Legislation introduced in the House would prevent local governments from having additional licensing standards for occupations already licensed by the state. House Bill 5955, the main bill of an 11-bill package, would create a new act, the Local Government Occupational Licensing Act. It would prohibit local units of government from imposing licensing requirements on specific occupations if they do not currently do so, eliminate the ability to impose local licensing requirements beyond those imposed by the state, and remove the ability to enforce local licensing requirements on specific occupations that come under state licensing requirements.

HB 5955 could have unintended consequences as it defines licensing as any training, education, or fee required to perform work in a specific occupation. If an occupation is subject to licensing requirements by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) or any licensing authority of the state, a local unit of government could not impose any regulations on that occupation that add additional requirements to those already imposed. This could apply to home based occupations, a zero-fee based registration requirement at the local level, and could prevent additional training or specific certifications being required of a direct municipal hire if the occupation is licensed by the state.

This legislation could severely limit a local unit of government’s ability to put in place requirements designed to ensure the rights of consumers. We encourage you to reach out to your Representative and express your opposition to this legislation .

Jennifer Rigterink is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues.  She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.