Grace testifies on bills to streamline occupational licensing process

Thank you for holding this hearing today and for allowing me to testify in support of Senate Bills 232 and 233, which would streamline the state’s licensing process. As most of you know, the Badger Institute has over the years conducted research and told stories of many people affected by the state’s burdensome licensing process and requirements. Too many times, we’ve heard that Wisconsinites who simply want to work are either turned away or forced to wait – losing significant income while enduring stress, discouragement and confusion – before they can obtain a license to enter or return to their desired field.

Licensing impacts nearly a fifth of Wisconsin’s workforce, more than one million aspiring workers who are required to seek government permission slips in the form of licenses, certifications, registrations or permits. These bills would make it easier for qualified professionals to get licensed and get to work sooner in Wisconsin.

Specifically, SB 233 would give the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) the authority to recommend granting or denying an application for licensure to the respective licensing board. If DSPS recommends approving the application, the board has 10 days to act, or the application is automatically approved.

In our report, Absence and Violation, we found that most of Wisconsin’s licensing boards very rarely meet – sometimes only quarterly or less. When the boards do meet, much of their activity often takes place in private or closed session. Speeding up and opening up this process by requiring a licensing board to act quickly after a recommendation from DSPS would alleviate some of the pressures placed on licensing boards. More importantly, it would eliminate weeks, even months, of waiting for people who just want to get to work.

SB 232 would allow DSPS to grant a temporary license to certain applicants so that they can practice in their desired field and earn a living while the application is reviewed. These applicants would follow the same laws and procedures as their peers working in the same field. If their application is ultimately approved by DSPS, the temporary status is removed, and they’re required to simply renew their license based on the credential’s requirements. If DSPS determines they’re not eligible to practice in their field, the temporary license immediately expires.

Grace testifies on measures to streamline occupational licensing

Policy Analyst Julie Grace today testified before the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Insurance, Licensing and Forestry in favor of SB 232 and SB 233, bills that would streamline the process of obtaining an occupational license. An excerpt of her testimony is below.