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

Small Business Advocacy Council Applauds Niles Township Job Skills Development Grant Program

By patti@sbacil.org | July 8, 2021

Small Business Advocacy Council Applauds Niles Township Job Skills Development Grant Program “It is uplifting to see Niles Township take a proactive approach to help their businesses and residents recover from the pandemic. This program is an excellent example of how local governments can help spark economic development by supporting small businesses and creating good…

The REST Act Supports Small Businesses! (H.R.3725)

By patti@sbacil.org | June 28, 2021

The REST Act Supports Small Businesses! (H.R.3725) The SBAC is strongly supporting legislation filed by Representative Newman designed to cut taxes on entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country. The Relief and Equity for Small Businesses through Tax (REST) Act adjusts Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction of qualified business…

SBAC Sponsors Run to End Homelessness

By patti@sbacil.org | June 22, 2021

July 17th – July 25th The SBAC is proud to sponsor A Safe Haven’s Run/Walk to End Homelessness! This is a virtual event where you can Run or Walk and choose your distance. We would love for you to join the SBAC Team and run/walk with us.  Help us raise money to fight to end…

Scroll To Top