Regulatory barriers to practicing particular professions are continuously being erected by government bodies to the detriment of our economy. The Institute for Justice has fought against arbitrary hair braiding licensing in Arizona, California, D.C., Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, and Washington. They have fought licensing of casket makers in Tennessee, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The have fought against taxi and limousine licensing in Denver, New York City, and Las Vegas. Other battles they have fought were against monopoly control of floral arranging, trash hauling, interior design, sign hanging, and weed control.
Throughout the past century, state and local governments have been working hard at creating and maintaining corporate monopolies. In 1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA). This act legalized cartels and set minimum prices for many products. Governmental bodies continually decrease consumer freedom by enacting protective tariffs, licensing laws, prices fixing schemes, franchise granting, and outright subsidies.
Comparison of Economic Trends: Licensing versus Unionization
W.E. Upjohn Institute Study: Regulating Occupations: Quality or Monopoly
The New Jersey Legislature continues to increase the number of professions that must be licensed by the state. This table shows several bills that have been introduced in the current session.
| Bill | Title | Category* |
|
Requires licensing of genetic counselors |
1 |
|
|
Requires the Licensing of certain security officers and the registration of their employers. |
1 (with exceptions) |
|
|
Creates Construction Trades Licensing Board for Licensing and regulation of several construction professions; creates new division for homeowner protection in Department of Law and Public Safety. |
1 |
|
|
Establishes site remediation professional Licensing board within DEP. |
2? |
|
|
Requires Licensing of mortgage originators; revises "New Jersey Licensed Lenders Act." |
1 |
|
|
Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act. |
2 |
|
|
A2930 |
Provides for Licensing and regulation of private process serving businesses. |
? |
|
Dietitian/Nutritionist Licensing Act. |
1 |
|
|
* Categories
|
||
The Good news
The NJ Legislature does have some bills that ease licensing restrictions. However they may never come up for a vote mainly because they don't have paid lobbyists pushing for reform. In fact, established licensed business may work against these bills.
|
Exempts certain low-voltage installations from electrical contractor Licensing requirements. |
|
|
Exempts certified multiple peril crop adjusters from the "Public Adjusters' Licensing Act." |
|
|
Removes Licensing requirement for recreational senior citizen bingo games. |
|
|
Exempts child care centers operating in public schools from certain environmental review Licensing requirements. |