Skip to content

Calling for IL Occupational Licensing Reform

Occupational licenses should protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Unfortunately, some occupational licenses are unnecessary and burdensome. They create unwarranted barriers for Illinois entrepreneurs and those interested in working in new professions.

Needless occupational licenses also keep people from moving to Illinois. Needless occupational licenses, or those which are overly restrictive, also hurt small businesses struggling to find qualified employees.

Illinois policymakers can support small businesses, create jobs and empower entrepreneurs by guarding against the imposition of unnecessary red tape through new occupational licenses. Legislation has already been filed which, if passed, will establish a process to investigate and review whether new occupational and professional licenses are necessary.

Illinois House Bill 4012 will permit any individual or interested party to ask the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to review proposed legislation establishing new licenses or expanding the scope of those already in existence. The department will then be empowered to make recommendations to legislators before they vote to establish another occupational license.

Illinois legislators should also eliminate or modify unnecessary and burdensome licenses already on the books in Illinois. For example, a barber in Illinois must complete 1,500 hours of education, which is often costly, before being able to cut hair or start their own business.

This is only one example of a license that creates barriers for people trying to work.

Read the article in its entirety here

Insights Archive

Join the Small Business Advocacy Council’s District Advocate Program!

By emma@sbacil.org | January 2, 2024

Download the District Advocate Program One-Pager PARTNERS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland Bank Interprenet Signature Bank Lexitas Korey Richardson Open One Solutions Byline DoorDash RockyTop Insperity SpeedPro Chicago Loop CVS Empower Next Previous

SBAC 2023 Holiday Party

By patti@sbacil.org | December 14, 2023

Did you miss it? We had  a great time at George Street Pub for the SBAC’s annual Holiday party. Wow – what an incredible turnout – busting out the venue with almost 100 folks!  Thank you for coming to celebrate the SBAC and its work in the Illinois communities.  We are excited to watch 2024…

Embrace the Spirit of Giving: Shop Local This Holiday Season

By emma@sbacil.org | December 11, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and as we gear up for the festivities, there’s no better way to spread joy than by supporting small businesses in our community. Chicago, with its vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, is home to a plethora of unique local shops, each offering a special touch to your holiday shopping experience.…

Scroll To Top