Gov. Josh Stein has officially signed the Neighbor State License Recognition Act (HB 763) into law, a move that makes it easier for some licensed professionals from neighboring states to work in North Carolina. Though the governor made no public statement upon signing the measure, the law represents a significant step toward reducing workforce barriers and expanding labor mobility across state lines.
The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support in the General Assembly, allows North Carolina to automatically recognize occupational licenses from adjacent states like South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, provided applicants are in good standing with no unresolved disciplinary issues.
The law covers a broad array of professions, from electricians and HVAC technicians to cosmetology and real estate. It is designed to address growing worker shortages in critical fields by streamlining the licensure process for qualified professionals who relocate to North Carolina.
Supporters of the measure — including lawmakers, business leaders, and public policy advocate — say the new law will remove unnecessary red tape and help fill jobs in underserved areas, particularly in rural and fast-growing communities.
“Too often, bureaucratic licensing requirements keep skilled people from working in North Carolina, even when they’ve already proven themselves in another state,” said Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation. “This law is a commonsense solution, and a win for North Carolina’s economy. ”
The Neighbor State License Recognition Act follows the model of similar reforms adopted in states and reflects a growing national trend toward universal or regional license recognition.
Critics of occupational licensing say the practice has long created barriers for military spouses, medical professionals, and workers who often face duplicative requirements when crossing state lines for work. The new law attempts to eliminate those hurdles without sacrificing oversight, by requiring license holders to meet minimum education, experience, and criminal background standards.
According to the law’s language, individual licensing boards in North Carolina retain the authority to deny recognition if the applicant’s training falls short of state requirements.
The law is expected to take effect Oct. 1, 2025.
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Author: CJ Staff
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