Panel backs shifting behavior‑analyst licensure to peer committee, effective 2027

The House Health and Human Services committee returned Senate Bill 11 45 with a due‑pass recommendation after supporters said the measure will streamline licensure and reduce administrative delays.

Ajani summarized the bill, saying it "transfers the existing licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychology examiners to the existing committee on behavior analysts," and that the bill requires the board to adopt substantive policy statements for each authority delegated to the committee, with an effective date listed in the bill of Jan. 1, 2027.

Stuart Goodman, speaking for behavior analysts, said the committee—created in 2017 and composed of five appointed licensed behavior analysts—already provides peer review, license adjudication and complaint resolution; the bill would eliminate the additional step of board ratification that can delay licensing and complaint resolution. "What we're doing here is... giving the committee the delegated authority to make decisions," Goodman said, calling the change an efficiency move rather than an expansion of government.

A committee member asked whether the psychology board would set up mechanisms for the committee to handle licensing, renewals and disciplinary actions; Goodman said the committee already exists and appointments are made by the governor, and that the bill removes the need for board ratification of committee decisions because there has been no historic dispute between the committee and the board.

Vice Chair moved the bill; roll call recorded 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 present, 1 absent and the committee returned SB 11 45 with a due‑pass recommendation.

Supporters framed the measure as consolidating authority to reduce processing delays for licenses and complaints; the committee took no amendments and did not record opposition during the hearing.