Senate committee recommends changes to state occupational licensing

A committee sanctioned by the Georgia Senate has released recommendations to change how the state regulates workers through occupational licenses.

In a 12-page recently released report, the committee, chaired by state Sen. Larry Walker III, proposes easing regulations on obtaining specific state licenses and even eliminating license requirements for some professions to help ease worker shortages in some fields and remove perceived barriers in others.

across the state. He said he plans to put the recommendations before legislators when the General Assembly reconvenes next month.

“I do expect several pieces of legislation to come out of this,” he said. “We’re going to examine where we can reduce these barriers. It will encourage people to work and help reduce labor shortages.”

Many of the proposals aim to fill staffing gaps in the healthcare industry, such as additional funding for the board governing doctors and nurses, giving those boards, which not only review the credentials and training of healthcare professionals but also investigate potential malpractice, more resources to process applications. Other recommendations include shortening the waiting period for expedited licenses from 90 days to 30 and adopting programs to help military medics continue to work while seeking civilian training.

Additionally, the committee recommends workers in certain fields licensed in other states be allowed to work in Georgia.

“We do have some interstate compacts, but we need to look into expanding that or going to a universal recognition,” Walker said.

According to data in the Senate committee report, Georgia ranks 12th in national listings for burdensome occupational licensing laws by government watchdog groups. The report says over 40 licensing boards work under the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, governing over 140 professions. Other boards, such as the Georgia Composite Medical Board, operate independently.

The committee has ordered a review of licensed occupations to potentially phase out requirements for some positions, particularly those not associated with public health or safety, such as librarians, low-voltage electrical contractors, make-up artists and manicurists.

“Some of these requirements can be onerous to lower-wage type professions,” Walker said. “Why do you need a license to install a telephone or do nails?”

Walker said he does expect some resistance as lawmakers explore the options. Some workers are worried that removing licenses could affect the quality of the labor pool.

“It’s important that a librarian has a wide range of knowledge. It is a skill you have to learn and maintain,” said Beverly Brown, the director of the five-county Oconee Regional Library system. “Material and data change. You have to stay abreast of the changes.”

Not all library positions in Georgia require a license, but librarians, the staff overseeing collections and services, must be certified through the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.

The certification must be renewed every two years. Georgia law requires library directors also to hold a master’s level degree. The Oconee Library System has four certified librarians, including Brown, who oversee 31 workers.

Julie Walker, the state librarian and vice chancellor for libraries and archives, argues that requiring licenses helps maintain the quality of library services across the state and prepare for possible emergencies as libraries serve as public spaces.

“Working in a library is not just checking books in and out,” she said.

Brown agreed, noting that libraries now contend with public issues like homelessness and mental health.

“The director is responsible for leading and guiding the staff,” she said. “I spend a lot of my time writing procedures to help deal with situations.

The Georgia General Assembly will meet in Atlanta by the second Monday in January.

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