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Committee backs licensing-reform bill to consolidate boards, speed licensing
Summary
The subcommittee voted to give Senate Bill 2,224 a positive recommendation after proponents said it would merge certain boards, authorize associate board members to process applications, and consolidate operational funds to reduce licensing timelines and administrative costs.
Senate Bill 2,224, presented as an administration bill by Leader Johnson, would modernize Tennessee's professional licensing framework by consolidating overlapping boards and streamlining procedures. Leader Johnson told the Government Operations subcommittee the bill "would modernize the licensing framework by addressing inefficiencies that affect multiple regulated professions," citing proposals to merge the board of land surveyors with the board of architects and engineers and to authorize associate engineer board members to review applications.
Sponsor Johnson and members said the bill is intended to reduce regulatory burden, shorten licensing timelines and lower administrative cost. The proposal would also consolidate certain operational funds—an example given was folding the licensing contractors' operational fund with funds serving electricians and plumbers—and allow a surety bond as an alternative to audited financial statements for contractors. Several senators expressed procedural concerns about timing and notice; Sandra Oliver asked whether the bill's multiple subjects complied with Senate Rule 24 before the committee recessed to consult the clerk. After discussion, the subcommittee recorded a roll call of 6 ayes and 2 noes and voted a positive recommendation to send SB 2,224 to the Commerce and Labor Committee.
