Committee introduces bill to limit new occupational licensure by rule

Representative Jeff Ehlers, District 21 (Meridian), told the House Health and Welfare Committee that RS32139 would curtail the creation of new professional licensure by administrative rule and increase legislative oversight of licensure fees.

"No new licensors will be done created through administrative rule or policy, unless they already have the authority to do that," Ehlers said, adding that "all licensure fees will be established in either statute or rule." He also described a provision he characterized as "universal occupational and professional licensing," saying that if a licensed professional "has been educated, trained, and has experience in performing that act, it's consistent with their license, then they can perform that act as a licensed professional."

Ehlers asked the committee to introduce the draft rule (RS32139) for a full hearing. Representative Wheeler moved to introduce the RS; the motion carried on a voice vote and the RS was introduced.

Supporters framed the proposal as a way to preserve the legislative role in establishing licensing standards and fees and to ensure public input where fee-setting occurs. The bill text as presented would stop agencies from creating new categories of licensure by administrative rule alone and would require fee-setting to be done in statute or through formal rulemaking.

Committee members did not flesh out specific occupations affected at the introduction stage; Representative Wheeler asked to clarify the meaning of "licensure" in the full hearing and whether the bill's language might sweep in registrations or other non‑licensure requirements. No formal amendment was adopted during the introductory motion.

The motion to introduce RS32139 was moved by Representative Wheeler and approved by voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided.