Texas politician hopes to reduce absurd occupational licensing laws

Bill Callegari, Chairman of the Texas House Government Efficiency and Reform Committee, recently filed bills that could have positive ramifications for economic liberty in Texas.  According to this article, two bills by Callegari could affect any occupational license: “One would provide a mechanism for phasing out licenses deemed unnecessary; the other would make it easier to challenge rules governing occupational licensing requirements.”  That’s good news for fans of economic liberty. Many occupational licensing laws have protectionist roots and do not have any meaningful relationship to protecting the public. As the article notes, Texas requires licenses for jobs like shorthand court reporter, boxing timekeeper, and shellfish processor.  Callegari’s legislation could lead to meaningful occupational licensing reform.