Gov. Morrisey signs Universal Professional and Occupational Act into law

By Autumn Shelton, RealWV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025 into law on Monday. 

This act, also known as Senate Bill 458, was requested by the Governor and introduced in the state’s legislature on February 13. 

The law will allow those who are licensed or certified professionals in another state to practice in West Virginia without the need to take additional examinations, provided that they establish West Virginia residency or are married to an active duty member of the Armed Forces and have accompanied their spouse to a military installation in West Virginia. 

The professional must still apply to a board of examiners or register for their license in their particular discipline, pay applicable fees and must not have a disqualifying criminal history. 

The law will take effect on July 1, 2025. 

During a Monday press conference celebrating the signing of the bill, Morrisey thanked those in the West Virginia House and Senate for passing this bill. 

“In order for West Virginia to grow, we must keep focusing like a laser beam on jobs and economic development,” Morrisey said, mentioning his plan for the ‘Economic Backyard Brawl.’ “It’s my priority to make sure that West Virginia is the most attractive place to live, work and play in this region. And, the best place to raise a family.” 

Morrisey said part of this plan involves reducing ‘red tape’ for current residents and for those who wish to move to West Virginia, as well as improving the state’s workforce participation rate. 

“When other states passed universal licensing, it helped increase their workforce by thousands,” Morrisey continued. “This is going to ensure that nurses, doctors, contractors, realtors, skilled workers who are licensed in other states, you can move to West Virginia and you can get back to work right away.” 

Dr. Andy Tanner, CAMC family medicine and member of the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine, said that this legislation will be beneficial for the state by making it a speedier process for practitioners who wish to come to West Virginia. 

 “It’s really going to help healthcare not only for our region, but throughout the state, especially in a lot of smaller areas where it’s hard to recruit and retain positions,” Tanner said. 

In a press release, later provided by the governor’s office, numerous professionals praised this legislation: 

“Today’s bill signing expedites the ability for licensed professionals to be able to get approved to work,” said David Ramsey, CEO of Vandalia Health. “This bill streamlines timely applications for professionals, medical, nurses and other licensed professionals, to be able to get to work more promptly when in good standing from states they’re leaving to come to West Virginia. Our need for medical professionals is significant and today’s adoption of this legislation improves the timeliness to get approved to practice here in West Virginia more timely and reduces administrative burdens to get approved by the respective medical boards, nursing boards and others.”

“When I contacted our member companies about Senate Bill 458, there was immediate support,” said Bill Bissett, President of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. “Not only does the passage of this bill open new markets to WV based engineering and consulting companies to expand their businesses to other reciprocating states, but it also allows manufacturers of all types to hire specialized engineers in other states when that expertise may not be here at home. We thank Governor Morrisey and the WV Legislature for their good work with Senate Bill 458.”

“We applaud the passage of Enrolled Senate Bill 458, the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025,” said Jason Pizatella, Chief Executive Officer, Contractors Association of West Virginia. “Occupational licensing affects nearly 1 in 5 American workers and we’re pleased to see West Virginia join the many other states that have already removed this barrier to interstate mobility.  Recruitment and retention of our workforce is one of the biggest issues facing the construction industry and eliminating barriers of entry to certain professions and certain skilled trades is just one more thing that will make the Mountain State more attractive for both businesses and workers.”  

“The Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025 is another step in the right direction for West Virginia,” said Steve Roberts, President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber is supportive of any legislation that encourages job growth and fosters economic development in our state. By enhancing opportunities for professionals and improving occupational licensing, we will create an environment where businesses and workers can thrive.”