Occupational Licensing Reform
Occupational licenses are often necessary to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. However, when these licenses are revisited by legislators, it is important they have accurate and unbiased information before determining whether and how to maintain such a license.
Regulatory Sunset Review - HB5576
This legislation amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to require the existing sunset report process collects and provides comprehensive and specific information about the need for licensure, the licensing process, and the equity concerns arising from personal qualifications, such as the cost of training and continuing education and whether such requirements are suitably addressing public safety. The bill provides guidance for the report’s recommendations of modifications to licensing rules that will lower barriers for applicants but still address genuine public safety concerns, including a list of regulatory tools other than licensure, like registration or certification, disclosures, or insurance requirements. The bill does not usurp legislators' ability to make the final determination regarding a license.
License Information Task Force - HB5575
This legislation creates a task force that includes representatives from low- and middle-income licensed occupations along with a mix of academics, advocates, administrators, and legislators. The goal of the task force is to collect, centralize, and analyze data from IDFPR about low- and middle-income licensed occupations and evaluate licenses using an equity and access lens. The legislation provides that a final report will be published and provided to the General Assembly with recommendations about increasing equity and economic opportunity. With this comprehensive information, legislators can target reform efforts to preserve public safety while removing unnecessary requirements.
Phil Gafka – Insights & Blogs
Phil has been a mentor with us for a minute now and he’s always willing to help where there is need. Perhaps you joined us last summer when he hosted our first ever Lunch-and-Learn on leadership, a quality he demonstrated well then. Phil’s also a writer, and he frequently updates his website with blogs he’s…
Saul Ewing Employment Update
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE January 2024Authored by: David G. Shapiro and Marielle C. MacMinnSBAC Partner, Saul Ewing, provides an update on dubious Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims – “many of which were made at the urging of aggressive promoters. The IRS is offering a limited-time Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) to encourage taxpayers to come forward, allowing…
Chicago Paid Time Off Ordinance Final Rules
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE Helpful Resources: Chicago Labor Laws Educational Resources: You can find law-specific fact sheets for all Chicago Labor Laws, as well as additional resources focused on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance. Overview of Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance Webinar – May 22, 2024 Descripción General…