Thanks to a new piece of legislation being signed into law, the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will be able to use a competitive, expedited process to identify and implement a new professional licensing system.
“This new law will move us one step closer to streamlining the state’s licensure process to help connect residents with good jobs and alleviate workforce shortages across our communities,” said State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton. “By providing IDFPR with this support, we will help promote an effective and streamlined licensure process for all Illinoisans.”
The legislation, HB2394, says that the new licensing software must be able to process initial license applications and renewal fees, along with the issuance of licenses to qualified applicants. IDFPR said that later this winter, a solicitation will be published in Bidbuy, the State of Illinois’ eProcurement system, where vendors may submit their licensing system proposals.
IDFPR will also publish a list in BidBuy of all questions received by prospective vendors, along with answers from the department. Prospective vendors will then have through the date listed in the published solicitation to submit their proposals.
“I applaud this bill, which provides real solutions to a real problem, and does so in a timely manner to serve the people of Illinois,” said State Rep. Bob Morgan. “This collaboration between Governor Pritzker’s Administration and the General Assembly shows government does work. Together, we will build a professional licensing system that models best practices and meets the modern needs of our State.”
In order to get the new system up and running as soon as possible, IDFPR will have 90 days from the signing of the legislation to receive bids and select the new system. After the 90-day period concludes, IDFPR will have another 90-day period to begin implementing the new online licensing system on its website, idfpr.illinois.gov.
In a statement, IDFPR said that it anticipates adding the professions and licensees it oversees to the new licensing system in stages, eventually ensuring that every application and fee payment will be available online and the user experience will provide applicants with more insight into the status of their application or renewal.
“This process – the result of a collaborative efforts between IDFPR, lawmakers, and stakeholders – will ensure we set the gold standard nationally for professional licensing here in Illinois,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “We are eager and prepared to take these steps in securing the solution the hardworking people across the Land of Lincoln deserve.”
