Executive Order 13966 · 2020-12-17

Increasing Economic and Geographic Mobility

Directs Changes to Job Licensing to Increase Worker Mobility

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Signed by Donald Trump
Published 2020-12-17

What it does

Agencies must review licensing rules and submit reports identifying needed changes within 90 days and every two years thereafter.

Real-world impact

  • Encourages states to recognize out-of-state licenses, easing moves for workers.
  • Encourages applicants with criminal records to seek preliminary licensing decisions.
  • Requires agencies to collect and publish reports on state licensing policies and reforms.

Topics

job licensingworker mobilitymilitary spouse supportregulatory reformcriminal-record barriers

Summary

This order directs federal action to reduce burdens from job licensing rules and increase economic and geographic mobility. It instructs agencies to review their authorities, regulations, and guidance and to report identified changes to the Office of Management and Budget and White House aides.

Workers, job seekers, military spouses, and people with criminal records are directly affected, as are state, territorial, and tribal governments. The order aims to remove unnecessary licensing barriers, encourage states to recognize out-of-state licenses, lower consumer costs, and expand job opportunities.

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