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.
REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Chicago Recovery Grants
“City funding will support more than $137 million in neighborhood investments.” Twenty-six new and expanded restaurants, health centers, cultural institutions and other neighborhood improvement projects will move forward through more than $33.5 million in Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP) grants announced by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and City officials. This funding is all available through…
Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Meet the Candidates Series
The SBAC hosted a meet the candidate series for the republican candidates running for Illinois Governor. You can listen to the discussions here! Mayor Richard Irvin Senator Paul Schimpf Max Solomon Jesse Sullivan Gary Rabine Senator Darren Bailey The primaries will be held on June 28th. SPONSORS Fifth Third Bank Saul Ewing Arnstein Lehr Inland…
Secretary of State Candidate Forum
Thank you State Representative Brady, City Clerk Anna Valencia, and Alderman David Moore for joining us last week at our Illinois Secretary of State Candidate’s Forum! The Secretary of State’s office provides important services to small businesses and can help improve the confidence the small business community has in our government. Hear opening statements from…