License to Thrill: Texas Lawmaker Wants Stripper Permits

At last, a public official publicly admits what we all know to be true about occupational licensing: Its goal is to make it harder for people to do their jobs.

Texas State Rep. Bill Zedler, R-Arlington, makes no bones about it. He has introduced legislation to require employees at any sexually oriented business to get licensed and display them while working – or "performing" as the case may be.

The Star-Telegram reports:

The conservative lawmaker said he hopes the measure, if it passes, might encourage women to find another line of work. "They won't want to get a license as a stripper from the state of Texas," Zedler said of his legislation. "I think it would keep a lot of girls from getting involved in that lifestyle and basically wrecking their lives. "This will force everyone to clean up their act," he said. "Overall, it will be a benefit to everyone concerned."

He wouldn't be a politician if he were able to see outcomes other than the ones he wants, would he? Imagine what other work these ladies might pursue!

The legislation would also require adult workers to take classes on human trafficking, so he even managed to throw in a typical occupational licensing financial barrier that will benefit some rent-seeking agency.

Anna M. Tinsley's reporting suggests the bill is a longshot, but do keep in mind Measure B in Los Angeles, the porn condom law that passed via public vote in November. While portrayed by promoters as a safety bill, it is fundamentally an occupational licensing scheme that also requires some sex industry workers to take classes on HIV transmission.

Hat tip to Adam Serwer of Mother Jones.

Below: Reason.tv on L.A.'s Measure B.

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