OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE REFORM

Creates the Occupational Licensing Reform Act. Provides that an individual with a criminal history may petition the responsible licensing board, at any time, including before obtaining any required education or paying any fee, for a determination of whether the individual's criminal history will disqualify the individual from obtaining State recognition. Provides that the Governor shall establish the Office of Supervision of Occupational Boards, which will be responsible for actively supervising State occupational boards to ensure compliance with the State's policies. Provides that the Office must review and approve or reject any proposed board rule, policy, enforcement, or other regulatory action prior to it being adopted or implemented. Amends the Departments of State Government Article of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. In provisions concerning temporary licenses to service members or spouses of service members, provides that the director of a department must issue or deny a license within the 6-month period of the temporary license. Provides that upon denial of a license, the department must provide specific information explaining the denial and a course of action for the applicant to receive licensure. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Allows for the issuance of multistate licenses that allow nurses to practice in his or her home state and other compact states. Ratifies and approves the Nurse Licensure Compact. Provides that the Compact does not supersede existing State labor laws. Effective immediately.