CON Job

Abstract

Throughout the country, state “Certificate of Necessity” (CON) laws govern a variety of industries, from moving companies and taxicabs to hospitals and car lots. A legacy of economic thinking in the early 20th century, CON laws restrict economic opportunity and raise costs for products and services that consumers need. Unlike traditional occupational licensing rules, CON laws are not intended to protect the public by requiring business owners to demonstrate professional expertise or education. Instead, these laws are explicitly designed to restrict competition and boost the prices that established companies can charge.