Occupational Licensing Review Commision; revise membership and certain other provisions of.
The proposed changes dictate that all occupational licensing boards are now required to submit regulatory impact assessments for any proposed regulation they intend to adopt. This requirement is aimed at enhancing state oversight of occupational licensing and ensuring that new regulations are evaluated for their potential impact prior to implementation. The commission will also be required to act on any submissions within 120 days, ostensibly to promote greater efficiency and accountability in the regulatory process.
House Bill 1152 aims to amend Section 73-47-9 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, primarily by revising the membership of the Occupational Licensing Review Commission. The bill proposes to include the Lieutenant Governor, the Commissioner of Insurance, and the State Treasurer in the commission while removing the Attorney General from its membership. Additionally, the bill clarifies who can call meetings and request support and data from state agencies, streamlining operational processes within the commission setup.
While the intention behind HB 1152 is to facilitate improved oversight and efficiency in occupational licensing, there may be concerns regarding the degree of government intervention this bill embodies. Supporters argue that these changes will foster uniformity and transparency in regulatory practices, while detractors may view the revision of the commission's makeup as politicizing the oversight process, especially considering that the commission will now include officials who are elected and possibly influenced by party politics.