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HB 3533

Relating to required disclosures of fees during certain transactions; prescribing an effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Farrah Chaichi and 10 co-sponsors

IdFPR would recognize qualifying paid licensure apprenticeships as a valid path to licensure with parity in exams, fees, and continuing education.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 3533

Summary — HB 3533 (Professional Licensure Apprenticeship Recognition Act)

  • Bill number: HB 3533
  • Sponsor: Rep. Adam M. Niemerg (co-sponsors: Rep. Jed Davis, Rep. Travis Weaver)
  • Introduced / filed: filed Feb 7, 2025; introduced (first reading) Feb 18, 2025
  • Status: In committee upon adjournment (as of 2025-06-28)
  • Effective date (if enacted): January 1, 2026

Purpose / intent

To create a statutory pathway by which the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recognizes qualifying paid licensure apprenticeship programs as an alternative route to professional licensure. The Act aims to expand apprenticeship-based access to licensed professions while preserving standard licensing safeguards (exams, fees, continuing education).

Key provisions

  • Creates the "Professional Licensure Apprenticeship Recognition Act."
  • Definitions: "Apprenticeship program" = a paid on‑the‑job learning program adopted by IDFPR's Division of Professional Regulation or by the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Licensing by apprenticeship: IDFPR must grant a license to any applicant who:
    1. Completed a qualifying licensure apprenticeship program;
    2. Passed any examination required by the applicable licensing Act (if the licensing Act requires one);
    3. Paid applicable fees; and
    4. Met any other licensure criteria unrelated to training/education requirements.
  • Examination parity: Passing score requirements for exams are the same for apprenticeship and non‑apprenticeship applicants. If no exam is required by the licensing Act, none is required for apprenticeship applicants.
  • Fees: IDFPR must use the same licensing fee for apprenticeship applicants as for other applicants. If the licensing Act does not require a fee, no fee will be required for apprenticeship applicants.
  • Training requirements: IDFPR may not increase education or training (including hour) requirements under a licensing Act for applicants who completed a qualifying apprenticeship.
  • Agency coordination: IDFPR may work with the State Board of Education, Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Department of Employment Security to promote and make apprenticeship pathways available and known to secondary and postsecondary students.
  • Non‑licensed professions: IDFPR may, at its discretion, consider apprenticeship programs as a path to licensure for professions that currently lack a corresponding licensing Act.
  • Continuing education: Licenses obtained via apprenticeship are not exempt from any continuing training or education requirements required to maintain or renew the license.
  • Denials: If IDFPR denies licensure based on an apprenticeship, it must issue a written explanation; the decision is a final administrative action subject to judicial review.

Who is affected

  • Individuals completing qualifying paid licensure apprenticeships (secondary, postsecondary students and adult apprentices).
  • IDFPR and licensing boards administering professional licensure.
  • Employers and sponsors running apprenticeship programs (those seeking adoption/recognition by IDFPR or DOL).
  • Agencies involved in workforce outreach (State Board of Education, DCEO, DES).

Procedural notes & considerations

  • The bill places recognition and qualification authority with IDFPR, retaining departmental discretion about which apprenticeship programs qualify.
  • It does not itself create or fund apprenticeship programs but mandates recognition and parity for qualifying programs.
  • Preserves standard licensure safeguards (exams, fees, continuing education) and provides a process for written denials and judicial review.

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

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