HB 3976 – Taxpayer-funded professional license waivers

HB 3976 would require state agencies to waive license renewal fees for college instructors teaching in high-demand professions. While the goal is to attract qualified instructors, this policy shifts the financial burden to taxpayers by cutting over $2 million in state revenue during the next two years, with continued losses annually. This sets a concerning precedent of picking winners—subsidizing certain professionals while ignoring others equally vital to the economy. The bill expands government involvement in the free market by distorting the licensing process and it grows state financial obligations without a funding mechanism or spending cut to offset the cost. The state should instead focus on reducing overall licensing burdens and regulations for everyone, not carving out new exemptions.