The Institute for Justice asks “Should You Need the Government’s Permission to Work?”
They've compiled searchable lists of states and jobs which require a license. Some of them make sense. For example, a license for an electrician might insure a minimum level of competence. But for other jobs, like barbers and cosmetologists, one has to question the necessity of a license. For some jobs a requirement for a license is merely a technique that limits competition and protects established businesses.
The IJ site for Texas shows a long list of jobs that require licenses, but their list is questionable as it lists Travel Guide as a job requiring a license. It would be fun to make fun of that one -- the state has to make sure the guide knows the difference between the Alamo and Alamo Beer. However, my own search didn't uncover any Texas state license requirement for a travel guide. However, there are plenty of other jobs that do require licenses.
Take a look at the State of Texas license search page and click the arrow below "Inquire by License Type" to get a list of the jobs requiring a license. That's actually a fun site for the casually curious. [User note: the search site might require acceptance of cookies.] For example, you can learn that there are 51 Combative Sports Timekeepers licensed in Texas. Those would be the bell ringers at boxing matches. They need a license to watch a clock? Who knew?
Among other professions that require a license is Identity Recovery Service Contract Provider of which there is a grand total of one currently licensed in Texas.
The records show there are fewer than 15,000 barbers but over 200,000 cosmetologists licensed in Texas. Maybe that's why Texas women are so beautiful.
There are 257 polygraph examiners. And get this, 66 booting company/operators. What's a booting company/operator? That's someone who puts a boot on the tire of a car they think is illegally parked.
The state is pretty hard on those who don't follow their rules, and browsing though the punishment section is equally instructive. Again, click on a profession then "search" to find administrative actions such as a fine of $550 when, "Respondent leased space in a salon to an individual who engaged in the practice of cosmetology with an expired cosmetology license," or a fine of $350 for an Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Contractor who failed to submit his change of business affiliation within 30 days, or a fine of $375 for a talent agent who "failed to state the registration number of the talent agency on a publication or advertisement."
It must be tough being in a licensed profession in Texas. The state agency might do a better job of demonstrating the need for licensing if they didn't use their regs like a club. However, you might be glad to know the Combative Sports Timekeepers didn't incur any fines. Now there's one profession that knows that its business.
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