Committee Bill No. 611 proposes significant changes to the licensing fees and renewal processes for various professions regulated under the Department of Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2025. The bill introduces a maximum charge of $100 for most occupational licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations, significantly reducing fees for several professions. For example, the fee for obtaining a certified public accountant certificate is decreased from $150 to $100, while the initial license fee for professional engineers and land surveyors is lowered from $220 to $100. Additionally, the renewal fees for multiple licenses, including contractor and swimming pool builder's licenses, are standardized to $100. The bill also modifies the renewal process, allowing certain licenses to remain valid for ten years without annual renewal and exempting military service members from renewal requirements during their service.

Furthermore, the bill revises application fees for real estate salespersons and brokers, reducing them from $1,130 to $200, and eliminates prorated renewal fees for licenses expiring on March 31, 2022. It establishes a new structure for reinstating expired licenses and mandates that all licenses will expire annually, requiring licensees to complete continuing education for renewal. The bill also includes provisions for various other professions, such as reducing the renewal fee for registered interior designers and community association managers to $100, and lowering the temporary permit fee for pharmacy practice from $200 to $100. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process, reduce financial burdens on professionals, and enhance accessibility to various occupational licenses.

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