In early November, Georgia's lieutenant governor introduced a plan that would seek to have the Peach State join others in reducing barriers for professionals in several industries to obtain government-issued occupational licenses by adopting policies that have come to be known as “fair chance licensing reform.” 

Included in Lt. Gov. Burt Jones' plan is Senate Bill 157, which passed the Senate in 2022 but stalled in the House. If greenlit, the bill would allow individuals with arrest records for non-serious crimes seeking to work in education, food, pharmaceuticals, insurance, and other professions to become licensed professionally with fewer barriers and costs.  

For all license issues nationwide, the Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is available for consultation. Call us at 888.535.3686 or contact us through our online response form if you have questions about the status of your professional license.  

Red-Tape Trimming Trend  

This recent news reflects a larger shift nationwide away from laws that make it prohibitive for someone with even a minor arrest on their record to work in their chosen profession, whether real estate, finance, healthcare, education, or a trade. The impact on women and the economic costs of licensing requirements passed on to consumers are often noted as strong reasons to trim the red tape.  

While the trend toward fair chance licensing nationwide is growing, not every state or industry has or will be impacted, and licensed workers in these areas can still face the possibility of license suspension or revocation for minor offenses like recreational marijuana use.  

Record Number of Professions Require Licenses 

According to the National Employment Law Project, one in four jobs nationwide requires a license (five times the number in the 1950s). This dramatically impacts the availability of qualified individuals hoping to join or stay in the workforce.  

It also means that you may be personally impacted if your occupation requires that you earn and maintain a license. Should you ever make a mistake, your license could be at very real risk. Today, an imperfect record could cost a professional seeking a license – or an already licensed professional facing even a misdemeanor charge – their entire livelihood.  

Worried About Losing Your License?  

The Professional License Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm is dedicated to helping license holders who are determined to keep their careers. We have experience negotiating with state licensing boards of all kinds, from nursing and medical boards to boards regulating engineers and architects. Call us at 888.535.3686 or contact us through our automated online response form to discuss your specific license question or concern.