11-1612. Regulation of occupation, trade or profession; notice; hearing; exemptions; definition

A. A county may not impose an occupational licensing requirement on any occupation, trade or profession unless the new occupational licensing requirement is necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public.

B. Beginning August 3, 2018, a county may not impose an occupational licensing requirement on any occupation, trade or profession on which the county has not previously imposed a fee, requirement or other regulation unless the county adopts the occupational licensing requirement pursuant to the procedures prescribed in subsection C of this section and demonstrates that the new occupational licensing requirement is necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public.

C. Before adopting an occupational licensing requirement on any occupation, trade or profession, a county shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed occupational licensing requirement. The county shall publish notice of the time and place of the public hearing on the occupational licensing requirement, including a general explanation of the matter to be considered, as provided by section 39-204. In cases of occupational licensing requirements enacted on behalf of a private person, the private person shall pay the expense of publication and may designate the newspaper.

D. If the county adopts an occupational licensing requirement pursuant to this section, the county shall determine and establish administrative rules and procedures for the application and enforcement of the occupational licensing requirement. The county may:

1. Assign or delegate administrative powers and duties to any agency, as necessary.

2. Create administrative agencies.

3. Provide for officials and for monies for the compensation of officers, employees and agencies and for the support of their work.

E. A county that does not adopt an occupational licensing requirement is not prohibited from adopting an occupational licensing requirement in the future if the county follows the procedures in subsection C of this section when reconsidering the requirement.

F. An occupational licensing requirement adopted pursuant to this section shall terminate five years after its adoption unless the county continues the occupational licensing requirement after following the procedures prescribed in subsection C of this section at least three months before the occupational licensing requirement expires.

G. An occupational licensing requirement that is in effect on August 3, 2018 shall terminate August 3, 2023 unless the county continues the occupational licensing requirement after following the procedures prescribed in subsection C of this section at least three months before the occupational licensing requirement expires and demonstrates the occupational licensing requirement is necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the public.

H. This section does not apply to an occupational licensing requirement on an individual who works or seeks employment in a lawful occupation, trade or profession at:

1. A structured sober living home as defined in section 11-269.18.

2. An establishment that provides an adult service as defined in section 11-811.

3. An adult oriented business as defined in section 11-811.

4. A public airport under title 28, chapter 25.

I. For the purposes of this section, " occupational licensing requirement" :

1. Means:

(a) A rule, regulation, practice or policy that is adopted by a county and that allows an individual to use an occupational title or work in a lawful occupation, trade or profession or a regulatory requirement that prevents an individual from using an occupational title or working in a lawful occupation, trade or profession.

(b) A fee or tax that a county imposes on an individual to use an occupational title or work in a lawful occupation, trade or profession.

2. Does not include:

(a) A business license, facility license, building permit or zoning and land use regulation.

(b) Any license or regulation that is required by federal law.