Business and professions: noncompliance with support orders and tax delinquencies.
Impact
If enacted, SB 700 would strengthen the existing link between compliance with family support and tax obligations and the ability to hold a professional license in California. This connection is set to ensure that financial responsibility is a prerequisite for obtaining or renewing licenses, thereby potentially increasing compliance rates among those who might otherwise neglect their obligations. Additionally, by mandating that applicants verify their compliance with tax obligations, the bill seeks to improve the state's revenue collection efforts and support local child support agencies in enforcing court orders effectively.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 700 aims to amend Section 31 of the Business and Professions Code to address noncompliance with child or family support orders and tax delinquencies that affect the issuance or renewal of licenses for business and professional activities. The bill reinforces existing laws that require applicants or licensees to be in compliance with support orders, providing a mechanism for local child support enforcement agencies to take action against those who are not compliant. Furthermore, the bill specifies that individuals whose names appear on the list of the 500 largest tax delinquencies face suspension or revocation of their licenses, emphasizing the state's commitment to ensuring that professionals meet their financial obligations.
Contention
While SB 700 makes nonsubstantive changes to existing law, some stakeholders might raise concerns regarding the strictness of linking professional licensing to financial obligations. The implications of this bill may disproportionately affect individuals struggling to meet their financial responsibilities, raising questions about fairness and access to professional opportunities. There may also be discussions surrounding the adequacy of current support enforcement mechanisms and whether the bill provides sufficient support for those who are compliant but facing difficulties in fulfilling their obligations.
Requesting The Regulated Industries Complaints Office To Report The Itemized Total Amount Of Fines Or Judgments Collected And Uncollected Each Year, And To Include That Information In The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs' Annual Compliance Resolution Fund Report.
Requesting The Regulated Industries Compliance Office To Report The Itemized Total Amount Of Fines Or Judgments Collected And Uncollected Each Year, From 1983 To Present, And To Include That Information In The Director Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs' Annual Compliance Resolution Fund Report.