There are about 180 occupational licenses on Michigan’s books. Many of them also exist in other states, but some are unique to Michigan. Some entail reasonable requirements and ensure a basic level of proficiency for licensed workers. But others require training and costs that far exceed what workers face in other states.
The state should establish a “sunrise” and “sunset” review process. A sunrise review would analyze newly proposed occupational licenses, while a sunset process would require periodic reviews of existing ones. An independent board should assess these regulations, considering their stringency and likelihood of improving public health and safety. A committee in 2012 analyzed occupational licensing and called for eliminating licenses covering two dozen jobs. It also called for loosening rules for many other occupations.[75] The Legislature adopted some of these recommendations, but a review of this kind should be a regular event.
A 2020 Mackinac Center report proposed a process for how these reviews could work, including what factors to evaluate when determining whether a license was necessary and effective.[76] Listed below are some key factors these reviews should consider.