The governor of Arizona has signed a bill into law that will recognize out-of-state licenses for a large number of professionals, including collection agencies, when seeking to obtain a license to work in The Grand Canyon State.
The law is believed to be the first in the nation to recognize out-of-state licenses without a reciprocity agreement where other states would agree to recognize licenses that were granted in Arizona.
There is some confusion as to which professions are covered under the new law, which goes into effect 90 days after the current legislative session comes to a close. The current session is expected to last several more weeks, according to a published report, meaning it will be the early Fall before the law goes into effect.
Under the law, Title 32 of Arizona state law is amended to read that any resident of Arizona who has been issued a license from another state for a profession that is covered under Title 32, is entitled to a similar license from whichever regulator oversees that profession in Arizona. Collection agencies, for example, are regulated by the state’s Department of Financial Institutions. Individuals will still have to apply for a license with the appropriate regulator in Arizona, but will not have to go through duplicate training or other requirements.
“With this bill, Arizona’s sending a clear message to people across the country: if you’re moving to Arizona, there’s opportunity waiting for you here,” said Governor Doug Ducey, in a statement. “There’s dignity in all work. And we know that whether you make your living as a plumber, a barber, a nurse or anything else, you don’t lose your skills simply because you moved here. The bill we signed today protects public health and safety while eliminating unnecessary and costly red tape. It’s an Arizona original and should be a model for other states for how to work together and do the things that matter.”
