This bill amends the laws governing the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) by establishing a nonlapsing fund into which fees collected by the office will be deposited. The bill specifies that the fund will be continually appropriated to the OPLC and will be used to cover all costs and salaries associated with the office. Additionally, any remaining funds will be allocated for capital expenditures related to the operation of the OPLC. At the end of each biennium, any funds exceeding $3,000,000 will be utilized to reduce licensing and certification fees. This change is indicated by the deletion of language stating that moneys would lapse to the general fund at the close of each biennium and the insertion of new language making the fund nonlapsing with specific uses for excess funds.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the OPLC must provide a biennial report by July 1 on the expenditures of the fund over the previous two years. This report is to be forwarded to various legislative leaders, the state library, the governor, applicable boards, and made available online. This requirement is introduced by inserting a new paragraph into the existing law. The act became effective upon its passage on June 26, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 310-A:1-e
As Amended by the Senate: 310-A:1-e
As Amended by the House: 310-A:1-e
Version adopted by both bodies: 310-A:1-e
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 310-A:1-e