Opinion
When licensing isn’t worth the cost
Every dollar spent installing scrubbers on smokestacks or taking classes to obtain a credential is a dollar that can’t be spent on something else with its own potential benefits.
News
Drone owner continues push for SCOTUS review of NC licensing dispute
A North Carolina-based drone company continues to seek the US Supreme Court’s review of a licensing dispute with state government regulators.
Opinion
4 wins for freedom in NC in 2025
Taken together, these four laws tell a larger story about 2025. Even in a challenging political environment, NC lawmakers advanced policies that expanded opportunity, protected privacy, restrained government overreach, and defended individual liberty.
Opinion
Health bill shows all is not lost
North Carolina leaders from both parties agree that one factor driving up the cost of health care is a shortage of providers. They just did something about it.
Opinion
Three factors could limit our growth
Convincing out-of-state businesses to relocate or add new facilities here is wonderful. But startups make economies more resilient.
News
Stein signs bill to welcome occupational licenses from neighboring states
Gov. Josh Stein has officially signed the Neighbor State License Recognition Act (HB 763) into law, a move that makes it easier for some licensed professionals from neighboring states to work in NC.
Opinion
Let her work: Why North Carolina should embrace neighbor-state license recognition
This bill is about trust — trusting other states to license responsibly, trusting skilled professionals to do their jobs, and trusting consumers to choose the best service providers. It’s about shifting from a protectionist mindset to a free-market mindset.
Opinion
Lawmakers aren’t deadlocked on regulation
For more than a decade, lawmakers have used both fiscal and regulatory policy to make North Carolina a more attractive place to live, work, and do business.
Opinion
Social work licensure compact would be game changer for rural NC
The SWLC would allow licensed social workers to provide their services across state lines without having to go through multiple re-licensure processes.
Opinion
Let’s fully protect right to work
When states recognize occupational licenses issued by other states, that tends to boost in-migration by highly productive professionals.
Video
Locke’s Jon Sanders testifies in favor of occupational licensing reform
Jon Sanders of the John Locke Foundation testifies about the impact of occupational licensing on North Carolina’s economic freedom. Sanders directs Locke’s Center for Food, Power, and Life. He offered these comments during a March 11, 2025, presentation to the state House Regulatory Reform Committee.
Opinion
Time to champion occupational choice
Workers don’t lose skills when they cross state lines to live in North Carolina. Let’s not punish them for wanting to call North Carolina home.
