12 states have now passed universal occupational licensing bills

Mississippi just became the latest state to pass a universal occupational licensing bill. This means that 12 states now recognize licenses from other states, making it easier and less burdensome for people to move and work in such states.

The benefits of enacting such a bill should be self-evident, as this report illustrates.

Several new state laws take effect on July 1. One of those will make it easier for folks moving to Mississippi to transfer their occupational license.

Wendy Swart worked in the same salon in Pennsylvania for 24 years. She was nervous about moving to Mississippi but expected to continue her career upon arriving.

“I worked hard to get my license and to keep it for 30 years,” explained Swart.

But she was told she didn’t have what it took to get a cosmetology license in the magnolia state.

“The hours for schooling down here were, I think it was 300 more hours than what Pennsylvania required,” she said. “But I have my instructor license. I went back to school for my instructor. So, between my hairdresser license and instructor, it’s actually more hours than what Mississippi required, but they wouldn’t combine the hours.”

It’s stories like Swart’s that prompted lawmakers to pass universal recognition of occupational licenses.

“It’s difficult — that’s who I was,” added Swart. “For 30 years, I was a hairdresser. So, it just kind of took my identity away. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.”

Starting July 1, folks like Swart don’t have to worry about whether the license requirements match up exactly.

During the pandemic, Governor Walz temporarily suspended licensing laws. This allowed healthcare workers licensed in other states to work in Minnesota.

But if indeed these laws can be suspended without harming the public, why are they necessary in the first place?

In light of the pandemic, states are recognizing that licensing laws exist to protect incumbents from competition. Consequently, these states are adopting reform.

While Minnesota currently ranks middle of the pack when it comes to occupational licensing burden, the breadth and burden of licensing have been rising in recent years. It is time to learn from other states and enact reform.