Rebecca Hall Allensworth

Rebecca Hall Allensworth, a Vanderbilt Law professor and author of "The Licensing Racket," sheds light on the often-overlooked world of occupational licensing. With nearly 30 million workers affected, she reveals how licensing boards create barriers that restrict access and inflate costs. The conversation touches on egregious cases, like addiction counseling and hair braiding, illustrating how these regulations disproportionately harm marginalized communities. Allensworth argues for narrowing licensure to protect jobs while fostering innovation and access to essential services.