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Little orders review of Idaho's occupational licensing requirements

Posted at 11:13 AM, May 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-19 13:13:53-04

Lieutenant Governor Brad Little -- in his capacity as acting governor -- signed an executive order Friday, directing a sweeping review of Idaho's occupational licensing requirements. 

"To my knowledge, we have never reviewed many of these licenses. From this last legislative session, it's clear that we need to take a comprehensive look at our practices -- and how and why they were implemented," Little said, in signing the "Licensing Freedom Act."

Executive Order 2017-06 requires State agencies to submit a report to the Office of the Governor no later than July 1st of next year. The report will assess whether the licensure requirements are necessary and in the public interest, while providing recommendations for improvement, modification or elimination. 

"It's been nearly four decades since government has taken a look at many of these licenses, and with advancements in technology it's time for us to ask: Is it needed? Can we modernize? How can the state provide better customer service?  Can government get out of the way and still protect the common good?" Little said. "I don't see this as a knock on government, but rather as an opportunity for government to work with citizens, to roll back unneeded regulation, and make our processes more user-friendly."

Under the review process, the report from each Executive agency will include:
-The timeframe in which a license is either granted or denied
-Prerequisites for a license
-Renewal requirements
-Requirements for accepting or denying an application and license renewal
-Qualifications for suspension, revocation or other disciplinary action
-The cost to apply for an application or renewal of a license
-The cost for administering the licensing and renewal process

In addition to the executive order, Little set up a website and email address for the public to provide testimony on licensing concerns.

"I'd like to hear directly from those who are affected by licensing requirements. I realize they might not want to report directly to overseeing agencies, so this will provide an outlet for them to freely express their ideas and concerns," Little stated. "Government always needs to do its part to protect citizens, but it also must make sure it does not interfere where it's not needed.  I always say, 'Only the lightest possible hand.'"

Comments can be emailed to freedomact@lgo.idaho.gov or posted at lgo.idaho.gov/freedomact/.