Lamont Proposes Eliminating Fees for Occupational Licenses In CT

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed legislation that would eliminate fees for obtaining and renewing occupational licenses across several professions, a move he says will reduce financial barriers for jobseekers and provide relief for nearly 180,000 Connecticut workers.

The proposal, included in Lamont’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget plan, aims to encourage workers to enter in-demand fields by removing costs associated with applying for or maintaining required credentials. If approved, the measure would save workers approximately $18.8 million in fiscal year 2026 and $25 million in fiscal year 2027.

“Workers in certain skilled professions are required to obtain licenses for understandable reasons, but we should be doing more to encourage jobseekers to enter these fields,” Lamont said. “That is why I want to eliminate all of the costs associated with applying for and renewing these licenses.”

Occupational License Fees Targeted for Elimination

The affected licenses cover a wide range of professions, including nurses, dental hygienists, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, paramedics, physical therapists, and skilled trade workers such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists.

A detailed list of all impacted licenses within these categories can be found on the state website here.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Public Health, and the State Department of Education administer these licenses. Workers will still be required to obtain and renew them, but under the governor’s proposal, they would no longer have to pay fees.

State Sen. Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich) praised the proposal, calling it a necessary step toward cutting costs for professionals across the state. “Workers shouldn’t have to pay this tax just for the right to work in our state,” Fazio said. “Let’s come together to cut licensing fees on workers and send a signal that we want to make it easier to work, live, and succeed in Connecticut.”

The fee elimination proposal is part of Senate Bill 1246, An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement the Governor’s Budget, currently under review by the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee.