Helena, Montana – Governor Greg Gianforte has officially announced the members of the Licensing Reform Task Force, a bipartisan group created to reduce unnecessary professional and occupational licensing barriers across Montana. The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader push to strengthen the state’s economy by easing regulatory hurdles and connecting Montanans with in-demand jobs.
The task force was established by executive order in January and is one of several strategies under Gianforte’s “406 JOBS” workforce initiative. With a particular focus on the construction and health care sectors, the group has been instructed to identify redundant, outdated, or overly burdensome licensing requirements that may be hindering employment opportunities.
“Montana is open for business, and that means we must ensure our regulatory environment is efficient and helps Montanans pursue the American dream,” said Governor Gianforte. “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.”
Broad Coalition Representing Industry and Public Interests
Chaired by Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), the task force includes legislators from both political parties and a wide array of professionals representing various licensing boards and associations. Among the 30 members are key figures from the Montana Medical Association, Montana Hospital Association, Montana Contractors Association, and Montana AFL-CIO, as well as representatives from speech therapy, nursing, engineering, pharmacy, behavioral health, and legal services.
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“I look forward to working with this group to modernize Montana’s licensing framework,” said Commissioner Swanson. “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.”
She emphasized the importance of faster processing and simpler pathways to licensure, noting that, “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.”
Next Steps and Timeline
The Licensing Reform Task Force will hold its first public meeting on Tuesday, February 10. According to the executive order, the group is required to submit a final report with recommendations to Governor Gianforte by September 2, 2026.
The meetings will be open to the public, ensuring transparency and an opportunity for community input throughout the reform process.
Part of the Larger 406 JOBS Initiative
The task force is just one component of the larger 406 JOBS initiative, which identifies 12 core priorities aimed at workforce development across both public and private sectors. These priorities include fostering innovation, encouraging cross-agency collaboration, and cutting unnecessary regulations that may prevent qualified Montanans from securing employment.
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Occupational licensing reform is a key action item in the 406 JOBS strategy, with officials stressing that outdated or excessive licensing standards can often delay or entirely block entry into essential fields—particularly those with staffing shortages, such as health care and construction.
For ongoing updates, meeting announcements, and more information about the task force’s work, Montanans can visit: esd.dli.mt.gov/licensing-task-force.
Governor Gianforte’s executive order forming the task force is also available online for public viewing.
