House Bill No. by Representative McMakin proposes significant amendments to the appointment processes for various occupational licensing boards, committees, and authorities in Louisiana. The bill modifies existing laws to allow the governor to "consider" lists of nominees submitted by relevant professional organizations, rather than being required to appoint members "from" these lists. This change applies to multiple boards, including the State Board of Certified Public Accountants, the Board of Barber Examiners, and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, thereby granting the governor greater discretion in the appointment process. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of diversity in appointments, ensuring that selections reflect race, gender, ethnic, and geographical diversity.
The bill also clarifies the nomination procedures, requiring organizations to submit lists of nominees for various positions and allowing initial appointees to include individuals with a minimum number of years of practice in their fields, even if they do not hold the required licenses at the time of appointment. Key insertions in the bill, such as "who may be selected" and "who may consider," enhance the governor's flexibility in the appointment process while still ensuring that qualified individuals are considered for these regulatory roles. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the appointment process and promote inclusivity and representation within Louisiana's occupational licensing boards and committees.