Occupational Licensing Review Commission; revise membership and authority of members of.
If enacted, HB 908 would enhance the efficiency of the Occupational Licensing Review Commission by stipulating that all proposed submissions to the commission must be addressed within 150 days. This provision aims to streamline the regulatory process for occupational licenses, contributing to a more responsive governance structure. The bill is intended to ensure that state policies regarding occupational licensing are enforced consistently and effectively across different sectors, thereby potentially reducing delays in the regulatory review process.
House Bill 908 seeks to amend Section 73-47-9 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically focusing on the membership and authority structure of the Occupational Licensing Review Commission. The proposed changes would remove the Attorney General from the commission while adding the Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Insurance, and State Treasurer, thereby altering the composition of this regulatory body. The Governor is designated as the Chairman of the commission, with the Secretary of State serving as the Secretary. Additionally, the bill emphasizes a more collaborative decision-making process by allowing any member, rather than just the chair, to call a meeting and to request necessary data and support from various state agencies.
While the bill may be perceived as a step toward modernizing state regulatory practices, there could be points of contention regarding the shift in power dynamics within the commission. Critics may argue that reducing the number of legal checks by removing the Attorney General could diminish accountability. Conversely, supporters may contend that expanding the commission's membership to include high-level executive officials could lead to more balanced oversight of occupational licensing practices. The outcome of this legislation could reshape how licensing regulations impact professionals across Mississippi.