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.

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

Release Date June 25, 2018
Contact Name Egan Reich
Phone Number (202) 693-4960
Email reich.egan@dol.gov
Release Number 18-1091-NAT