LINCOLN- Advocates behind an overhaul of Nebraska occupational licensing celebrated the passage of a new law Wednesday, one week after Gov. Jim Pillen approved the measure. State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, who spearheaded LB16 this year, described the proposal as a “comprehensive rewrite” of the state’s occupational licensure laws. “After many, many years of hard work, we were able to finally bring it across the finish line this year,” Conrad said.

Laura Ebke, senior fellow for the Platte Institute, which advocates to remove barriers in the state, pointed to a handful of states, such as Arizona, that have advanced universal recognition of licenses and seen success. “If we can have a portion of that success, that’ll be wonderful,” Ebke said. LB 16 proves that good policy is cross-partisan and cross-ideological, Ebke said.

The legislation provides additional ways to license experienced workers coming from out of the state. Conrad said the bill removes red tape and barriers at a minimal cost with specific relief. The legislation is also part of “proven strategies” allowing second chance employment for people who have been involved with the criminal justice system but can then reenter society and the workforce successfully, Conrad explained.

For the full article click HERE