Mazzochi Bill to Tackle Unnecessary State Licensing Barriers

Legislation sponsored by State Representative Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) to make certain state-regulated career fields more accessible passed the Illinois House last week.

“Over the past several years, the General Assembly has increased the requirements and trainings, and along with it the cost, needed to obtain a professional license in many fields,” Rep. Mazzochi said. “Some of that legislation is now having an unintended consequence: over-credentialing, which makes it more difficult for people, especially if they are trying to re-enter the workforce or are low income, to access a better job market.”

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates dozens of professions ranging from not just doctors, dentists and architects, to nail salon workers and interior designers. “For example, Illinois mandates a special license with 300 hours of training, only at certain approved schools, if they want to work in hair braiding. While there may need to be some training for specialized issues, we also need to respect people’s real-world work experiences as well.” Rep. Mazzochi continued.

House Bill 5575 will have a task force examine Illinois’ requirements for occupational licensing and identify changes that must be made to the regulations for licensed occupations to reduce the barriers to entry in these career fields.

“We want to encourage people to find meaningful work. We need to help people climb the ladder, not pull it up out of their reach through unnecessary regulations before they can even start a new job.”

Members of the task force will serve without compensation. House Bill 5575 passed with near unanimous support from the House, and will proceed to the Senate for consideration.