Senate Bill No. 135 (SB135 File No. 71) is a comprehensive bill that seeks to amend various sections of the general statutes to establish a maximum charge for certain occupational licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations. The bill proposes reductions in fees for the issuance and renewal of professional licenses across a range of professions, including certified public accountants, professional engineers, land surveyors, architects, and real estate professionals. It also includes provisions for the waiver of renewal fees for licensees serving in the armed forces and for the issuance of licenses to individuals with equivalent qualifications from other jurisdictions. The bill outlines the renewal process for expired licenses, including those that have lapsed for less than three years, and sets a 30-day deadline for the examining board or the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to act on applications requiring a hearing or other action.

The bill further proposes fee reductions for various licenses and certificates, including those for contractors, swimming pool builders, residential stair lift technicians, and landscape architects. It also addresses the fees for pharmacy-related licenses and registrations, setting new fees for pharmacy technician applications and adjusting fees for pharmacists and pharmacies. Additionally, the bill caps fees charged by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) for individual occupational credentials at $100 annually and $200 biennially for certain professions, with the exception of credentials issued under the Liquor Control Act. The bill includes both insertions of new legal language and deletions of existing legal language, with a fiscal impact statement indicating a revenue loss of approximately $16 million per year for the state. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, with certain provisions effective upon passage and others by July 1, 2025. It has passed the General Law Committee with unanimous support.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 20-305, 20-335
GL Joint Favorable: 20-305, 20-335
File No. 71: 20-305, 20-335