ALLOW Act

Alternatives to Licensing that Lower Obstacles to Work Act of 2016 or the ALLOW Act

This bill declares, for purposes of establishing an individual's authorization to engage in an occupation on a military installation located on federally-owned land, that the federal government endorses occupational licenses and certifications granted by a state (including the District of Columbia [DC]), regardless of whether the installation is located in the issuing state or DC, provided that:

• the license or certification is not expired, revoked, or suspended by the issuing state; and
• there are no outstanding enforcement actions against the individual brought by the licensing board or certifying authority for that occupation in the issuing state.

District of Columbia Occupational Licensing Reform Act

The bill declares DC policy regarding occupational licensing laws.

The bill establishes an Office of Supervision of Occupational Boards in the office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, or another appropriate DC government agency, to be responsible for exercising active supervision over each occupational licensing board to ensure compliance with occupational licensing policy.

The bill prescribes procedures for the Office's review, approval, or rejection of occupational licensure actions before their adoption.

The DC Council shall establish a legislative committee to analyze occupational regulations and review any proposed legislation to impose or modify an occupational regulation to ensure compliance.

An individual may engage in a lawful occupation without being subject to occupational regulations that are arbitrary or unnecessary and substantially burdensome.

The DC government and its boards may not require an occupational license, certification, or registration for a person, or impose any other occupational regulation that imposes a substantial burden on a person, unless:

• the government has an important interest in protecting against present and recognizable harm to public health, safety, or welfare; and
• the regulation is substantially related to achievement of that interest.

Any person providing tour guide services for a fee at certain national parks and memorials shall not be required to obtain a license, certification, or permit to provide those services.