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House committee adopts Occupational Licensing Review report over objection on medical board fee cuts, 6-2
Summary
The House General Government Committee adopted the Occupational Licensing Review Committee report on Oct. 14 by a recorded vote of 6-2. Representative Russo objected to parts of the report that recommend reducing certain licensure fees, citing concerns about the State Medical Board's funding and oversight.
The House General Government Committee voted to adopt the Occupational Licensing Review Committee report on Oct. 14, with Vice Chair LaRue moving the adoption and the committee recording six affirmative votes and two negative votes.
Representative Russo objected to adopting the report as written, saying she had "huge concerns" about reductions in licensure fees, in particular for the State Medical Board. Russo argued that reduced fee revenue could undermine the board's capacity to perform oversight, especially in the wake of high-profile cases and reforms the body has undergone.
Vice Chair LaRue moved to adopt the report; the clerk conducted a roll call. The committee recorded six "yes" votes and two "no" votes and declared the report adopted. The transcript identifies Representative Russo as one of the two "no" votes; the other recorded "no" vote was Representative Bryant Bailey. The chair announced adoption of the report with a 6-2 tally and adjourned the committee.
Why it matters: the Occupational Licensing Review Committee report contains recommendations that could affect licensure fee levels and regulatory funding for boards, including the State Medical Board. Committee members raised concerns that fee reductions may reduce resources for investigations and enforcement.
Following the adoption, members indicated hope that public testimony and future bill drafts could address the funding and resource questions raised during the meeting.
