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LATC hears multiple bills that could affect exams, applicant prioritization and emergency flexibility
Summary
Staff summarized four bills under active monitoring: AB 667 (interpreters for state-administered exams), AB 742 (priority licensure for descendants of enslaved people), SB 470 (post-COVID teleconference amendments to Bagley-Keene), and SB 641 (emergency waivers for licensing requirements).
LATC staff summarized several pending bills that could affect licensing, exam administration and emergency authority.
Laura Zuniga briefed the committee on AB 667, which would require state-administered exams to allow applicants who cannot read, speak or write English to use an interpreter at no cost for oral or verbal portions. Zuniga said the bill has been narrowed to apply to state-administered exams (the California Supplemental Examination) rather than national exams and is currently on the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file. Committee members raised operational and cost questions; Zuniga said the department and boards are reviewing fiscal effects and suggested DCA legislative staff coordinate broader concerns with the legislature.
Zuniga described AB 742, which would require DCA boards to prioritize licensure applicants who are descendants of enslaved people if a separate commission identifies eligible applicants; staff noted the proposal raises legal and constitutional concerns and potential litigation exposure. Zuniga said similar prioritization (for veterans or military spouses) exists for other applicant groups and that prioritization could have capacity and equity implications.
Senate Bill 470 would continue teleconferencing flexibilities adopted after the COVID-19 emergency by adjusting Bagley-Keene open-meeting requirements; SB 470 was reported as on the Senate floor. Committee members asked how remote-location notices and public access would be handled under the changes.
Senate Bill 641 (Sen. Ashby) would authorize DCA and some boards to use limited waivers and flexibilities during declared emergencies to allow renewals, exam-eligibility adjustments and fee relief for affected licensees. Staff described the bill as intended to create a permanent framework for emergency response so boards need not pursue ad-hoc fixes after each disaster.
No committee positions were taken at the meeting; staff said they will continue to monitor bills and coordinate with the department's legislative office on technical comments and fiscal concerns.
