Assigned to HHS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1075
optometry board; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Board of Optometry (Board) for six years.
Background
The Board is the regulatory body that oversees the licensing and practice of optometry in
Arizona. The Board's duties include: 1) adopting rules to govern the practice of optometry;
2) adopting criteria for approving continuing education programs for licensees; and 3) reporting
allegations of criminal wrongdoing to the appropriate criminal justice agency (A.R.S. § 32-1704).
The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor, including: 1) five
members licensed in the practice of optometry who have been engaged in active practice for the
three years immediately before appointment; and 2) two public members who do not have a direct
or indirect interest in the practice of optometry, opticianry or medicine. Before appointment, a
prospective member of the Board must submit a full set of fingerprints to the Governor to obtain
state and federal criminal records (A.R.S. § 32-1702).
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee of Reference (COR) held a public
meeting on January 12, 2023, to review and evaluate the Board's response to the sunset review
factors and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Board be continued for six
years (COR Report). The Board terminates on July 1, 2023, unless continued by the Legislature
(A.R.S. § 41-3023.08).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2023, the Board until July 1, 2029.
2. Repeals the Board on January 1, 2030.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
Prepared by Senate Research
March 23, 2023
MG/JM/slp