2020 Bills

HB 290: Improving a Variety of Occupational Licenses

This bill passed the house with a vote of 70-0, and it passed the senate with a vote of 27-0.

Libertas Institute supports this bill

Staff review of this legislation finds that it is aligned with our principles and merits support.

Occupational licensure laws restrict a person’s ability to work in their chosen occupation. These laws typically require a certain number of hours of education or experience, and an exam and a fee, in order to receive permission to work. We have suggested the need to rethink this approach.

Representative Norm Thurston is sponsoring House Bill 290 which reduces licensure requirements for court reporters, hunting guides, and those who manufacture or repair bedding, upholstered furniture, quilted clothing, or filling material. This legislation shows how permits and registration requirements can serve as an alternative to traditional licensing.

Libertas Institute will continue to support and encourage legislation to ensure that licensure barriers do not unreasonably restrict a person’s ability to work in their chosen field.