WASHINGTON  - Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ben Sasse (R-NE) introduced legislation Tuesday that would make it easier for many Americans to begin work in their chosen field by reducing unnecessary licensing burdens.

“The principle at the heart of the American economic system is equality of opportunity. In practice, this means eliminating all forms of legal privilege and political favoritism, so that the economy rewards hard work, initiative, good judgment, and personal responsibility,” Lee said. “Unfortunately too many localities have allowed licensing requirements to become a barrier that prevent younger and less fortunate workers from getting better and higher-paying jobs.” 

In 1950, fewer than 5 percent of American workers were subject to licensing requirements. Today, that figure stands at around 30 percent.

The Alternatives to Licensing that Lower Obstacles to Work Act would serve as a model to states for occupational licensing reform by creating a office in the District Attorney General’s Office that would actively supervise occupational licensing boards, including both “sunrise” and “sunset” reviews of all licensing requirements.

You can read Sen. Lee’s speech at The Heritage Foundation on this issue here.

You can read a summary of the bill here.

You can read a text of the bill here.