State Occupational Licensing Review and Reform

archived

The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL” or “the Department”) Employment and Training Administration (ETA), announces the availability of approximately $4.5 million in grant funds authorized by the FY 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act, as clarified by language and instructions set forth in House Report 114-699 and Senate Report 114-274, for the State Occupational Licensing Review and Reform grant program. Individual states can apply for between $100,000 and $450,000 for a three-year grant. An association of states can apply for up to $1,000,000 for a three-year grant. The Department intends to fund approximately 10-20 states, and may also fund one to two associations of states. The overarching goal of this grant program is to provide states with the means to review and streamline occupational licensing requirements in state-identified occupations and to promote portability of state licenses to and from other states, which is of particular concern to dislocated workers and military families. States will objectively analyze the relevant licensing criteria, potential portability issues, and determine whether licensing requirements are overly broad or burdensome in presenting barriers to specific populations, such as those with criminal records or convicted offenders. States may consider the potential of alternative approaches that would be adequate to protect public health and safety.

High