Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1226

Introduced
5/29/24  

Caption

Further providing for exemption from licensure and registration.

Impact

The overall impact of SB1226 on state laws could be significant, particularly in how it alters the landscape of professional regulations. By providing exemptions from licensure and registration, the bill could lead to an influx of service providers in areas that currently require stringent licensing. This could potentially lower costs for consumers and expand choices, but it may also raise concerns regarding oversight and quality control within the affected professions. Lawmakers will need to carefully evaluate the implications for public safety and consumer protection.

Summary

SB1226 seeks to amend existing laws related to the exemption from licensure and registration for specific professions. This bill aims to streamline the regulatory process by potentially allowing certain professionals to operate without the traditional requirements imposed by state licensing and registration. Proponents argue that such measures could increase access to services and reduce barriers for professionals entering the workforce, thereby benefiting consumers and enhancing economic activities within the state.

Sentiment

Sentiment around SB1226 appears to be mixed. Supporters, including several industry representatives, express a belief that the bill will foster innovation and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. They argue that the existing licensing requirements can be overly burdensome, especially for emerging professionals. Conversely, opponents, including some consumer advocacy groups, have voiced concerns that the bill may jeopardize quality standards in services and diminish professional accountability. This division reflects a broader tension between economic development and regulatory oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1226 include concerns about the potential unintended consequences of granting broad exemptions. Critics highlight that without licensure, there could be a decrease in consumer protections and professional accountability. Additionally, there are worries that the legislation might open the door for unqualified individuals to enter fields where licensure is typically seen as necessary for ensuring public safety and service quality. The debates encapsulate fundamental questions about how best to balance economic growth with the need for regulatory frameworks that protect citizens.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB215

Further providing for exemption from licensure and registration.

PA HB1228

Further providing for State registration board for professional engineers, land surveyors and geologists.

PA SB403

Further providing for definitions, for general powers of board, for procedure for licensing as professional engineer, for procedure for licensing as professional land surveyor, for continuing professional competency requirements, for fees and for penalties.

PA SB1196

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, for powers and duties of board and for application and qualifications; providing for application and qualifications of home inspectors and home inspectors-in-training and for conduct of home inspection; further providing for reciprocity, for certification renewal, licensure renewal and records, for disciplinary and corrective measures, for reinstatement of certificate or license, for reporting of multiple certification, for surrender of suspended or revoked certificate or license, for penalties and for injunctive relief; providing for remedies for home inspection services consumers, for home inspection contracts and for home inspection reports; and making a repeal.

PA HB1428

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, for powers and duties of board and for application and qualifications; providing for application and qualifications of home inspectors and home inspectors-in-training and for conduct of home inspection; further providing for reciprocity, for certification renewal, licensure renewal and records, for disciplinary and corrective measures, for reinstatement of certificate or license, for reporting of multiple certification, for surrender of suspended or revoked certificate or license, for penalties and for injunctive relief; providing for remedies for home inspection services consumers, for home inspection contracts and for home inspection reports; and making a repeal.

PA SB907

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, for powers and duties of board and for application and qualifications; providing for application and qualifications of home inspectors and home inspectors-in-training and for conduct of home inspection; further providing for reciprocity, for certification renewal, licensure renewal and records, for disciplinary and corrective measures, for reinstatement of certificate or license, for reporting of multiple certification, for surrender of suspended or revoked certificate or license, for penalties and for injunctive relief; providing for remedies for home inspection services consumers, for home inspection contracts and for home inspection reports; and making a repeal.

PA HB565

Further providing for procedure for licensing as professional engineer.

PA SB2422

Licensure of land surveyors; merge into licensure of engineers.

PA HB608

Licensure of land surveyors; merge into licensure of engineers.

PA HB2645

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.