The Wall Street Journal’s John Fund highlights a form of local- and state-government level protectionism that often passes under the radar: professional licensing requirements.

Does a hair braider really need hundreds of hours of instruction in all aspects of cosmetology, hardly any of which he will ever use? Is it essential to the well-being of young children that directors of day-care centers possess master’s degrees? What’s the point of refusing to license a car service unless it has at least 10 cars?