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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

Daily Herald 2021 Economic Outlook Webinar

By growthzone | December 11, 2020

We were grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Daily Herald 2021 Economic Outlook Webinar. Elliot talked about state legislation that can help individuals, families, small businesses and local communities recover from the pandemic. To watch the webinar, visit our “In The News” section or simply CLICK HERE.

SBAC and A Safe Haven on WCPT Chicago

By growthzone | December 11, 2020

Elliot Richardson and Neli Vasquez-Rowland on WCPT with Joan Esposito On December 3rd, Elliot Richardson, President and Co-Founder of SBAC and Neli Vasquez-Rowland, Founder and President of A Safe Haven were hosted on WCPT Chicago with Joan Esposito discussing the situation of homelessness and small businesses in Chicago. With the pandemic affecting small businesses on…

Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations

By growthzone | December 4, 2020

Congress Must Provide Relief to Local Chambers and Business Organizations Local chambers of commerce and business organizations provide crucial support to the small business community.  It is imperative that Congress provide them with the support needed so they can make it through these unprecedented times and help local businesses recover from the pandemic.  Over 50…

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