Connecticut has some of the most burdensome occupational licensing regulations in the country, as Bryce Chinault noted in testimony in support of SB 135 before the General Law Committee: 

"We have the highest in the nation fees to become a preschool teacher at $1,010; the longest time commitment in the nation to become a glazier at 1,825 days (5 years); amongst the highest exam requirements for occupations like bus driver, optician, and HVAC contractor; and we are the only state to require a license to be a forest worker. 

Furthermore, the amount of economic activity that is lost due to all the costs associated with occupational licensing in Connecticut is substantial. In 2018, the Institute for Justice estimated that there would have been nearly 50,000 more people employed in Connecticut, and a conservative estimate of a $400 million increase in economic activity if these licenses were repealed. Occupational licensing is clearly increasing costs, decreasing economic opportunity, and reducing the tax base in Connecticut." 

Further content from Chinault's testimony: 

"As noted in a report by The White House Council of Economic Advisors in 2015, occupational licensing imposes significant costs on individuals seeking employment in regulated areas, increases costs on goods and services due to a reduction in market competition, and often fails to demonstrate the quality, health, and safety benefits that licensing proponents often claim. 

There are 19 states, including Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio that have recently adopted universal recognition of occupational licenses from other states and Connecticut could greatly benefit from following their lead." 

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