The Michigan House this week overwhelmingly advanced a plan from state Rep. Rylee Linting that will help current and aspiring professionals across Downriver and throughout the state.

House Bill 4895 rolls back regulation by softening existing rules from the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). It allows continuing education for licensed occupations to be completed remotely, an option which would often be more convenient and less time-consuming.

“I want our state to be positioned for growth and have common-sense laws in place that allow people to prosper and advance their careers right here in Michigan,” Linting said. “For years, elected leaders have allowed regulations to run rampant. It’s led to a restrictive environment for both workers and job providers. That ultimately hurts our state and local economies. Measures like this cultivate a better way forward by cutting unnecessary red tape.”

Michigan law requires continuing education for licensure every two years for several professions, including engineers, architects, surveyors and real estate appraisers. These continuing education requirements come with varying credit hour thresholds. Under Linting’s bill, any online program would still need to be vetted and meet state standards.

The plan is part of a wider package of reforms that address unnecessary regulations in Michigan impacting families and workers. Linting noted that while Michigan is ranked as a top 10 state for business, it ranks lower in business friendliness and workforce totals. Bills like Linting’s that make common-sense changes to current regulations will allow the state to improve in these areas.

Following bipartisan approval in the House, HB 4895 now moves to the Senate for consideration.