Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards open to reviewing occupational licensing laws in Louisiana

Gov. John Bel Edwards wants state lawmakers in the regular session this year to review Louisiana's occupational licensing requirements that have been criticized as overly onerous – placing him on the side of pro-business groups that he's often at odds with.

"We're going to be looking at a number of things that we will do to move the state forward," Edwards, a Democrat, said of his yet-to-be-released agenda for the regular legislative session that begins March 12.

It's a new issue for Edwards, who heading into his third regular session since taking office is expected to again propose laws that have been previously shot down by the Legislature, including a minimum wage hike and equal pay legislation. Both have failed to gain traction, despite Edwards campaigning on the issues and personally pushing for their approval in the State Capitol.

Currently, Louisiana is the only state that requires licensing for florists and one of just four that requires licensing for interior designers – two licensing requirements that are frequently noted by critics.

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