Lamont Targets Occupational Licensing Fees

Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed eliminating more than $43 million in occupational licensing fees paid by about 180,000 Connecticut residents.

Lamont urged state lawmakers to approve the recommendation, which was included in his proposed budget for fiscal 2026 and 2027.

The governor said the proposal was designed to remove employment obstacles and encourage jobseekers to pursue careers in high-demand fields.

“Workers in certain skilled professions are required to obtain licenses for understandable reasons,” he said.

“We should be doing more to encourage jobseekers to enter these fields, and that is why I want to eliminate all of the costs associated with applying for and renewing these licenses.”

Support

The proposal, which was welcomed by the business community, also drew bipartisan support.

“Workers shouldn’t have to pay this tax just for the right to work in our state,” said Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich).

“Let’s send a signal that we want to make it easier to work, live, and succeed in Connecticut.”

Sen. Ryan Fazio

“Let’s come together to cut licensing fees on workers and send a signal that we want to make it easier to work, live, and succeed in Connecticut.”

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima said employers cite the state’s labor shortage as the greatest growth challenge.

“Affordability is a critical factor driving workforce attraction and retention rates and we applaud the governor for making the issue a priority,” he said.

Impacted Professions

The proposal covers a range of professions, including nurses, dental hygienists, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, paramedics, physical therapists, physician assistants, electricians, HVAC workers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and teachers.

Annual licensing fees for those professions range from $50 to $375, depending on the license.

Annual licensing fees for impacted professions range from $50 to $375.

The administration said nearly 180,000 workers will benefit, with total savings of $18.8 million in fiscal 2026 and $25 million the following year.

The impacted licenses are administered by the Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Public Health, and the State Department of Education.

Workers will still be required to obtain and renew licenses, with no associated costs.