Skip to content

Occupational Licensing Reform

Occupational Licensing Reform

Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license.

Regulatory Sunset Review - HB5576

This legislation amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to require the existing sunset report process collects and provides comprehensive and specific information about the need for licensure, the licensing process, and the equity concerns arising from personal qualifications, such as the cost of training and continuing education and whether such requirements are suitably addressing public safety. The bill provides guidance for the report’s recommendations of modifications to licensing rules that will lower barriers for applicants but still address genuine public safety concerns, including a list of regulatory tools other than licensure, like registration or certification, disclosures, or insurance requirements. The bill does not usurp legislators' ability to make the final determination regarding a license.

License Information Task Force - HB5575

This legislation creates a task force that includes representatives from low- and middle-income licensed occupations along with a mix of academics, advocates, administrators, and legislators. The goal of the task force is to collect, centralize, and analyze data from IDFPR about low- and middle-income licensed occupations and evaluate licenses using an equity and access lens. The legislation provides that a final report will be published and provided to the General Assembly with recommendations about increasing equity and economic opportunity. With this comprehensive information, legislators can target reform efforts to preserve public safety while removing unnecessary requirements.

Insights Archive

2021 SBAC Small Business Pitch Throwdown Photos

By sara@sbacil.org | December 23, 2021

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 SBAC Small Business Pitch Throwdown on December 2nd at Workbox! We had a blast watching the finalists pitch their business with a hearty CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s winner, Mycocycle!! Special thank you to Kristi Ross for being such an inspiration and giving some incredible business advice…

REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: New North Austin Community Center Moves Forward

By jake@sbacil.org | December 21, 2021

“We saw kids were hopeless. We believe we will give kids the opportunity to find some hope…” The Chicago City Council has agreed to sell public land for one dollar and has provided approval for the development of the North Austin Community Center.   The $31 million project is being developed as a partnership between…

Policymakers must focus on reducing property taxes in 2022

By sara@sbacil.org | December 17, 2021

Property taxes are a huge burden on Illinois residents and small businesses. Politicians on both sides of the aisle understand they are oppressive and drive people out of Illinois. Politicians throughout the state, and all levels of government, acknowledge that solutions must be put forth and moved forward to stabilize property taxes.   In his…

Scroll To Top