Cutting Red Tape in Michigan

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently published a report entitled “Cutting Red Tape: Recommendations to Protect People and Promote Business”. The report outlines strategies to reduce barriers to professional licensing, streamline regulatory requirements, and cut unnecessary red tape.

In May 2024, LARA conducted a survey seeking feedback on how to simplify the licensing process and increase efficiency. The survey focused on licensees and partners who interact with LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing, Bureau of Construction Codes, and Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau. Survey respondents provided input on what laws, rules, and processes should be changed to create a better experience for licensed professionals across the state.

“At LARA, our mission is to ensure the safety of all Michigan residents while fostering an environment where businesses can grow and thrive,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of LARA. “This report is a pivotal step toward streamlining our state’s regulatory processes, making them more efficient and accessible for all.”

Based on receiving more than 16,000 responses from individuals and businesses, LARA has identified nearly 80 recommendations to improve licensing and regulatory practices. The key takeaways from the report include:

• Reducing barriers to licensure and continuing education
• Positioning Michigan to fill critical workforce needs
• Enhancing the customer experience and better serve small businesses
• Improving regulatory compliance and oversight to protect the public

Some of the key recommendations include:

• Improving access by translating exams into multiple languages
• Making the licensing process and exams easier to understand
• Creating an honorary retiree license to recognize the hard work of dedicated professionals

Specific recommendations from the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) include:

• Expanding reciprocity licensing to all qualified applicants from other states
• Creating interactive career maps and career navigation resources for all skilled trades
• Standardizing reporting of qualifying experience to expedite the licensure process for electricians, plumbers, and heating and cooling professionals
• Offering the plumbing practical exam more frequently and in more locations across the state
• Clarifying and updating apprentice applications to better maintain registration and record qualifying work experience

The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) recommendations include:

• Allowing minor regulatory offenses to be removed from licensees’ records
• Allowing for licensees to complete more continuing education in a 24-hour period
• Creating a scientific advisory commission to provide additional expert guidance on controlled substances
• Eliminating jurisprudence examinations
• Increasing distance learning continuing education opportunities

Recommendations from the Corporations, Securities, and Commercial Licensing Bureau (CSCL) include:

• Reviewing and updating the state mortuary science licensing examination
• Providing online resources and information for mortuary science applicants
• Implementing a citation program to provide timely resolution to violations cited during funeral home inspections
• Clarifying education requirements needed for licensure within mortuary science programs
• Updating administrative rules and establishing requirements for continuing education in mortuary science

“We are grateful to all the licensees and partners that provided us with thoughtful and valuable feedback and recommendations. Your perspective is instrumental in helping us cut red tape, reduce barriers, and advance LARA’s mission of protecting people and promoting business in Michigan,” said Brown.

A full copy of the report, “Cutting Red Tape: Recommendations to Protect People and Promote Business”, is now available on the LARA website. You can access it through the homepage of each of the three bureaus: BCC, BPL, and CSCL.