State of Montana Newsroom
Governor Gianforte Convenes Licensing Reform Task Force
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today joined members of his Licensing Reform Task Force for its first meeting. In his opening remarks to the task force, the governor identified red tape and regulations as one of the most pressing issues facing Montana’s labor market.
“Unnecessary red tape and burdensome regulations make it far too difficult for qualified people to get to work, and Montanans who want to contribute to our economy need and deserve a more efficient system,” Gov. Gianforte said. “That’s why we’re here today: to deal with one of the most pressing issues facing Montana’s labor market and develop a plan to reform our professional and occupational licensing system and make it easier for Montanans to enter the workforce.”
Gov. Gianforte speaking during a meeting of the Licensing Reform Task Force in Helena
The task force, established by executive order in January, is tasked with identifying and recommending the elimination of unnecessary or redundant professional and occupational licensing requirements, with a focus on construction and health care industries.
Addressing the task force, Gov. Gianforte identified the need to put an end to over-regulation, ease the impact of redundant training and testing requirements, and increase the transparency of the licensing process and make it easier to navigate while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
Reducing red tape has been a top priority for the governor. Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has repealed or amended more than 3,500 regulations, over one-fifth of regulations in the state. In 2025, the governor signed into law 26 licensing reform bills to standardize applications and processes for nearly 200,000 Montanans across 200 license types.
Through his 406 JOBS initiative, Gov. Gianforte and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) are working across the public and private sector to promote career, college, military, and entrepreneurship pathways for Montanans to strengthen the workforce.
In a recent report, DLI revealed more than 100,000 working age Montanans are not employed and not seeking work. During his address to the task force, the governor identified how further reforms to licensing will help more Montanans enter the workforce and address employer’s needs.
“Our economy is growing and our licensing system is not keeping pace with the demand for qualified workers. We face critical needs in various sectors and unnecessary requirements are standing in the way of filling available jobs,” the governor added.
The task force is chaired by DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson. The bipartisan, diverse task force includes members across a wide range of industries affected by state licensing. The task force must deliver a final report and recommendations due to the governor for his consideration by September 2, 2026.
“Montana’s licensing system should protect public safety without putting unnecessary barriers in front of people who want to work,” said DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “This task force brings together voices from across industries to take a hard look at what’s working, what’s not, and how we can modernize licensing so qualified Montanans can get into the workforce faster while maintaining high standards.”
“We had a great kickoff meeting this morning and I am eager to get to work on the tasks we discussed today,” Swanson said. “By reducing duplication, increasing transparency, and focusing on real workforce needs, especially in construction and health care, we can help employers fill jobs and give Montanans more opportunity to succeed.”
More details about the task force including members, future meeting dates, agendas, and materials may be found on the DLI website here.
The full text of the governor’s executive order establishing the task force may be found here. Watch Gov. Gianforte’s opening comments in the first task force meeting here.
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