Louisiana has a problem — a licensing problem. Louisiana has some of the most onerous and unusual licensing requirements in the country. The state also ties for first in licensing the most lower-income professions in the country.

An occupational license is a government permission slip to work in one’s chosen field. Occupational licenses have been required for some professions, such as doctors and lawyers, for many decades. The historical justification for requiring government permission before engaging in such occupations is that government regulators can protect the public from harms or fraud by requiring that certain standards be met prior to engaging in dangerous or risky professions.

Increasing, however, there has been a growing trend towards prohibiting people from working or starting a business without first asking permission from government — even if they aren’t posing any health or safety threat to the public.

Click Here to learn more about how to restore the right to earn a living in Louisiana.