MO HB634

Establishes that occupations not regulated prior to January 1, 2016 may only be regulated if unregulated practice has caused significant harm to public welfare, the public needs assurance of qualifications, and no other means can effectively protect the public

Requires the legislature to implement the least restrictive form of regulation necessary, ranked from market competition and civil actions up through registration, certification, and licensing as a last resort

Mandates that applicant groups seeking new professional regulation submit written reports to legislative committees explaining documented harms, alternatives considered, expected costs, and proposed qualification requirements

Grants practitioners actively engaged in a newly regulated occupation for at least one year prior to regulation a property right to continue practicing, with 30-day appeal rights to the administrative hearing commission if denied licensure

Defines key terms including "substantial burden" (significant difficulty or cost to enter an occupation), "general welfare" (health, peace, morality, and safety), and distinguishes between registration, certification, and occupational licensing