Universal licensing refers to a state honoring an occupational license obtained in another state if an individual meets common-sense standards in the new state for which they are seeking a license.
A Utah State University study estimated that occupational licensing in the United States is responsible for 2.8 million fewer jobs and costs to consumers exceeding $20 billion annually.
This legislation comes at a time when in Utah having a government-issued permission slip determines if you are allowed to work in over 300 professions.
The knee-jerk reaction to more tightly regulate industries and professions every time a customer is dissatisfied tends to hurt honest professionals, who are just trying to do their jobs, more than it prevents negative outcomes.
This legislation does not put customers in any danger, but it does create the ability for more individuals to become employed and avoid all of the challenges surrounding the lengthy licensing process.
