AR HB1551

Establishes a new right for private individuals to engage in lawful occupations without complying with occupational regulations that impose substantial burdens and are not substantially related to protecting public health or safety.

Excludes certain categories from the right including government contractors, foster parents, professionals owing fiduciary duties (attorneys, physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, architects, accountants, real estate agents), and government employees.

Establishes a hierarchy of restrictive regulatory means from least to most restrictive: private civil actions, deceptive trade practice laws, inspection, bonding, registration, certification, and licensing.

Allocates burden of proof such that individuals must prove occupational regulations impose substantial burdens, while the state must prove regulations are substantially related to protecting public health or safety and are reasonable and necessary to do so.

Declares an emergency effective immediately upon Governor approval, allowing the act to become law without waiting for the standard effective date.