Wolf calls for looser professional licensing laws in Pa.

Gov. Tom Wolf is appealing to the Legislature to pass laws getting rid of 13 professional licensing requirements — including those for barbers, cemetery brokers, and auctioneers.

Licensing requirements in those jobs can be a barrier that keeps people from working, he’s argued.

Across the country, the number of professions requiring special state licenses has ballooned over several decades.

Pennsylvania is home to 29 boards and commissions that regulate 255 kinds of licenses.

Wolf’s call for fewer regulations comes after the release of a study he commissioned via executive order last year on the impact of license laws.

The commonwealth is about average when compared with other states. However, the study found it does have five license types that don’t exist anywhere else in the U.S.

Only one — cemetery broker — made it onto the administration’s discard list.

Loosening professional licensing laws will take legislative action.

A spokesman for House leaders noted that existing license laws are in place for a reason, but he added that the chamber is willing to discuss a change.