Georgia House Bill HB1190

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Report Pass: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Report Pass: 3/13/24

Caption

Secretary of State; division director to issue licenses in certain instances; authorize

Impact

The essence of this bill lies in its potential to reform how licensing is conducted across various professions. By removing the reliance on the professional licensing board's timely action, it empowers a single official to act when the board fails to do so. This can greatly enhance efficiency and quicker access to licensure for professionals, which is particularly vital in fields where timely licensure is essential for functioning in the market. Supporters may argue that this reform could lead to reduced bureaucratic delays, facilitating business activities and enhancing economic growth in Georgia.

Summary

House Bill 1190 seeks to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically targeting the procedural aspects of professional licensing. The bill authorizes the division director within the office of the Secretary of State to issue licenses in circumstances where the professional licensing board has failed to make a determination within a 60-day period after receiving an application. This change aims to streamline the licensing process, thereby minimizing delays in granting necessary professional licenses to applicants who have satisfied all prerequisites.

Contention

Despite its efficiency-driven intentions, the bill may arouse debate regarding the implications of centralizing this decision-making authority. Critics might express concerns about potential overreach by the division director, questioning whether it undermines the checks and balances provided by the professional licensing boards. There is also the risk that such streamlined processes could lead to hasty decisions that might not maintain the necessary standards of professional accountability and public safety.

Voting_history

The bill passed unanimously in the House with a vote count of 167 yeas and 0 nays during Vote #594 held on February 29, 2024. This clear support suggests that the measure has significant backing among legislators, reflecting a consensus on the need for reform in the licensing process.