Rep .Nardone Proposes Reforms to Occupational Licensing in RI

Rep. Nardone Proposes Reforms to Occupational Licensing in RI

2/7/2024

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State House, Providence – Representative George Nardone (D 28, Coventry) is proposing to streamline professional credentialing in the State of Rhode Island in the upcoming legislative session. Occupational licensing can often impose high barriers to entry, making it harder to find work or to start a business in the Ocean State (LC004832). According to a report issued by the Institute for Justice, the average license for low- and moderate-income jobs in Rhode Island takes 287 days of education and experience to obtain the proper credentials. The return on investment for many of the licensed professions is not proportional to the income the job ultimately provides (for example cosmetology or hairdressing). Occupational licensing costs the state’s economy $675M and leads to nearly 7,000 fewer jobs, with Rhode Island ranking the second highest licensing burden in the New England Region (Massachusetts is higher). Approximately 17% of Rhode Island workers are licensed.

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“As someone who has conducted business in the State of Rhode Island for the past thirty years, I have a sound understanding of the many layers of complexities that come with running a small business,” said Representative Nardone. “I am introducing this legislation to curb some of those procedures, particularly those that come with licensing requirements.”

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The 2023 Rhode Island House of Representatives Minority Caucus (Republican) is comprised of the following elected members representing constituents who live in the following districts throughout the Ocean State: Minority Leader, Michael Chippendale, District 40 (Foster, Glocester, Coventry); Minority Whip David Place, District 47 (Burrillville, Glocester); Representative George Nardone, District 28 (Coventry); Representative Brian Newberry, District 48 (North Smithfield, Burrillville); Representative Robert Quattrocchi, District 41 (Scituate, Cranston); Representative Sherry Roberts, District 29 (Coventry, West Greenwich) Representative Brian Rea, District 53 (Glocester, Smithfield). For more information on the House Minority Caucus, please visit www.rihousegop.org

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In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders. As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.