Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.

News Release

U.S. Department of Labor Awards $7 Million to States To Support Occupational Licensing Reform

WASHINGTON, DC – As part of the U.S. Department of Labor's ongoing efforts to encourage occupational licensing reform, the Department today announced the recipients of $7 million in grants to help states review and streamline their occupational licensing rules.

These investments support selected states' analysis of relevant licensing criteria, potential portability issues, and whether licensing requirements are overly broad or burdensome. Importantly, awardees will develop specific plans of action designed to reduce excessive licensing and consider the potential of alternative approaches to licensing that maintain the protection of public health and safety, such as professional certification.

"Excessive licensing can create economic barriers for Americans seeking a job, including veterans and military spouses, and hinder competitiveness for businesses," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Because licensing is based on state law, states must take the lead in reforming the licensing system. These grants provide an opportunity to examine licensing criteria and remove burdens that limit competition and bar entry to employment."  

The Department is awarding grants – ranging from $240,000 to $1 million each – to nine states and two associations of state governments. In addition, the Department awarded $1.5 million to help transitioning service members and veterans meet civilian educational requirements for employment in selected civilian licensed occupations.

To learn more about occupational licensing efforts, visit www.doleta.gov/grants. Under a grant awarded by the Department in 2017, the National Council of State Legislatures and its partners is producing technical assistance resources for states on occupational licensing and posting reports and searchable databases at: https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/occupational-licensing.aspx.

A list of grantees and award amounts is below:

Awardee

Headquarter State

States Served

Award Amount

State Occupational Licensing Review and Reform

The Council of State Governments

Kentucky

Nationwide

$1,000,000

National Conference of State Legislatures

Colorado

Nationwide

$1,000,000

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Colorado

CO

$260,000

Kansas Department of Labor

Kansas

KS

$297,769

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Kentucky

KY

$450,000

Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation

Nevada

NV

$449,999

State of New Hampshire - Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

New Hampshire

NH

$244,260

Job Service North Dakota

North Dakota

ND

$450,000

Oklahoma Department of Labor

Oklahoma

OK

$450,000

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

PA

$422,000

Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation

Vermont

VT

$450,000

Veterans Accelerated Learning for Licensed Project

Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation

Kentucky

KY

$1,500,000

   

Total

$6,974,028

Agency
Employment and Training Administration
Date
June 25, 2018
Release Number
18-1091-NAT
Media Contact: Egan Reich
Phone Number