Bill Description: House Bill 107 would implement small measures to promote occupational licensing reform.

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Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market?

House Bill 107 would amend Section 67-9402, Idaho Code, which is the "Declaration of Policy" for the Occupational Licensing Reform Act. The bill would add language saying, "No new licensure of a person to practice a profession or occupation may be created by an administrative rule or policy in the absence of express statutory authorization; and by July 1, 2026, all licensure fees shall be established in statute or rule."

This language should provide an additional degree of legislative oversight to occupational licensing in Idaho. 

Additionally, House Bill 107 would repeal and replace Section 67-9407, Idaho Code, which calls for a report that was due to the Legislature more than 5 years ago. The replacement section would be titled, "Universal Occupational and Professional Licensing Practice Authority," and clarify that licensed professionals may engage in acts that are not prohibited, are "consistent with the individual's education, training, and experience" and are "within the accepted standard of care for the licensed professional's profession or occupation that would be provided in the same or similar setting by a reasonable and prudent individual with the same or similar education, training, and experience."

Occupational licensing mandates are government-created barriers to entry into the market, and the changes contained in House Bill 107 represent small steps to reduce the harm these barriers inflict.

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