Economy

States consider licensure reform to boost workforce

Some skeptics caution that limiting or eliminating licensure requirements sacrifices safeguards meant to protect public health.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Lawmakers across the country are advancing proposals to alter occupational licensing laws as part of an effort to bolster workforces by breaking down what can be burdensome hurdles.

A bill headed for the Louisiana House floor would remove the country’s only licensure requirement for florists. Illinois lawmakers passed a bill earlier this month opening real estate broker licenses to those also licensed in other states. Maine’s legislature voted to enter a compact with seven other states that allows social workers to carry licenses across state lines.

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