Nebraska: A National Leader for Occupational Licensing Reform
A bill to review Nebraska’s job licensing laws and to remove employment barriers for workers with conviction histories has been signed into law after winning overwhelming approval in the state Legislature. State Senator Laura Ebke’s Legislative Bill 299 will require a review of all of Nebraska’s job licensing laws every five years, with the goal of identifying less restrictive regulations than licensing. Workers with conviction histories can also receive an advisory opinion from state licensing boards about their eligibility to work in a licensed profession prior to beginning a training program.
The Platte Institute testified in support of LB299 in a 2017 legislative hearing. It also partnered with a coalition consisting of the ACLU of Nebraska, the Institute for Justice, the Foundation for Government Accountability, Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska, and Nebraska Appleseed to advance LB299. The Wall Street Journal editorial board took note of this collaboration, calling the legislation a model for job licensing reform.
“LB299 was one of the Platte Institute’s top priorities in the 2018 legislative session, because it will help give power back to Nebraskans. It will cut the hidden tax of red tape that is creating barriers for working people across our state,” said Jim Vokal, chief executive officer of the Platte Institute.
Now, the Platte Institute will educate lawmakers and legislative staff about how to implement the new law. “While passing this legislation is just the first of many steps, we are eager for lawmakers to begin this important five-year review process,” said Vokal.
