Louisiana lawmakers demonstrated their commitment to reducing unnecessary government restrictions on work with the recent passage of two occupational licensing reform bills that were signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry. Occupational licenses essentially serve as government permission slips to work and are regulated by state boards, which are supposed to ensure that any requirements advance a legitimate health, safety, or welfare objective. Unfortunately, many regulations adopted over the years extend far beyond that standard and serve as barriers to opportunity and limitations on competition in the marketplace. The new laws, which represent big steps forward for Louisiana, build upon years of dedicated advocacy and hard work by the Pelican Institute and numerous partners to address poverty, unlock opportunity through jobs, and grow the state’s economy.

Act 253: Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses

Act 253, championed by Senator Thomas Pressly and Representative Chuck Owens, marks a monumental step in making Louisiana a more welcoming state for professionals from across the country. This legislation, enacted in several other states, requires Louisiana boards to issue occupational licenses to individuals who have worked in the same role in another state for at least one year and in good standing. By simplifying the approval process for professionals moving or returning to Louisiana and avoiding the need to start all over with education, training, and testing requirements, Act 253 ensures that professionals can continue their careers seamlessly upon relocating and serve Louisiana businesses and customers.

The authors, working with Governor Landry, rightly named this legislation the “Welcome Home Act,” as it will streamline the process that many individuals, including those who are returning home after moving away, to provide for their families.

Act 643: Removing Licensing Requirements for Florists

Act 643, introduced by Representative Mike Bayham, addresses one of the more peculiar licensing requirements in the state. Until now, Louisiana required florists to obtain a license, a mandate that not too long ago included passing a test to arrange flowers. That portion of the test was “graded” by existing licensed florists—prospective competitors in the local market. The licensing requirement has been unique to Louisiana, a national embarrassment, as no other state imposed such stringent regulations on the floral industry.

Act 643 removes the testing requirement but retains the fee for obtaining a florist permit. By eliminating the need for a test, the bill reduces unnecessary barriers to entry for individuals wishing to work as florists. This change not only simplifies the process for aspiring florists, but also underscores the state’s commitment to removing superfluous regulations that do not contribute to consumer safety or service quality.

The Impact of Licensing Reforms

The passage of Act 253 and Act 643 is part of a broader movement to reform occupational licensing in Louisiana. The Institute for Justice has been instrumental in highlighting the overly restrictive nature of many of these licenses. According to their research, nearly one in five workers in Louisiana requires an occupational license to legally perform their job, a proportion that often places unnecessary burdens on workers without demonstrable benefits to public welfare or service quality.

Louisiana has consistently ranked among the states with the most stringent licensing requirements. However, these two important steps forward are indicative of a new, positive direction towards reducing government barriers as the state simultaneously works to improve workforce participation and achieve economic growth through other reforms. If lawmakers stay the course, Louisiana could quickly become an attractive place for skilled workers and a viable economic competitor on the national scene.