By Hoven Consulting – WiHPCA’s lobbying firm

• Governor Evers/DSPS Unveils New Occupational License Processing Dashboard

On August 31, Governor Tony Evers and the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) unveiled a new online dashboard that provides high-level data on occupational license processing.  In addition to showing the average number of days to process all new applications, all health applications, and all business applications, users may also look up application review times by profession. 

• DSPS Signs Data Sharing Agreement with Michigan to Expedite Occupational License Processing

On August 17, leadership from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced an agreement to "speed up professional license approvals in both states."  In particular, this agreement will allow for the automated, secure exchange of occupational license applicant data between both states, which will expedite processing for applicants.

• Governor Evers Creates Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

On August 23, Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order creating the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence.  This task force will “produce an advisory action plan to identify the current state of generative artificial intelligence’s impact on Wisconsin’s labor market and develop informed predictions regarding its implication for the near term and future.”  In addition, it will “recommend solutions related to workforce development and educational systems.” 

This task force will be chaired by the state Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and will include the Secretary of the state Department of Administration, the head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, representatives from the University of Wisconsin System, the Wisconsin Technical College System, as well as other public and private sector representatives.  The Governor’s executive order did not include a timeline for the work of this task force.

• Assembly Speaker Robin Vos Creates Artificial Intelligence Task Force

On August 31, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced the creation of several speaker’s task forces, including one focused on artificial intelligence.  This task force, comprised entirely of Republican and Democratic state representatives, will hold public hearings at various locations across Wisconsin, starting in September.  The task force aims to complete its work by the end of 2023 and recommend legislation for introduction during the 2024-2025 legislative session.  This task force will be chaired by state Rep. Nate Gustafson (R-Neenah).