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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

Ordinance Makes It Easier for Entrepreneurs to Operate Home-Based Businesses in Chicago

By patti@sbacil.org | January 24, 2021

The pandemic has cost Chicagoans jobs and recently unemployed individuals may explore starting their own business. However, these budding entrepreneurs may not have the funds to rent space. Indeed, even more established entrepreneurs may need to consider moving their businesses into a residence for the time being given the economic impact of the pandemic. This is…

Crucial Legislation Filed to Get People Back to Work

By mrevis@sbacil.org | January 22, 2021

RISE Action Call – SIGN HERE PRESS RELEASE: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES, February 22, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz has filed the RISE Act in the General Assembly.  The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) urges legislators to pass the RISE Act (Recovery Initiative to Support Employment) to get people back to work and support…

Business Interruption Insurance

By mrevis@sbacil.org | January 21, 2021

WHAT IS BUSINESS INTERUPTION INSURANCE? The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. The pandemic is also causing tremendous financial hardship on small and local businesses. Typically, businesses will carry business interruption insurance to cover for potential extended closures caused by extraordinary circumstances. Competent business owners have done their due…

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