Bill Description: House Bill 178 requires state licensing authorities to issue a license if a person serves an apprenticeship, pays the required fees, and passes a certification exam, if one is required.

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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 178 creates Section 67-9412, Idaho Code, which says that "a licensing authority shall grant a license to any applicant who has" "completed an applicable apprenticeship program;" "passed an applicable examination, if required by a licensing authority;" "paid any applicable fees;" and "met any other criteria unrelated to training and education ordinarily required by a licensing authority."

It further states, "If a licensing authority denies licensure to an applicant on the basis that the applicant's apprenticeship is not an applicable apprenticeship program, such licensing authority shall issue such denial in writing and explain why the applicant's apprenticeship program has been deemed inapplicable by the licensing authority. Such decision shall be a final administrative action and shall be subject to judicial review."

While this bill contains exceptions that partially negate its value, and it still embraces the flawed and anti-market concept of occupational licensing, the underlying concept — apprenticeships should constitute sufficient training to qualify someone to work in the relevant field — is a welcome addition to Idaho code.

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