Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Workforce; created as centralized entity for providing leadership, support, and oversight to certain boards.
Commencing on October 1, 2026, several boards will be transferred to the new office, including the Board of Examiners of Assisted Living Administrators, the Alabama Athletic Commission, and the State Board of Midwifery, among others. The bill ensures that licenses issued prior to the transfer remain valid and that the rules established by these boards continue to be effective until modified by the new office. Additionally, this legislation addresses the need for improved coordination and accountability among the state’s regulatory entities.
SB193, introduced by Senator Elliott, aims to establish the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Alabama Department of Workforce. This centralized entity is designed to provide leadership, support, and oversight to various professional and occupational licensing boards operating within the state. Existing law assigns regulatory responsibilities to individual licensing boards; this bill seeks to enhance uniformity in licensing provisions, including fees, rules, and funding, for the mentioned boards.
Debate surrounding SB193 may center on its implications for local control over occupational standards. Proponents argue that a centralized licensing office will streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, thus benefitting both licensees and consumers. Conversely, critics may voice concerns about potential overreach and the loss of specific industry insights that individual boards possess, which could impact the quality of oversight and historically tailored regulations essential for diverse professions.