Pennsylvania Executive Order Promises to Speed Up Occupational Licensing

Marc JoffeGovernor Josh Shapiro has built on a previous occupational licensing reform in Pennsylvania with a new executive order. Under the order, Shapiro ’s office will set a maximum acceptable length of time for state agencies to process license applications. Whenever an agency exceeds the time limit, it will be required to return the applicant ’s fee.In an accompanyingpress release, the Governor ’s office observed that “Unpredictability and long wait times for Commonwealth‐​issued licenses, certificates, and permits can create unnecessary barriers for Pennsylvania workers and businesses.” The release concluded that:Under the direction of the Governor, the Administration will work expeditiously to ensure Pennsylvanians get responses in a timely manner —and the Shapiro Administration will have real skin in the game. Governor Shapiro is making clear his Administration will be customer‐​service oriented and that state government will work harder to get them a response, so that they can pursue their dreams.If implemented effectively, the order will make state agencies more focused on customer service: an orientation that should be appreciated by anyone who has spent hours waiting at a DMV office. It will also further ease the state ’s historically onerous licensing regime.The order builds on a 2019 law that implemented universal licensing recognition. Under that year ’s House Bill 1172, a professional can obtain a&...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs