JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives gave its stamp of approval to legislation meant to provide Missourians with relief from some of the state’s burdensome licensing requirements. By a vote of 146-1, the House approved State Rep. Derek Grier’s legislation (HB 1710) that would allow for reciprocity of professional licenses with other states.
“My goal as a legislator is to make Missouri a more desirable place for skilled employees and employers, and to get government off the backs of hard-working Missourians,” said Grier, R-Chesterfield. “I think HB 1710 makes an important step forward by honoring and recognizing the skills professionals have obtaining in other states, and eliminating the need for duplicative training.”
HB 1710 would recognize professional licenses and certifications from other states that have substantially similar training and educational requirements. The bill is meant to reduce barriers to entry and make it easier for folks to immediately get back to work without burdensome and stifling restrictions requiring repetitive education.
Grier has stressed the need for the bill by pointing to a study produced by the Women’s Foundation and MU Institute of Public Policy entitled ‘Occupational Licensing and Women Entrepreneurs in Missouri.’ The study found that “Occupational licensing in Missouri and throughout the U.S., which is intended to protect the safety and well-being of the public, can often create barriers for entrepreneurs by restricting entry and re-entry into professions, reducing employment, and creating economic inequity.” As part of the study, one of the primary recommendations was to “broaden reciprocity provisions to all licensed professionals.”
Grier added, “This is a change that will make Missouri a more desirable place for business and attract skilled workers by recognizing their existing training and professionalism.”
Grier’s legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
