84R13488 RMA-D
By: Goldman H.C.R. No. 97
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Our citizens deserve the freedom to pursue their
chosen career paths without unnecessary interference from the
government, but occupational licensure imposes undue burdens on
many aspiring professionals and disincentives on working in
numerous industries; and
WHEREAS, The list of occupations subjected to these
regulations continues to expand, with approximately 150 trades and
professions needing a state-issued license; while licensure is
often justified in fields that affect health, safety, and public
welfare, it too frequently imposes onerous fees and requires
state-administered examinations even in areas in which such
concerns are absent; and
WHEREAS, In addition to limiting the potential success of
individuals, licensure negatively impacts our economy by reducing
job growth, decreasing competition, discouraging innovation, and
hindering business investment; and
WHEREAS, By repealing specific occupational licensure
requirements and reforming general licensing laws, the government
can help advance a free market system that creates boundless
opportunities for individuals and furthers the economic prosperity
of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby request the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house
of representatives to create a joint interim committee to conduct a
study on occupational licensing and issues for reform; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the study specifically examine:
(1) abolishing criminal penalties;
(2) identifying health and safety requirements;
(3) increasing reciprocity for individuals licensed
in other jurisdictions;
(4) eliminating grandfathering practices;
(5) linking licensure requirements to the goal of
protecting the health and safety of the public; and
(6) the potential benefit of enacting a blanket
opt-out exemption for all occupations unrelated to health and
safety, as long as exempted workers disclose that they are
operating without a state-issued license; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be
governed by such general rules and policies for joint interim
committees as the 84th Legislature may adopt.