Acting FTC chairwoman targets occupational licensing regulations

The Republican chairman in a speech criticized required license policies that she said go too far by extending to interior designers and make-up artists.

{mosads}“I challenge anyone to explain why the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the public from rogue interior designers carpet-bombing living rooms with ugly throw pillows,” Ohlhausen said.

“Market dynamics will naturally weed out those who provide a poor service, without danger to the public.”

Ohlhausen applauded legislators at the state level for taking steps to reduce similar and noted that she is interested in creating partnerships between the FTC and state governments.

“I am pleased to say that governors and state legislators in many states are already identifying problematic occupational licensing and prioritizing the roll back of occupational regulations,” the chairman said. “Accordingly, I hope to create a new level of partnership with governors, state attorneys general, state legislative leaders, and other state and local officials, to integrate competition considerations into their decision-making process.”

Ohlhausen assumed the FTC’s top spot last month when President Donald Trump named her to succeed former Democratic Chairman Edith Ramirez.  

It is unclear if Ohlhausen will become permanent chairman when other commissioners are appointed to the FTC. The panel is currently split evenly between Ohlhausen and Democratic Commissioner Terrell McSweeny.