Guys,

There is currently legislation in our state which could in effect create domino effect to other states. It is SB 445. On the surface the Secretary of State says it is to streamline licensure/investigations. However, the streamline needs to be done administratively, not legislatively. This will impact 43 licensing boards in Georgia and take power away from us and be given to a consumer board and director. Not in the interest of licensure for sure. If you are interested in the bill, please go to www.legis.ga.gov. The bill is a very lengthy one, and the part affecting Opticians begins on page 474.


This is what appears on the first page of the bill. It sounds conflicting, but will take the title of licensing board and authority away from us and give it to a director. We would no longer be able to enforce/introduce rules/do our job, really. We would ony be a policy/advisory board.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend the O.C.G.A., so as to create within the office of the Secretary of State the position of director of professional licensing; to provide for powers, duties, and responsibilities; to provide that the director shall implement rules and regulations relating to certain regulated professions and businesses; to provide that the director shall test, license, and discipline persons licensed pursuant to such title; to create the Georgia Board of Licensing and Regulation; to provide that such board shall promulgate rules and regulations governing certain regulated business and professions; to provide that such board shall hear administrative appeals; to transfer certain powers and duties of licensing boards and commissions to the director of professional licensing and the Georgia Board of Licensing and Regulation; to amend various titles of the O.C.G.A. so as to correct cross-references and to conform those provisions to the duties of the director and the Georgia Board of Licensing and Regulation; and for other purposes.

Please support Georgia in fighting this legislation.

Diane