Occupational Licensing Task Force

The Occupational Licensing Task Force was established by Governor Greg Gianforte on Jan. 29, 2026. The purpose of the Task Force is to provide the Governor with recommendations and strategies for the State of Montana to reform the professional occupational licensing system for the purposes of identifying and removing barriers faced by licensees that are not necessary to protect the public and improving access to and availability of professional services for citizens across Montana, including rural communities.

Over the last 10 years, professional and occupational licenses issued in the State of Montana have doubled and the number of occupations subject to professional licensure have increased, but there has been no comprehensive review of existing regulations to determine if those licensing requirements are truly protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Montanans. Reducing barriers to work is a key focus of the Governor’s 406 JOBS initiative. The Occupational Licensing Task Force aligns with the goals of 406 JOBS, providing a comprehensive review of existing licensing structures to ensure the regulations are necessary, effective, and narrowly tailored to protect the public without unduly burdening the ability to work in the State of Montana.

Executive Order No.1-2026