Natural State News

Arkansas state Rep. David Ray (R-Maumelle) along with Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett) filed legislation last week that would help waive initial occupational licensing fees for low-income state residents to remove barriers and expand opportunity.

SB 153 would eliminate initial fees for certain occupational and professional regulations and also the fees associated with starting a small business for low-income Arkansans.

“The General Assembly finds that … entrepreneurs and workers must pay various fees in order to work in a government-regulated profession or occupation or to start a small business in Arkansas," the bill states. "Families trying to break the cycle of government dependency should not have to pay the state to earn a living ... Arkansas should waive initial fees associated with 15 occupational and professional regulations and the formation of a business for 16 low-income individuals.” 

“We need to be laser-focused on breaking down barriers to opportunity, encouraging entrepreneurship, and incentivizing work -- especially in light of all the disruption that COVID-19 has caused to our economy,” Ray told Natural State News. “There are a lot of folks who have been laid off through no fault of their own, and if my bill can help some of them move into a career that helps them and their families thrive, that's a great thing.” 

The bill will mostly affect those who live below the poverty line.

“This bill will help low-income Arkansans by waiving the initial licensing fees, permitting fees, or fees associated with starting a business for individuals who are under 200% of the federal poverty guidelines,” Ray said. “These fees can sometimes be hundreds of dollars, and they can act as a significant barrier for someone who is living paycheck to paycheck and trying to obtain a license.”

Ray said he has received mostly positive feedback on the bill and hopes it will provide opportunity.

“I'm sure some of the folks who work in government are less excited about the bill," he said. "But I don't see my job as simply protecting the status quo. My job is to help make Arkansas the best possible place to live, work and raise a family, and that means helping people thrive. This bill is all about removing barriers to opportunity so individuals can fulfill their God-given potential.” 

Foundation for Government Accountability found that a majority of Arkansans support reducing barriers for work. In addition, the FGA found that licensing is a barrier to economic growth and opportunity.