Warner Robins Today

Scheduled at the Georgia State Capitol on November 28, the Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing, chaired by Sen. Larry Walker III, will analyze workforce challenges linked to current licensing practices. This event represents a significant effort in investigating and proposing policy changes to improve the state's economy and create better employment opportunities.

The meeting details have been officially outlined. According to a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, the committee is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., which will take place at Room 450, Georgia State Capitol, located at 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta GA 30334.

The focus of this committee's investigation emerges from specific legislation. According to Senate Resolution 85, the Senate Occupational Licensing Study Committee was established to examine Georgia's occupational licensing laws and will assess successful reforms in other states to streamline processes, reduce work barriers, eliminate unnecessary regulations and promote the state's economic growth. The committee aims to alleviate barriers to employment and propose reforms in line with the resolution's goals for the upcoming legislative session.

This issue arises from existing data about Georgia's regulation landscape. According to Senate Resolution 85, research indicates that Georgia possesses some of the country's more burdensome occupational licensing laws.

A crucial figure leading this effort is Sen. Larry Walker III. According to a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, Larry Walker is a Republican State Senator for District 20 in Georgia since December 18, 2015. He won re-election in the November 8, 2022 general election and represents various counties including Bleckley, Dodge Dooly Laurens Pulaski Treutlen Wilcox, and part of Houston County.