Why Jared Polis vetoed 5 bills, and what it could mean for thousands of licensed professionals in

Why Jared Polis vetoed 5 bills, and what it could mean for thousands of licensed professionals in Colorado


Gov. Jared Polis is advocating for the repeal of state licensing requirements for some professions, a move he said “will allow more people to work,” but one that critics from his own party argue would erode consumer protections.

The Democratic governor made his argument in three vetoes issued late Friday that rejected new legislation to regulate managers of homeowner associations, genetic counselors and sports agents. He also called on the General Assembly to remove other “existing outdated or counterproductive licenses,” pointing to the potential for cost savings for consumers.

“Our hope is that this will allow more people to work, to access various services and to make sure that licenses protect consumers from harm — not industry insiders from competition,” Polis wrote in the veto letters for the three licensing bills.

Polis vetoed two other measures Friday bringing the total in his first term to five. He rejected one bill regarding state contracts for infringing on executive authority and another measure regarding child welfare background checks conducted by Native American tribes because of a mistake in the drafting. The deadline to act on legislation is Monday.

Read more: https://coloradosun.com/2019/06/03/jared-polis-veto-occupational-licenses/