Michigan House Republicans Propose Sweeping Reforms on Occupational Licensing
A significant legislative push is underway in Michigan, aiming to overhaul the state’s occupational licensing requirements. This initiative, spearheaded by a group of Republican lawmakers, seeks to reduce barriers to employment by simplifying or eliminating certain licensing mandates.
The proposal, comprising 55 different bills, targets what supporters describe as outdated and burdensome licensing regulations. Proponents argue that the current system often does not correlate with public safety or professional competence but rather elevates consumer costs and restricts workforce entry, particularly for low-income and rural residents.
Some of the proposed changes include reducing mandatory training hours for professions such as barbers, cosmetologists, and accountants. Additionally, the legislation seeks to streamline licensing processes for roles like building inspectors.
In certain cases, the bills propose eliminating licensing requirements entirely for occupations such as landscape architects, floor sanders, collection agency workers, and hearing aid and wholesale potato dealers.
Another notable aspect of the legislative package is a bill advocating for Michigan to join a coalition of approximately 20 states that recognize each other’s occupational licenses. According to Jarrett Skorup from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, this would facilitate easier relocation and employment for out-of-state workers. Skorup remarked, “That would allow more people to move into the state and begin working right away without going through these hoops.”
Despite the potential benefits, the proposed reforms face resistance from some unions and trade schools, which have expressed concerns about the implications for professional standards and training quality.
—
Read More Michigan News
