Committee Bill No. 611 proposes significant amendments to the licensing fees and renewal processes for various professions regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The bill aims to reduce financial burdens on professionals by lowering application and renewal fees for numerous licenses, including those for certified public accountants, professional engineers, land surveyors, real estate salespersons, and contractors. For example, the fee for a certified public accountant certificate will decrease from $150 to $100, while the application fees for professional engineer and land surveyor licenses will be set at $80 and $76, respectively. Additionally, the bill introduces a uniform maximum fee of $100 for most licenses and permits, with specific exemptions for military personnel regarding renewal fees.

The bill also streamlines the licensing process by establishing clear timelines for application hearings and actions, mandating that they occur within 30 days of submission. It repeals and substitutes several subsections to reflect the new fee structures and ensures that all collected fees are deposited into the General Fund. Other notable changes include the reduction of renewal fees for various licenses, such as community association managers and appraisers, and the introduction of specific fees for pharmacy-related applications. Overall, the bill seeks to make the licensing process more accessible and affordable while maintaining regulatory standards.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 20-305, 20-335
GL Joint Favorable: 20-305, 20-335
File No. 326: 20-305, 20-335
FIN Joint Favorable: 20-305, 20-335