Senate orders third reading of bill to expand professional licensure eligibility for applicants without Social Security numbers

The Vermont Senate ordered H606 for third reading after committee reports recommending the measure, which aims to reduce barriers to professional licensure for applicants who cannot provide Social Security numbers.

Senator White (reporting) said the bill allows an applicant to provide a federal employer identification number (EIN), an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) or a Social Security number where required by licensing law. The committee framed the change as a workforce tool to address persistent vacancies across sectors — for example, the reporter noted occupational shortages in nursing and other trades — and said the Office of Professional Regulation supports an approach that would expand access while preserving existing licensure standards.

Committee witnesses included representatives from the Vermont Bar Association and the Uniform Law Commission guidance for related trust law items on other bills; the committee reported agreement across multiple stakeholders and recommended the bill proceed. The committee set an effective date for certain sections; the reporter said some effective dates would be set to take effect on September 1, 2024 in the bill text discussed on the floor.

H606 was ordered for third reading and will proceed through the Senate calendar for a subsequent final vote.