Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Reduces Barriers for Small Business

New Mexico delivers on a statewide effort to reform and streamline business regulations, permitting, and licensing

On March 3, 2022, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation, HB 191, to expedite the process by which New Mexico reviews and processes professional licenses. This legislation will ensure equitable access to jobs and provide flexibility, particularly crucial at a time when families are challenged personally and professionally in a way never experienced.

The regulatory reform bill is the result of an October 2021 Executive Order by Gov. Lujan Grisham that directed the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department to lead a statewide effort to reform and streamline business regulations, permitting, and licensing – and ultimately deliver the most business-friendly environment while maintaining the protection of public health and safety.

New Mexico is a leader in modernizing our regulatory system and advancing sensible occupation licensing reforms that welcome skilled workers looking to move and continue their careers, while ensuring continued protection to the health and safety of all New Mexicans. This reform will help remove unnecessary burdens of professional licensing, which disproportionately affect underserved communities, to provide a simpler path to entrepreneurship. 

 House Bill 191:  

• Removes barriers related to licensure that are unrelated to the profession.
• Provides nurses an expedited license to practice in New Mexico.
• Makes changes to the grounds for refusal to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke a license by updating the language and removing current barriers that will substantially improve the timely issuance of licensure.
• Eliminates the requirement of four years of high school for cosmetologist instructor and barber instructor applicants.
• Provides the opportunity for licensure for those who are in good standing and have practiced without complaints to transfer their licenses and easily start working after a move.
• An easier review process for qualified applicants moving to New Mexico from other states who are seeking professional licenses.

House Bill 191, Professional & Occupational Licensure Changes, was sponsored by Representatives: Doreen Gallegos, Gail Armstrong, Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Rebecca Dow, and Daniel A. Ivey-Soto.

Occupations Positively Impacted by Executive Order: