LINCOLN- A bill that would remove existing barriers to occupational licensure has made it through the first round of debate in the Nebraska Legislature. Lawmakers advanced Legislative Bill 16 in a 41-1 vote Monday. The bill includes multiple proposals to ease regulations on obtaining individual work licenses in Nebraska in an attempt to help the state’s ongoing labor shortage.

“This is about removing needless red tape,” said State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. LB16 was originally introduced last year by former Sen. Tom Briese, who has since resigned from the Legislature to take up the post of state treasurer. Conrad, who was a co-sponsor of the bill last year, took ownership of the bill in Briese’s absence and made it her priority bill for this session.

Among other things, LB 16 would make it easier for the state’s licensing boards to issue licenses to experienced workers outside Nebraska and would clarify what criminal offenses would exclude someone from getting a license. Officials said the bill would pave the way for skilled workers entering Nebraska, therefore aiding the state’s economy.

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