Oklahoma Senate Bill SB895

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Labor; creating the Right to Earn a Living Act; limiting occupational license regulations to fulfill certain objections. Effective date.

Impact

The legislation calls for a comprehensive review of all occupational regulations to determine their necessity in fulfilling legitimate public health, safety, or welfare objectives. If an agency discovers that a regulation does not meet the stipulated criteria, it must either repeal it or recommend legislative action to modify it. These reforms aim to facilitate a more favorable environment for employment and entrepreneurship by ensuring that regulations do not impede economic opportunities.

Summary

Senate Bill 895, known as the Right to Earn a Living Act, proposes significant reforms to the regulatory landscape for occupational licensure in Oklahoma. It allows individuals to petition state agencies to repeal or modify existing occupational regulations. Agencies are required to respond to these petitions within 90 days by either making identified changes or justifying the continuation of existing regulations. The bill aims to streamline the regulatory process and reduce unnecessary barriers to entry into various professions.

Contention

However, the bill is not without contention. Opponents argue that such deregulation could jeopardize public safety and quality standards, as some regulations serve to protect the public from inadequate professional practices. Additionally, critics express concern that the bill could undermine essential regulatory frameworks that ensure accountability within various occupations. The implications of allowing more challenges to occupational regulations also raise concerns about potential overreach by individuals seeking to disrupt established professions for economic gain.