Licensing Reform Advocates Disappointed in Veto of Unanimously Passed “Fresh Start” Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed HB 133, a proposal that would have reduced the time that the state boards of barbering and cosmetology could use to deny licenses based on some criminal convictions from five years to three. The measure was unanimously approved by both the Florida House and Senate. The Institute for Justice (IJ), which supports occupational licensing reform nationwide, had supported the common-sense measure that could have opened up opportunities for Floridians to make a fresh start.

“We’re deeply disappointed with the governor’s veto of a bill that would have promoted economic opportunity and reduced criminal recidivism,” said IJ Attorney Mike Greenberg. “One of the strongest indicators for whether someone returning to society will commit crimes again is their ability to obtain stable, meaningful work. This bill would have been a strong step in the right direction toward helping people who have made mistakes in the past set their lives on the right path through honest work.”