Longer time before renewals, other changes eyed to speed up Wisconsin licensing delays

The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a package of bills designed to help improve the system of issuing professional licenses to everyone from tattoo artists to doctors and nurses that has been plagued with delays since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans who control the Legislature have blamed the delays on Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration. Republicans were unified in support of the bills Wednesday, while Democrats were divided. One measure would double the length of time licenses would remain in effect, from two years to four years. The proposed change is backed by Wisconsin hospitals, nurses and other health care providers.