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Utah House defeats bill requiring professionals to disclose restricted licenses
Summary
The House rejected HB 5, a bill that would have required professionals with disciplinary restrictions to disclose those limits to consumers. Supporters called it a consumer-protection measure; opponents cited reputational harm, administrative cost and overreach. The bill failed 28-39.
The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 13 rejected House Bill 5, which would have required licensed professionals to disclose restrictions imposed on their licenses after disciplinary action.
Sponsor Representative Dave Cox, who framed the measure as a consumer-protection reform, said the proposal was narrowly targeted. “This is a consumer protection issue,” Cox said during floor debate, arguing that some consumers have no way to know when a practitioner’s license is limited. He and other supporters said limited disclosure would help users make informed choices without permanently revoking a professional’s livelihood.
Opponents pushed back, saying the bill risked unfairly damaging reputations and imposing heavy administrative burdens. Representative Garn warned that the measure could subject workers to job loss for technical violations, and Representative King said the bill’s language already provides flexibility so that disclosure need not be public or stigmatizing. Members also highlighted a fiscal note estimating roughly $26,400 to fund enforcement and a half-time position to track compliance.
After extended exchanges about enforcement, the scope of disclosures, and whether existing boards and the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing could handle enforcement, the House voted. House Bill 5 failed, receiving 28 yes votes and 39 no votes; the bill will be filed.
Next steps: With the measure defeated, proponents who favor greater consumer information may pursue narrower statutory language or administrative-rule changes with DOPL and relevant boards.
