Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2020-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2020-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1537 SB 157 SENATE BILL NO. 157 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to professional licensing; relating to temporary licenses for some professions; relating to audiologists and speech-language pathologists; relating to the regulation of hair braiding; relating to the demonstration of traditional Alaska Native tattoo techniques; relating to home inspector licensing; relating to collection agency licensing; relating to hearing aid dealer licensing; repealing requirements for certification of professional geologists; repealing the requirements for registration of concert promoters; repealing the athletic commission; relating to boxing, sparring and wrestling contests, matches, and exhibitions; relating to dental radiological equipment; repealing certain oil and gas business bonding and cash deposit requirements; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce, Health and Social Services, Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Natural Resources Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development 2020-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1538 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill regarding professional licensing reform. This bill would streamline professional licensing provisions and increase the efficiency of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, as well as multiple boards that oversee professional licensing. This bill would eliminate outdated requirements, align requirements with federal law, and eliminate burdensome regulation. The bill addresses current inconsistencies in the rules regarding temporary professional licenses and reworks language to institute one clear, fair, and responsible standard for allowing qualified persons to begin practice under a temporary license. This will ensure efficiency, remove barriers to workforce entry and improve availability of licensed professionals, while protecting public safety. Amendments clarify when a previous brush with the law would disqualify a person from entering a licensed profession. The bill also repeals many obsolete statutes, including the Athletic Commission, a body that has not been funded or active for many years. Finally, this bill addresses areas, such as the oversight of dental radiological equipment, by moving oversight to the Department of Health and Social Services, an agency much more appropriate for this task. Together, we can keep our citizens safe, but allow a streamlined, efficient, and robust professional licensing. This bill is an important first step towards that goal. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor