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Lawmakers hear broad support for capping occupational license fees to boost workforce entry
Summary
Senators and House members heard bipartisan backing for SB 611, a bill that would cap or reduce many occupational licensing fees. Supporters including business groups and lawmakers said the fee cuts would lower barriers into in‑demand jobs and help Connecticut retain and attract workers, especially for trades and
Lawmakers told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that capping certain occupational license fees could ease entry into in‑demand work and help address staffing shortages.
SB 611 would establish maximum charges for dozens of licenses, permits and registrations administered by state agencies. Supporters — including business groups, municipal officials and a stream of legislators — said Connecticut’s fees are out of step with neighboring states and act as a de facto tax on people trying to enter trades and professions. Representative Tina Corpus cited Legislative Research comparisons that showed Connecticut CPA annual license fees at $565, more than three times similar northeastern states.
Senators and representatives from both parties urged the committee to move the measure. “You shouldn’t have to pay to go to work,” said Representative Steve Weir, who noted the bill would pick up where a vetoed prior‑session measure left off. Senators Fazio and others also linked fee reductions to efforts to recruit educators, tradespeople and other licensed workers the state needs.
Business groups including the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and testimony from Bonnie Stewart of the Connecticut Society of CPAs supported fee relief while urging careful drafting to avoid unintended impacts. Opponents were limited in number at the hearing; several members emphasized the need to quantify fiscal impacts and to coordinate with the governor’s similar proposals in the budget.
What’s next: Committee members asked for fiscal details and comparisons across states. The bill has broad bipartisan interest, and sponsors said they will work with Appropriations and DCP to target the largest barriers and to estimate impacts on licensing agency funds.
Sources: public testimony at General Law Committee hearing (Feb. 10, 2025) from Representative Steve Weir, Representative Tina Corpus, Senator Fazio, Bonnie Stewart (CT Society of CPAs), Connor Norris (WVU regulatory research center) and Matthew LaBizetta.
