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Board committee backs support for AB2140, reiterates oppose‑unless‑amended on AB1952; staff to prepare follow‑up
Summary
The Legislation & Regulatory Committee voted to support AB2140 (raise minimum fines for healing‑arts license claims) and reiterated an 'oppose unless amended' stance on AB1952 (licensure for internationally trained dental hygienists), with staff reporting an estimated $500,000 ongoing fiscal impact if oversight responsibilities increase.
At its March 24 meeting the Dental Hygiene Board of California’s Legislation & Regulatory Committee recommended the board support AB2140 and reiterated its earlier 'oppose unless amended' stance on AB1952 while asking staff to prepare contingency plans.
AB2140 (claims against licenses) would raise the statutory minimum fine for violations to $100 and apply the change to multiple healing‑arts boards. Dr. Devi Panala moved and Joanne Pacheo seconded a committee recommendation of support; after no public comment the motion passed by roll call.
On AB1952 (authored by Assembly Member Burman), which concerns licensure pathways for internationally trained dental professionals, committee members noted the board previously voted 'oppose unless amended.' Executive Officer Anthony Lum told members staff is preparing a "plan B" if the bill is not amended and projected an ongoing fiscal workload impact of roughly $500,000 requiring approximately four additional positions to manage licensing and backlog if oversight is expanded. Chair Julie Eljer urged the committee to ensure representation (dial‑in coverage) for an anticipated Assembly Business & Professions hearing on April 21.
Staff also reviewed the board’s 2025–26 legislative packet and identified a long list of bills for watch status or removal from the watch list (examples cited included AB873, AB966, AB980, AB1760, AB2625, AB2694, SB879, SB1187, SB1390, SB1391 and SB1416). Several bills were noted as having died or been repurposed; the committee agreed no formal vote is required for 'watch' positions but asked staff to return with any items that require action.
The committee additionally attempted to approve its Nov. 8, 2025 meeting minutes; the first motion failed (one abstention) and, after a second motion, the minutes were approved on re‑vote.
Staff will incorporate the committee’s positions and suggested amendment language into correspondence to bill authors and legislative committee consultants and will prepare follow‑up materials for the full board.
