A proposal from state Rep. Timmy Beson rolling back regulations and making Michigan a better, more affordable place for workers, families and aspiring professionals was advanced overwhelmingly this week by the Michigan House.

“We are constantly competing with other states for jobs and workers,” Beson said. “The policies we have in place are a huge part of this. More regulation means more costs getting passed down to hardworking people, and it’s something that has been out of control for far too long. We are leading the way in the House to address this issue and deliver a better, more responsible way forward.”

Under Michigan law, certain occupations require licensure through the state. This licensing process includes training and examination requirements, proof of continuing education, and other things. Currently, any violations or disciplinary actions are posted to the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) public licensing website even if infractions are minor. House Bill 5284 allows for these minor regulatory offenses, such as missing continuing education hours, to be removed from someone’s record after certain conditions are met, which will allow people to keep and seek careers and fill workforce needs.

Beson’s plan allows for a one-time request to the department to set aside a continuing education requirement violation when renewing a license and remove the record from the public website. To ensure compliance, an individual must show LARA they have completed the continuing education requirement and have no further disciplinary actions within the past five years. The change covers certified public accountants, architects, engineers, surveyors, real estate brokers, and other professions.

“The state has forgiveness procedures for several other things, like for speeding tickets, and this would apply similarly to those who have a minor offense through the department,” Beson said. “A small oversight could penalize someone for years and impact their livelihoods, and that ultimately discourages workers and job providers from wanting to be in Michigan. This is the type of regulation that has stacked up unchecked in Lansing for years, and we can do a deep dive to deliver a fairer way of doing things.”

Beson’s plan is part of a wider bipartisan effort in the House to remove bureaucratic barriers that are driving up costs. The reforms will tackle the state’s cumbersome occupational licensing and permitting processes and focus on key areas like health care and housing. 

HB 5284 now moves to the Senate for consideration.