Alabama Senate Bill SB156

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/23
• Refer: 4/4/23
• Report Pass: 4/12/23

Caption

To add Chapter 9B to Title 41, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the Occupational Licensing Boards Division in the office of the Secretary of State; to provide that the division is responsible for the oversight and regulation of certain occupational licensing boards; to provide for the appointment of an executive director, deputy directors, and the employment of staff, including investigators; to provide standards for determining fees; to provide for the appointment of members and the reimbursement of their expenses; to provide uniformity in the collection of fees and the deposit of monies received into the State General Fund.

Impact

The introduction of the Occupational Licensing Boards Division represents a significant shift in how professional regulation is managed in Alabama. By centralizing authority, the bill seeks to unify regulatory practices among the different boards, reducing discrepancies in how licenses are issued and managed. This can potentially lead to enhanced oversight in enforcing licensing standards and addressing issues such as compliance and disciplinary actions uniformly across boards. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the establishment of this division will make licensing processes more user-friendly by providing clearer guidance and points of contact for licensees and applicants.

Summary

SB156 establishes the Occupational Licensing Boards Division within the office of the Secretary of State in Alabama. This division is tasked with the regulation and oversight of various occupational licensing boards within the state, except for some of the more prominent boards like the Medical Examiners and Board of Nursing. The bill aims to create a centralized authority that streamlines the process of licensure by standardizing procedures, fees, and the appointment of board members, which is expected to improve the efficiency of how occupational licenses are handled typically across the professions governed by these boards. Importantly, the bill assigns the position of executive director to oversee these operations, which is believed to provide more consistent governance and policy implementation.

Contention

Despite broad support for the intent of SB156 to improve licensing efficiency, there are concerns about the oversight model it establishes. Critics may argue that the consolidation of power under an executive director could reduce the autonomy of specific boards that manage licensing relevant to distinct professional fields. Some stakeholders may worry that this centralization might lead to one-size-fits-all approaches that do not accommodate the unique characteristics or needs of each profession. Additionally, the exclusion of major boards from this centralization could imply a lack of transparency and equitable treatment among our professions that require different handling for licensure — potentially breeding discontent among less-regulated industries.