Occupational Licensing Reform

Prior to COVID-19, Washington state faced shortages for certain licensed professions. Washington State licenses a high percentage of the state’s workforce which, coupled with high regulations, forms large barriers for individuals to enter these occupations. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, causing an even greater shortage as staff became ill or unable to provide services due to their own risk factors. This caused the governor to act to alleviate some of these barriers to licensure via proclamation, making this session an important time to consider which regulations should return and which should be removed altogether