The effort to scale back onerous state licensing requirements has notched two victories in the opening days of 2023. The governors of Nevada and Ohio are reducing barriers to professionals hoping to offer their services to state residents: a step that benefits both these workers and their future customers.
Until recently, states have been closing off more and more occupations to unlicensed practitioners. To get a license, workers must meet a variety of educational, testing and training requirements that can consume hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars. Among the 350 occupations with licensing requirements in one or more states are athletic trainers, makeup artists, security alarm installers, travel agents, bartenders, tour guides, interior designers, auctioneers, and massage therapists. Three economists have estimated that licensing in the United States “results in 2.8 million fewer jobs” and costs consumers $203 billion annually.
But the momentum toward stricter licensing rules is now turning. On January 2, Governor Mike DeWine signed Ohio Senate Bill 131, which implements universal licensing recognition. Under this reform, professionals licensed in other states will be able to serve Ohioans without having to get a new license in the Buckeye State.
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