FTC task force to focus on occupational licensing requirements
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced the formation of a joint labor task force comprising directors from the Bureaus of Competition, Consumer Protection, Economics, and the Office of Policy Planning. This task force is directed to investigate deceptive, unfair, and anticompetitive labor practices, with a particular focus on occupational licensing requirements that may serve as unwarranted barriers to entry and reduce labor mobility. Historically, the proportion of U.S. workers requiring licenses has grown significantly, from 5% in the 1950s to 20% in 2024. The FTC aims to advocate for state-level reforms to occupational licensing regimes and examine how professional associations may contribute to heightened barriers through increased licensing requirements.