Skip Navigation

Gov. calls for looser professional licensing laws

29wolf.jpg

A spokesman for House leaders said the chamber is willing to consider the governor’s proposal. (Photo by AP)

 

(Harrisburg) — Governor Tom Wolf is appealing the legislature to pass laws getting rid of 13 professional licensing requirements, including ones for barbers, cemetery brokers — i.e. people who sell grave plots — and auctioneers.

He’s arguing, licensing requirements in those jobs can be a barrier that keeps people from working.

Across the country, the number of professions requiring special state licenses has ballooned over the last several decades.

Pennsylvania is home to 29 boards and commissions that regulate 255 kinds of licenses.

Wolf’s call for fewer regulations comes after the release of a study he commissioned via executive order last year on the impact of license laws.

The commonwealth is about average when compared with other states. However, the study found it does have five license types that don’t exist anywhere else in the US.

Only one–cemetery broker–made it onto the administration’s discard list.

Loosening professional licensing laws will take legislative action.

A spokesman for House leaders noted, existing license laws are in place for a reason–but added, the chamber is willing to discuss a change.

Support for WITF is provided by:

Become a WITF sponsor today »

Support for WITF is provided by:

Become a WITF sponsor today »

Up Next
Climate & Energy

Change in China recycling policy driving costs in midstate