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Occupational Licensing Reform

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.

Insights Archive

Cook County Assessor Candidate Forum

By growthzone | May 1, 2022

SBAC Presents: Cook County Assessor Candidate Forum 2022  The SBAC and a robust number of business organizations held a candidate forum for Cook County Assessor.  You can watch the forum and hear from Cook County Assessor Friz Kaegi, Commissioner Kari Steele and Mr. Tsatsoulis the individuals running for Cook County Assessor here! We have marked…

REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: Outdoor Dining Along Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park Kicks Off Friday As Part Of Chicago Alfresco Program

By growthzone | April 22, 2022

“The program could be renewed for up to three if this run is successful,” Hadden wrote. Dining in the streets returns Friday to Rogers Park on Glenwood Avenue. This is a part of the Chicago Alfresco initiative, which seeks to create opportunities for long term community public spaces across Chicago. Small businesses are an integral…

REVITALIZATION IN THE NEWS: City Leaders Announce 15,000 Jobs for Teens and Young Adults

By growthzone | April 13, 2022

New summer opportunities available for Chicago’s teens and young adults. Jobs, volunteer opportunities and arts programs will be available at Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Libraries and other city agencies. This comes after the pandemic has sidelined these programs over the past two years.   These programs making a return provide a…

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