BILL NUMBER: S5429
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law and the real property law, in
relation to authorizing certain continuing education courses to be
completed online
 
PURPOSE:
To allow those seeking to keep their home inspection professional
license or their hearing aid dispenser license to have the option to
take online courses to get their continuing education credits.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Subdivision 1 of section 794 of the general business
law to allow for continuing education courses to be completed online for
hearing aid dispensers. These courses can include collegiate-level
studies, professional development programs, and technical sessions
offered by recognized associations. The secretary, in consultation with
the advisory board, oversees course approval and may mandate specific
subjects for public health reasons. Online courses are allowed if they
meet the established requirements.
Section 2: Amends Paragraph (b) of subdivision 2 of section 791 of the
general business law to allow the hearing aid dispensing advisory board
to advise and make recommendations, and the secretary to promulgate
rules and regulations regarding the format of courses of study when such
course is given in an online setting
Section 3: Amends the real property law by adding a new section 444-r,
to allow for continuing education courses required for home inspection
professional licensure to be completed online if the course is approved
by the secretary
Section 4: Sets Effective Date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State permits the use of approved online courses for maintain-
ing various professional licenses and certifications. This legislation
ensures that individuals seeking to renew their home inspection or hear-
ing aid dispenser licenses can fulfill their Continuing Education
requirements through state-approved online courses.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2021: S7347, Referred to Rules
2022: S7347, Referred to Consumer Protection
2023: S5205, Referred to Consumer Protection
2024: S5205, Referred to Consumer Protection
Assembly
2021: N/A
2022: A9822, Referred to Economic Development
2023: A2984, Referred to Economic Development
2024: A2984, Referred to Economic Development
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment, and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S5429: 794 general business law, 794(1) general business law, 791 general business law, 791(2) general business law