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HB 1290

An Act amending Title 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in powers and duties, providing for advisory opinions and notices.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 7 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill establishing advisory opinion procedures for professional licensing boards to provide regulatory guidance to licensed professionals and applicants.

Referred to Professional Licensure
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1290

Legislative bill overview

HB 1290 amends Pennsylvania's professional licensing statute to establish a process for issuing advisory opinions and notices regarding professional licensing matters. The bill modifies Title 63 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to clarify the powers and duties of licensing boards in providing guidance to professionals and the public about regulatory requirements and compliance.

Why is this important

Professional licensing boards regulate thousands of workers across Pennsylvania—from doctors and lawyers to contractors and cosmetologists. Clear advisory opinions help professionals understand regulatory expectations and reduce costly compliance disputes. This mechanism also provides transparency about how boards interpret regulations before formal enforcement action occurs.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and binding authority: Unclear whether advisory opinions would be legally binding on the licensing boards themselves or merely informational, potentially creating confusion about their enforceability
  • Resource allocation: Licensing boards may lack adequate staffing and funding to handle advisory opinion requests without delaying their core regulatory and enforcement functions
  • Liability concerns: Professionals relying on advisory opinions that are later contradicted could seek damages, raising questions about whether boards should be protected from liability for guidance provided

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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