The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Xavier I. Alexander.
DIGEST
SB 60 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Pressly
Proposed law provides definitions for "board', "occupational license", "other state" or "another state",
and "scope of practice".
Proposed law provides that notwithstanding any other law, a board shall issue an occupational
license or certification to a person upon application, if all the following apply:
(1)The applicant holds a current and valid occupational license or certification in another state
in a lawful occupation with a similar scope of practice, as determined by the board in this
state.
(2)The applicant has held the occupational license or certification in the other state for at least
one year.
(3)The other state required the applicant to pass an examination, or to meet education, training,
or experience standards.
(4)The other state holds the applicant in good standing.
(5)The applicant does not have a disqualifying criminal record as determined by the board in
this state under state law.
(6)The applicant does not have a disciplinary action or investigation pending in another state.
If the applicant has a disciplinary action or investigation pending, the board in this state shall
not issue or deny an occupational license or certification to the person until the disciplinary
action or investigation is resolved or the person otherwise meets the criteria for an
occupational license or certification in this state to the satisfaction of the board in this state.
(7)The applicant pays all applicable fees in this state.
(8)The applicant lives in this state and provides proof of residency.
Proposed law provides that if another state issued the applicant a certification, but this state requires
an occupational license to work, the board in this state shall issue an occupational license to the
applicant if the applicant otherwise satisfies proposed law.
Proposed law provides for the methods for which an applicant can prove residency in this state.
Proposed law provides that a board may require an applicant to pass a jurisprudential examination specific to relevant state laws that regulate the occupation.
Proposed law provides that a board shall provide an applicant with a written decision regarding his
application within 60 days after receiving a completed application.
Proposed law provides that an applicant may appeal a board's decision to a court of general
jurisdiction. An applicant may appeal any of the following:
(1)The board's denial of an occupational license or certification.
(2)The board's determination of the occupation or certification.
(3)The board's determination of the similarity of the scope of practice of the occupational
license or certification issued.
Proposed law provides that a person who obtains an occupational license or certification pursuant
to proposed law is subject to the laws regulating the occupation in this state and the jurisdiction of
the board in this state.
Proposed law does not apply to an occupation regulated by the state supreme court.
Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to prohibit a person from
applying for an occupational license or certification under another statute or rule in state law.
Proposed law provides that an occupational license or certification issued pursuant proposed law is
valid only in this state. It does not make the person eligible to work in another state under an
interstate compact or reciprocity agreement unless otherwise provided in law.
Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to prevent this state from
entering into a licensing compact, professional national mobility agreement, or reciprocity agreement
with another state, foreign province, foreign country, international organization, or other entity.
Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to prevent this state from
recognizing occupational credentials issued by a private certification organization, foreign province,
foreign country, international organization, or other entity.
Proposed law provides that nothing in proposed law shall be construed to require a private
certification organization to grant or deny private certification to any individual.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Adds R.S. 37:51-59)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill
1. Changes the title of the Chapter to the Welcome Home Act.
2. Removes the following terms and definitions "lawful occupation", "military",
"person" and "professional or occupations licensing".
3. Defines the term "board".
4. Requires an applicant to prove residency in this state and provides for proofing
residency.
5. Provides for universal recognition of occupational certifications.
6. Removes the work experience requirement to obtain an occupational license.
7. Removes preemption provision in proposed law of local laws regulating occupational
licenses.
8. Change the period for an applicant to receive a written decision regarding the
application from 45 to 60 days.
9. Changes the effective date from governor's signature to August 1, 2024.
10.Makes technical changes.