SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) advanced legislation to require the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to issue state licenses in four weeks.

“Healthcare workers, accountants, speech pathologists and a variety of others are ready to enter their respective industries but are unable to get started without a professional license from the state,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this initiative, I hope to expedite the time it takes IDFPR to process applications and allow residents to enter the work force sooner.”

As chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Glowiak Hilton prioritizes legislation to benefit workers and support economic development throughout the state. Under the legislation, IDFPR will be required to process applications within four weeks as long as there were no deficiencies submitted.

“My office has heard concerns from our community about workers waiting months for licenses to be distributed,” Glowiak Hilton said. “While I appreciate the department’s efforts to reduce processing times with electronic renewals, I believe our state could improve the timeliness and let residents get to work.”

Senate Bill 670 passed the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.