ALEC Policy Champions: Louisiana Sen. Thomas Pressly and Rep. Charles Owen Bring Universal Recognition to the Pelican State
ALEC is honored to recognize Louisiana State Senator Thomas Pressly and State Representative Charles Owen as ALEC Policy Champions for their success bringing universal recognition of occupational licenses to Louisiana.
ALEC is honored to recognize Louisiana State Senator Thomas Pressly and State Representative Charles Owen as ALEC Policy Champions for their success bringing universal recognition of occupational licenses to Louisiana. Senator Pressly sponsored the Welcome Home Act in the Louisiana Senate, and Representative Owens carried the bill in the House. Louisiana became the 26th state with universal recognition when Governor Landry signed the bill in May.
Governor Landry applauded the bill, saying, “From day one, I have said we need to bring people back to Louisiana. In order to do this, we must provide incentives and reasons for people to want to call Louisiana their home. Senate Bill 60 prioritizes our skilled professionals and removes barriers of employment in our state.”
As Governor Landry highlighted, the Welcome Home Act removes employment barriers by allowing the recognition of out-of-state occupational licenses. Louisiana licensing boards must now issue a license to an individual with a valid out-of-state license or certification for an occupation with a “similar scope of practice.” To account for differences in licensing prerequisites between states, these workers must have held their license in good standing for at least one year and must pass a jurisprudential exam, if relevant to the occupation.
The Welcome Home Act shares similarities with one of ALEC’s Essential Policy Solutions for 2024: The Model Interstate-Mobility and Universal-Recognition Occupational Licensing Act. As explained in a previous blog, this model policy allows workers to receive an occupational license if they have one year of experience and an active occupational license, two years of experience and a professional certification, or three years of experience in the occupation. Additionally, it protects public health and safety by allowing states to require a state-specific exam to ensure that the licensed worker is equipped to navigate their unique regulations.
The Welcome Home Act opens the doors for skilled workers to find employment opportunities in Louisiana by recognizing proven experience. ALEC extends its congratulations to Senator Thomas Pressly and Representative Charles Owen on their success in decreasing labor barriers in the Pelican State.