Pennsylvania is making it easier for new residents with an out-of-state occupational license to work in the Commonwealth.

Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 1172 into law this afternoon. Before this legislation, any new resident with an out-of-state occupational license had to go through Pennsylvania's licensure process before being allowed to work, which could take months. These jobs include cosmetologists, massage therapists, R-N’s, teachers, and lawyers, to name a few. This affected a lot of military families moving into the state, with military member's spouses having trouble getting a job, or continuing to practice, with the previous requirements.

Now, a PA license can be issued without the current delay, as long as the state the worker is coming from has substantially similar licensure requirements as Pennsylvania . Governor Wolf says this Bill allows Pennsylvania to be a state of opportunity.

"If we want to have the best workforce in the nation, and we do, then we need to have a licensure system that encourages, not discourages Pennsylvanians to work. We don’t want to do anything to hamper their employment. This Legislation is a great start to what I hope will ultimately be sweeping reform of our state licensure system," Governor Wolf explains.

According to the Governor's office, there are 255 occupational types in Pennsylvania, with 29 boards and commissions. More than 1 million workers in the state need an occupational license to do their job. This Bill will take effect in 60 days.