MO HB1824

Establishes that individuals may engage in occupations free from unreasonable government regulation unless the state has a compelling interest to protect general welfare, with regulations limited to the least restrictive type necessary.

Creates criteria for regulating previously unregulated occupations, requiring proof of significant harm to general welfare, public need for assurance of qualifications, and inability to protect public through other means.

Requires applicant groups proposing new occupational regulations to submit detailed written reports to legislative committees addressing factors such as documented harm, alternatives considered, training requirements, costs, and grandfather clause provisions.

Establishes a Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration, headed by a director appointed by the governor with senate approval, to oversee licensing boards and commissions.

Specifies that continuing education requirements for licensure must be accompanied by evidence of effectiveness, and assigns 13 existing professional licensing boards to the new division including boards for accountancy, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry.