AFP-WV Key Vote Alert: Senate Bill 458, Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025
Dear Lawmaker:
On behalf of Americans for Prosperity – West Virginia and our activists across the state, I urge you to support Senate Bill 458, Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025. We may include these votes in our 2025 legislative scorecard.
Senate Bill 458 is a commendable step toward improving workforce mobility and reducing unnecessary barriers to employment through recognizing out-of-state licenses without requiring additional examinations. The bill ensures professionals coming to West Virginia to provide their valuable services are granted licenses in our state through qualifying credentials they have acquired elsewhere. This legislation will increase job growth and service availability across our state in vital industries including health care by removing harmful barriers that hold our state back. By tracking and reporting application data, West Virginia is taking a proactive approach to evaluating the impact of this policy and ensuring transparency in implementation.
One major issue with occupational licensing is its restriction on worker mobility. A professional licensed in one state often cannot work in another without meeting additional costly and time-consuming requirements. However, a worker does not lose their skills simply by crossing state lines, yet licensing laws often treat them as if they do. To address this, organizations have developed the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act.
Inspired by Arizona’s 2019 reform, this model requires states to recognize out-of-state licenses if the worker holds a current license in another state or has been licensed for at least one year. This model is superior to reciprocity agreements and interstate compacts because it does not require bilateral agreements between states and applies universally. Additionally, it avoids the issue of permanently locking in outdated licensing requirements.
Occupational licenses are government-issued approvals determining who can work in certain professions. Originally, these licenses were reserved for high-risk professions such as doctors and lawyers. However, in recent decades, they have expanded to a wide range of occupations, including hair braiders, interior designers, and, in some states, even florists. In the 1950s, only 5% of the workforce required a license, but today, approximately 20% of workers need one to earn a living.
Occupational licensing has expanded far beyond its original purpose, often serving as an unnecessary and costly barrier to employment. By adopting universal recognition of licenses, states can increase labor mobility, expand job opportunities, and reduce economic burdens on workers and consumers alike. Already, nearly half of all states have adopted some form of universal recognition. Moving forward, policymakers should continue to advocate for licensing reform to foster economic growth and reduce unnecessary restrictions on the workforce.
I urge you to support Senate Bill 458, Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act of 2025. We may include these votes in our 2025 legislative scorecard.
Sincerely,
Jason Huffman
