Utah has been selected to participate in the National Occupational Licensing Learning Consortium.
The Consortium objective is to find solutions that will enhance portability of occupational licenses and remove overly broad or restrictive existing and new licensing requirements.
In the last 60 years, jobs that require an occupational license, or government approval to practice a profession, has drastically increased from about one in 20 to more than one in four.
Utah’s participation in the Consortium will continue the state’s effort to understand issues revolving around occupational licensure; improve familiarity and discuss existing licensing policies within the state; identify current policies that create unnecessary barriers to labor market entry; and create an action plan that focuses on removing barriers to labor market entry to improve portability and reciprocity for certain occupations.
“This national effort aligns well with Utah’s on-going efforts to streamline regulation of local businesses,” said Sen. Todd Weiler.
During the two-year study, the state will select four to five specific occupational licensures to review.
“It is encouraging to see occupational licensing reform receiving such increased bipartisan support nationally and in Utah,” said Rep. Brian Greene. “Wherever unnecessarily burdensome regulations exist, they should be identified and modified to accomplish government’s proper role in this arena – to address legitimate public health and safety concerns.”
The purpose of occupational licensing is to protect consumers health and safety by requiring practitioners possess a certain level of competency within a particular field. However, the extensive amount of regulations can create disparities across states that results in unreasonable barriers for individuals to enter a labor market. Additionally, it makes relocating difficult. For instance—military spouses and families, immigrants with work authorization and unemployed and dislocated workers—are especially affected by the requirements and variances of occupational licensing.
The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel applied on behalf of the state to participate in the two-year occupational licensing project. The submission process included submitting a five-part narrative, state objectives, research previously completed and letters of support from various government entities. The Legislature, Governor’s Office, Utah Department of Commerce and Department of Workforce Services will represent Utah.
Occupational Licensing: Assessing State Policy and Practice is hosted by the Council of State Governments, National Conference of State Legislatures, and National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor.
