House Bill No. 687, introduced by Representative McMakin, amends the appointment process for various occupational licensing boards, committees, and authorities in Louisiana. The bill allows the governor to "consider" lists of nominees submitted by relevant professional organizations instead of being required to appoint strictly from these lists. This change is reflected in multiple sections of the law, where phrases such as "shall be appointed from" are replaced with "may consider a list of," granting the governor greater discretion in the selection process. The bill applies to a wide range of professions, including those in the medical and counseling fields, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in appointments, encouraging the governor to ensure that selections reflect race, gender, ethnic, and geographical diversity.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the process for filling vacancies on these boards, allowing the governor to consider qualified individuals from the submitted lists. It also specifies that initial appointees for certain positions may include individuals with relevant experience, even if they do not hold the required licenses at the time of appointment. Overall, the proposed amendments aim to streamline the appointment process while maintaining the integrity of the selection and promoting inclusivity and flexibility in the representation of board members.