requirements. The initiative, announced on January 29, 2026, aims to address workforce shortages, particularly in construction and healthcare, by streamlining processes and lowering barriers for Montanans seeking to enter licensed professions. The task force, chaired by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor & Industry, will examine existing regulations and provide short- and long-term recommendations.

Regulated entities and professionals in Montana should be aware that this initiative could lead to significant changes in licensing requirements. While this is a review and recommendation phase, the stated goal is to reduce bureaucracy and improve access to employment. The task force is scheduled to deliver its report with recommendations by September 2, 2026, indicating a potential for future rule changes or legislative proposals impacting various occupations. Compliance officers should monitor the progress of this task force and its eventual recommendations.

What to do next

Monitor the progress and recommendations of the Licensing Reform Task Force.
Review current occupational licensing requirements relevant to your industry or profession in Montana.
Prepare for potential future changes to licensing regulations based on task force recommendations.

Source document (simplified)

Governor Gianforte Launches Licensing Reform Task Force

— January 29 2026 Addresses workforce shortages

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today 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.

“For too long, occupational licensing and outdated regulations have acted as barriers for Montanans working hard to reach the American dream,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Whether you work in construction or serve as a health care provider, you shouldn’t have to spend months or years fighting with bureaucracy just to earn a living. This task force will help balance public safety while also ensuring Montana is the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family.”

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.

Gov. Gianforte appointed Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, to chair the task force.

“The licensing reform work we accomplished with the Legislature in 2025 was a major step forward for Montana’s workforce, making government more efficient, responsive, and focused on helping Montanans succeed,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor & Industry. “This new task force builds on that momentum and aligns with federal efforts to increase economic mobility by reducing unnecessary barriers to work.”

Swanson continued, “Through the 406 JOBS initiative, we’re prioritizing licensing reform as a tool to bring people back to the workforce and expand opportunity, like Registered Apprenticeships, across the state. By modernizing our occupational licensing system, we’ve made it easier for skilled professionals to get work, support their families, and serve their communities.”

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.

“Through the Rural Health Transformation Program and our behavioral health initiatives, Montana is making historic investments in the health care workforce,” Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton said. “DPHHS looks forward to joining this task force and supporting the development of meaningful recommendations to further improve access to care across our state.”

The task force will hold its first meeting in February and will produce a written report with recommendations and strategies by September 2, 2026. Members will be named in the coming days.

The formation of the task force comes as the Gianforte administration 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.

Read Executive order No. 1-2026.