The final report and recommendations for policymakers was issued Wednesday by the Occupational Licensing Advisory Commission. The report focuses on 28 licenses under 15 boards.
“The Commission has been meeting for the last several months gathering information and input from licensing entities,” said Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston who serves as Chair of the Commission. “We first prioritized Oklahoma’s critical occupations, outlier, and sales licenses. By using the licensing blueprint tool, the Commission is able to objectively review occupational licenses. Our goal is striving to achieve a balance between free market principles, protecting public safety, and reducing barriers for those trying to earn a living. Policy recommendations in this report are practical first steps to reducing obstacles to entry in Oklahoma’s workforce.”
The Commission’s recommended changes include the elimination of some licenses, consolidating boards which have similar missions, licensing reform for military members and their spouses, and reforms to a better pathway for those with a criminal history to obtain certain licenses.
The Legislature will have to take up some of the issues surrounding occupational licensing to make the recommended changes.
