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Committee introduces bill to limit new professional licensure by rule and require fee transparency
Summary
Representative Jeff Ehlers introduced RS32139 to prohibit creation of new professional licenses by administrative rule, require licensure fees be established in statute or rule, and add a provision on universal occupational practice for licensed professionals.
Representative Jeff Ehlers (District 21, Meridian) introduced RS32139 to the House Health & Welfare Committee, asking members to formally introduce a draft that would restrict how new professional licenses and fees are created and clarify when licensed professionals may perform related acts.
Ehlers told the committee, “no new licensors will be done created through administrative rule or policy, unless they already have the authority to do that. Essentially, we've seen some instances where it could be created through rule. We don't want that.” He said the proposal would also require that “all licensure fees will be established in either statute or rule,” rather than left to department discretion.
The bill also contains a provision Ehlers described as a form of universal occupational and professional licensing: 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,” he said.
Chairman VanderWaata recognized a motion to introduce RS32139; Representative Wheeler moved to introduce the RS. The committee voted by voice to introduce the draft; the motion passed and RS32139 was introduced.
Supporters framed the draft as returning important decisions to the legislature and preserving public input when new licensure is established. Questions for the full hearing were requested by members, including requests that the sponsor clarify how the term “licensure” would be applied across the code and whether some items currently described as registrations might be affected.
The committee did not take final action on licensing policy in committee; the motion before members was to introduce the RS for a full hearing. The sponsor and members indicated they expect follow-up questions and potential refinements at that hearing.
The committee meeting moved on after RS32139 was introduced.
